Summer is fading fast as Birmingham heads into September. But what a time we have had. From the Women’s Euros win to the Commonwealth Games in our very own city, in between holidays, heatwaves and a whole host of adventures. But just because it’s over doesn’t mean we need to stop having fun. It’s back to school for the kids, but there’s plenty for us to get excited about. But in case you’re stuck for things to do this September, we’ve rounded up some sensational options for you to check out.
1. Grab a cocktail at one of Birmingham’s many new bars
Yes, a whole host of cocktail bars are opening in Birmingham this September. From the lively and party-fuelled The Cocktail Club on Temple Street to The Custard Factory’s newest and coolest joint, Passing Fancies. Even Brummie cocktail legend Robert Wood has a new creative drinks studio coming this month, Atelier. What we’re saying is: whatever your tastes, whatever your needs, there’s going to be a new cocktail bar for you. Of course, we’ll be testing them all. Just to be sure they’re up to scratch!
2. Take an out-of-town trip to a castle
With the arrival of the Games of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon and Amazon’s Lord of the Rings TV show, we plan to go a bit fantasy mad this month. Where better to roleplay our fantastical dreams than at a castle. Luckily Birmingham is surrounded by some of the best in the country, be it the epic Warwick Castle or the spooky Ashby de la Zouch Castle. Grab your stick-swords, don your wizard cloaks and head-off on a magical adventure this month.
3. Head to Europe’s biggest trainer festival in Digbeth
For all you crepe heads, you can browse a mammoth selection of trainers this September 10 in Digbeth. Crepe City is Europe’s biggest collection of sneakers in Europe and is now coming to Birmingham. It will bring more than 100 traders, showcasing some of the rarest and most in-demand sneakers in the world. This is the perfect opportunity to see, feel and buy some of the freshest sneaks in the world. There’ll also be live performances and a DJ playing throughout the day, plus a bar to quench your thirst.
4. Play a round of crazy golf at the revamped Golf Fang
The mind boggling, and actually crazy, crazy golf course Ghetto Golf closed for a little while last month. But now it has returned better than ever and under a new name: Golf Fang. The 18-hole golf course in The Custard Factory, offers bonkers locations like a sex shop and The Jezza Kyle Show to putt away in. Some of the maddening concepts have to be seen to be believed, so we recommend getting down in person this September.
5. Dine out at some of Birmingham’s best restaurants
The British Restaurant Awards nominations were announced last month and none other Birmingham’s Simpsons was nominated among the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Britain. The Pineapple Club was also nominated for the best bar. In the Birmingham category, Adam’s, Tattu, La Galleria, Tropea, Craft, Tradita, Royal Watan Kashmiri, The Wilderness, Umami and Piccolino, were all nominated. So with voting currently open to the public, what better excuse to sample all of them and make an informed decision on Birmingham’s best restaurant.
6. Re-immerse yourself among Birmingham’s best parks and green spaces
We all got very used to walking around our parks during lockdowns. Many of us experienced the green areas of our city for the very first time. Since life has gotten back to somewhat normal, we’ve started to feel disconnected from them again. So after 16 (Sixteen!) green spaces in the West Midlands were nominated as the UK’s favourite park this year. What better excuse is there to head out on a walk and enjoy the natural beauty our city can offer. Especially as the seasons change and the leaves turn green to red.
7. Celebrate the city we live in and love
A six-month long celebration of Birmingham ends this month. The cultural programme was designed to run alongside the sporting action at the Commonwealth Games, but has celebrated all aspects of the second city. From its transport services to its sporting heroes, industrial history and Brummie cinema. There are still lots of cultural events to continue the celebration while you still can.
8. Sample a range of craft beers and smoked food in Digbeth
Birmingham Craft Beer Festival returns for two days to bring us the best in local beer. On September 17 & 18, over 30 world-class breweries will be in town offering scrumptious samples of the finest beers around. Plus, guests will be treated to some amazing music acts spinning the decks. There will also be some mouth-watering food to line those stomachs. Andrew Sheridan, Andy Low N Slow and Green Box will serve up a special menu on fire pits, based around the spectacle of live fire cooking. The perfect boozy weekend if we ever did see one.
9. Head to the amazing forest in the heart of Birmingham
For those wandering about the city centre this month, you might stumble across a strange sight in Birmingham’s concrete jungle. From September 2-18, a new forest garden called PoliNations is set to take root. The alien-looking project is produced by Trigger Collective and will install giant architectural trees and thousands of colourful living plants in the area. Across two long weekends, a daily programme of inspiring activities will see PoliNations present artist commissions, talks, workshops, garden tours, and performances spanning live music, spoken word, dance, and drag. All free to the public.
10. Sing your heart, love your neighbour and celebrate Pride
It feels like the whole nation has had their own Pride by now but Birmingham. Now it’s our chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in the Gay Village. The weekend-long festival will take place September 24 and 25 with none other than 90s icons Steps headlining on the Sunday. The Cabaret stage will also host some of the best drag talent in the UK. It’s the perfect way to round off a beautiful, loving month. And as they say: If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else!