We might still be in hibernation somewhat due to the cold weather but there are plenty of activities and events to get involved in this March, which will be worth creeping out of our little cocoon for. From holidays, like St Patrick’s Day and Mothering Sunday, to seeing the city aglow with unique experiences like candlelight concerts. The fun will not stop with these things to do in Birmingham this March.
1. Head to the third biggest St Patrick’s Day Parade in the world
At its peak, 80,000 people used to attend the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Birmingham – making it the third biggest in the world. After four years off, Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day Parade will return on Sunday, March 17. So pour out a Guinness and don some of your greenest garbs for the biggest Irish celebration in Brum.
2. Get in the St Patrick’s Day spirit at Birmingham’s oldest pub
In the build-up to St Patrick’s Day, Birmingham’s oldest pub is putting on nine days full of exciting Irish-themed excitement. The Old Crown will be putting on a Peaky Blinders talk from beloved Birmingham historian, Professor Carl Chinn MBE, as well as comedy from some of Ireland’s Hardy Bucks at Digbeth events space, The Old Library. Meanwhile, throughout March and including on Parade Day, you’ll find Irish-inspired live music playing from the beloved pub. To see all events on at The Old Crown head here.
3. Singalong to the best of The Beatles by candlelight
Come Together for this extra special candlelight concert The Best of The Beatles on March 7. Enjoy such hits as Eleanor Rigby, Yesterday and Hey Jude performed by a string quartet (the real Fab Four) in the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Oh, and did we mention, that it will all be performed under the gentle glow of candlelight Here, There, and Everywhere? To get your tickets to this Candlelight concert head here.
4. Cheer your team on to glory throughout Six Nations
The Six Nations is in full swing with the last few matches being played this month. So it goes without saying you’ll want to make sure you have a prime position to see every bit of the action. There are some amazing showings of the final epic matches this March (Which ends March 23). To not miss a scrum, kick or tackle, check out the best places to watch the Six Nations in Birmingham.
5. Swing into this new Adventure Playbarn
A new all-weather adventure playground, Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn, is opening in Staffordshire less than an hour from Birmingham this March. Designed to “challenge, entertain and inspire”, it will be full of swings, slides, towers, bridges, walkways and tunnels to clamber over and explore. At the centre of the Adventure Playbarn, sits an awe-inspiring mock Royal Oak tree which kids climb. Elsewhere, it looks like there will be pedal go-karts, a climbing wall, a racing zipline, ‘sensory dens’, see-saws and more.
6. Take a spirited adventure to the UK’s best gin, rum and vodka festival
Hundreds of craft gins, spirits and distillers unite under one roof on March 23. Stepping into The Custard Factory, The Gin To My Tonic aims to celebrate fabulous craft gins, rums and vodkas – letting you taste samples, purchase cocktails, dance to live music and more to lift your spirits. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast or seasoned connoisseur, everyone’s guaranteed the perfect craft gin and spirit-filled day out with The Gin To My Tonic! To get your tickets head here.
7. Support some independent, women-owned businesses
We should definitely be doing more of this if we can, but March 8 marks International Women’s Day so why not show some love and solidarity by purchasing items from businesses run by women? To name a few businesses run by women from Birmingham and the surrounding area that you can support, there’s Watkin and Berry, Hard as Nails and V by Laura Vann, to name a few. Discover some of Birmingham’s independent, women-led businesses here.
8. Treat your mum to an afternoon tea this Mother’s Day
Of all the events on this list, this is the one you really don’t want to forget for heaven’s sake! Put March 1o in your diary because it’s Mother’s Day. It’s your chance to treat your dear mum or mother figure to something special – you can’t go wrong with an afternoon tea, so why not book one this March or order one online to come straight to her door?
9. Get down to this Afro R&B brunch
If you love nothing better than taking to the dance floor and partying to some of the biggest tunes by Tyla, Davido, Burna Boy, and Rema, this one’s for you! On March 16, Enjoy bottomless rum punch, the best RnB tunes and delicious pan-Asian cuisine at Bierkeller. From Tems to WizKid, Amaarae, Doja Cat to Jayo, dance the night away. Private booths will be available throughout the party. To get your tickets today head here.
10. Visit the world’s first book town
11. Party at the new Snobs
The iconic Snobs nightclub relocates to Broad Street on March 13. Replacing the former Velvet Music Rooms, the venue kicks off with the longest-running student night in Birmingham, Snobs Wednesdays. Established in 1993, expect all the old indie/rock/R&B/hip-hop hits in this new location. Rehab Fridays and Loaded Saturdays are also back with a bang on the Golden Mile – some things change, Snobs never does.
12. Say aloha to the ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Cafe at Primark
March is the last month to visit the world’s biggest Primark’s ‘Hawaiian paradise’. The Stitch Surf Shack, offers a limited edition menu of colourful drinks (like milkshakes, fresh fruit smoothies, tropical coffees and more), Surfboard Subs (giant sandwiches) and waffles. Fans of the Disney franchise will also be able to purchase a host of adorable items from the Stitch collection – from cuddly plush toys to soft Stitch onesies, as well as lunchboxes, jumpers, trainers, weekender bags, and a variety of clothing and accessories.
13. Tuck into an authentic Deep South BBQ in the West Midlands
You no longer have to travel to the States to try some authentic smoked meats, Orleans Smokehouse opened in Solihull at the end of February. Providing New Orleans-inspired BBQ flavours, this ‘low ‘n’ slow’-style cooking – bursting with tender, juicy and tasty meats – is as far from a British barbeque as you can imagine. Pitmasters use American smokers through the night to create rich flavours, Southern-style spice rubs, and generous portions to fill the menu.
14. Catch all the cutest (and most talented) pups in town
The world’s greatest dog show takes over the NEC in Birmingham for Crufts 2024 from March 7 to 10. This four-day action-packed schedule celebrating our four-legged friends is expected to more than 20,000 dogs. Showcasing 200 diverse breeds in fun competitions like agility, heelwork music, flyball and obedience, you can still purchase tickets to this year’s event – costing between £24 and £32 for a day ticket here. Or just stay at home and watch it on Channel 4…