Summer fades away as Birmingham moves into September, but just because it’s back-to-school season doesn’t mean the city no longer has lots to offer. There are plenty of things to do this September to get excited about in Birmingham. From big steins at Oktoberfest to new sensations at Dining in the Dark, these things are making the gradual introduction of autumn a little easy to enjoy.
1. Party at Birmingham’s newest club
London’s legendary nightclub, XOYO, is opening a sister venue in Birmingham on September 15. Known for hosting the best up-and-coming local DJs, alongside more established international talent, we’re expecting to be the biggest party in Brum. We’re not too sure about the bigger details yet, but you can learn more about Birmingham’s newest nightlife venue here.
2. Step inside the city’s most unique locations
Birmingham Heritage Week, now in its ninth year, returns to shine the spotlight on the city’s history with talks, tours, workshops, walks and more this September. Plenty of local places and spaces will open their doors with a wide range of events during the 10-day festival (September 8-17). There are hundreds of different events to choose from, such as visiting one of the oldest buildings in Birmingham, Selly Manor Museum; the beautiful Victorian-era Warstone Lane Cemetery; or Sutton Coldfield’s Crystal Palace. Head here to learn more.
3. Let your tastebuds guide you as you dine in the dark
We’ve all heard the expression ‘you eat with your eyes first’. But what if that was taken from you? It’s time to let your other senses lead for a change, as you taste your way through an immersive and sublime three-course meal completely blindfolded. Dining In The Dark comes to Zen Metro on September 7, with bold and balanced flavours from Thailand and India. But other than that, you won’t know what’s coming. You’ll just have to rely on your taste, smell and touch (potentially even your hearing). Get your tickets to this tasty experience in Birmingham here.
4. Enjoy a night of revelry at these Peaky Blinders nights
It’s time to grab your flat cap and don your finest threads as you step into the smoky underworld of the 1920s because Peaky Blinders Nights are making a return to the Black Country Living Museum. This September, fans of the popular TV series can enjoy a night of fun and revelry and become an adopted member of the Shelby family with this immersive experience. You will be able to explore the streets and alleys, hear tales about Birmingham’s most notorious gangs, and enjoy the roaring nightlife of the interwar years with entertainment around every corner.
5. Listen to the works of Hans Zimmer at this magical candlelight concert
All cinema lovers will undoubtedly know the name, Hans Zimmer. An icon of the movies, his scores have defined movie soundtracks for decades from Rain Man to Pirates of the Caribbean, Dune to Kung Fu Panda and countless more since his 1977 debut. On February 16, a candlelight concert will celebrate his illustrious career at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Treat yourself to a special night of live music by Candlelight. Get your tickets here.
6. Take in the fresh air and be at one with nature with an autumn stroll
From lakes to mountains, the surrounding area of Birmingham offers a range of terrain for you to explore whilst the weather is still pretty mild. From climbing up Clent Hills to a circular route around Coughton Court, Warwickshire boasts amazing views and walking routes which vary from challenging to chilled. Check out our guide to autumn walks near Birmingham. Not only does it give you a break from your usual scenery, but you can watch the leaves turning on some awesome routes.
7. Add to the Barbie fever with this bottomless brunch
For all you fans of Barbie (and just Ken), this Barbie-inspired bottomless brunch will be the ultimate celebration of all things pink this month! Dress up in your most glamorous Barbie-inspired outfits to fully immerse yourself in the fun, as they’ll be Instagram-worthy moments at every turn. With two hours of entertainment, sing-alongs Aqua’s iconic hit, VIP movie giveaways and Barbie-themed drinks, there’s so much fun to be had.
8. Visit Birmingham’s most heavy metal locations
The end of July saw the unveiling of Ozzy the Bull in New Street Station – named after the legendary Black Sabbath singer. So it got us thinking, what are some of Birmingham’s other heavy metal locations? Visit them all this September, from taking a break on the Black Sabbath Bench to catching a show at Brum’s most brutal venue, The Devil’s Dog. Check out our guide to 9 heavy metal spots in Birmingham every metalhead should visit.
9. Plug into the UK’s biggest gaming festival
Once seen as a hobby for outsiders, gaming is now an awesome experience for everyone. The UK’s biggest gaming festival heads to the NEC Birmingham on September 7 to 10. Play classic titles on a range of familiar consoles from your childhood in the Retro area; jump into the world of VR and explore the latest tech in the Immersion area; or give the screens a rest and unplug with a massive collection of dice, trading cards and TTRPG board games in the Tabletop area. Plus, you can join the UK’s biggest LAN party! There’s so much to do at Insomnia: The Gaming Festival, you’ll never want to unplug.
10. Eat delicious food from Birmingham’s best restaurants
The British Restaurant Awards take place on September 5 and there are a lot of Birmingham restaurants up for nomination. All eyes are on Opheem, which is nominated for Restaurant of the Year, as well as Best Luxury Restaurant and Best International Cuisine. But with Orelle nominated for the Best New Restaurant, The Mayan for Best Luxury Restaurant, Bacchus for Best Bar, Qavali for Best International Cuisine and Somewhere in Brum nominated for Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant. There’s a lot good Brummie talent worth celebrating this September.
11. Explore the array of independent businesses in the charming suburb of King’s Heath
So you feel you know Birmingham City Centre, Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter pretty much inside out, but have you ventured to the southern suburb of King’s Heath? Historically in Worcestershire, Brum has claimed this area as its own and it’s not short of things to do this September. From music venues to markets, pastries to pizza, garms to the great outdoors, this little pocket just outside the city has got it all. Whether you leave here with an extra ice cream dessert, a record or memories, you’ll also leave with an urge to come back and explore more next time. Check out our guide to King’s Heath for reasons to visit.
12. Tuck into a retro menu at this Michelin restaurant
It’s been 24 years since Edgbaston’s Simpsons became a Michelin-star restaurant. But it’s actually been 30 since the restaurant was established. To celebrate its anniversary this September, the restaurant is heading back to when it all began. Head chef Luke has been reading through some old menus and is bringing back some retro favourites to feature on both a three-course and a six-course tasting menu this month. On September 6, Simpsons will also team up with burger master, Meat Shack, for a special gourmet burger creation. Learn more here.