As summer fades, Birmingham enters September. But just because it’s back-to-school season for the kids doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t have fun. We have got music festivals, arts trails, and a huge celebration of all things Birmingham, plus plenty more fun to be had in the city. Check out the best things to do this September in Birmingham, which makes the gradual introduction of autumn a little easier to enjoy.
Celebrate Birmingham with a citywide programme of events. The International Day of Birmingham returns for 2026, taking over Birmingham’s Council House on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with an extra day of festivities planned for Friday, September 25. The event features talks, performances, a Flashbab in Victoria Square, a Brummie Passport trail and appearances from local creatives and public figures.
Explore secret tunnels, catacombs and historic sites across Birmingham this September. Step off the beaten track as Birmingham Heritage Week returns for its 12th year, offering tours, walks, open days and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes access to many of the city’s rarely seen heritage sites. This year’s most eagerly awaited events include the ever-popular Mailbox to New Street tunnels, the atmospheric catacombs beneath Warstone Lane Cemetery, and historic locomotives at Tyseley Rail Depot.
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. This candlelight concert will celebrate his illustrious career at the Birmingham Cathedral.
Explore artists’ studios across Birmingham and see art being made. Birmingham Open Studios returns in 2026, opening artists’ studios across the city to the public for free, with painting, sculpture, textiles, glass, jewellery and more. Many participating artists will be demonstrating their work and selling pieces directly to visitors.
Want an easy indoor plan to mix up your September schedule? Take a 90-minute immersive journey into Ancient Egypt at the National Exhibition Centre. Blending virtual reality, immersive storytelling and authentic artefacts, the Tutankhamun exhibition (endorsed by the Grand Egyptian Museum) features recreated tombs, interactive rooms and an AI photobooth.
Live like a hobbit for five days at Staffordshire’s Weston Park. Just on the outskirts of Birmingham, the UK’s very first hobbit festival lets you step into the fantasy world of Middle-earth and make merry just like real-life Shire-folk at the Brandywine Festival. Expect LARPing, folk music, food, the Four Farthing Games and medieval-style camping.
Hop on a coach from Birmingham and explore the mystical Stonehenge and the stunning city of Bath. You’ll not only discover over 4,500 years at the Neolithic stone circle in this exclusive offer (with an audio guide in hand) but soak up the unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary culture in Bath – stopping by at the likes of Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, The Roman Baths and The Jane Austen Centre along the way.
Moseley Park, the stunning 11-acre woodland glade in the heart of Moseley Village, one gain hoses the the very best of contemporary folk, arts and craft this September. Moseley Folk and Arts Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with performances from The Dead South, Johnny and Lillie Flynn and Josuha Burnside.
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.
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.
Brum Transport Fest will celebrate the West Midlands’ “motor engineering excellence and innovation” — and it’s free to attend. A packed festival programme will bring together classic vehicles, heritage transport, expert speakers, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. It will be centred around the four main squares: Victoria, Chamberlain, Hippodrome and Centenary—with more than 100 heritage vehicles on display.
Add a little pop culture to your September plans. High Vis Festival presents its second Kings Heath Comic Con at All-Saints Community Centre, featuring an exclusive appearance from comic legend Mark Millar alongside indie creators, 501st Legion cosplayers and a charity art auction for Kings Heath Food Bank.
Cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused. Step into The Jury Experience, a live theatre courtroom drama where audiences analyse witness testimony and forensic evidence, and vote on the verdict. Superstar Lana Tonneti’s $20M necklace has vanished and her ex-driver is now standing trial for the theft. But who’s really the guilty party here?
Don your Lederhosen and raise your steins for Oktoberfest
Prepare to get your oompah on this September! Albert’s Schloss is bringing the Bavarian bliss of Oktoberfest to Birmingham. The festivities kick off with a traditional keg-tapping ceremony, officially marking the start of the Oktoberfest celebrations, on top of competitive sausage-eating contests, beer-tasting masterclasses, traditional Oompah tunes, Oktoberfest games (such as ring and hook, stein holding, and hat toss) and all six of the legitimate Oktoberfest beers throughout the festivities.
Get in touch with your felines at The Cat Show
The Cat Show Live will return to the NEC Birmingham—with up to 5,000 cat enthusiasts expected in Second City (dog owners may want to stay away). The third-ever cat show promises over 250 pedigree cats on display, a chance to engage with industry professionals, hear global speakers on a variety of cat-related topics—from behaviour and health to the latest trends in feline care—and a bustling marketplace of over 100 trade stands.
Grab a bite at this free food festival
Over 100 traders are heading to Sutton Coldfield for this free-to-enter food festival. The three-day celebration promises not just street food, sweet treats and craft drinks. But also live music throughout the weekend, comedy waiters and stilt-walking chefs, and free face painting. There’s no ticket needed; just head to The Parade and enjoy.
