Well, January was a tough month, but it’s finally starting to feel like 2024. Our social calendars for the year are filling up fast, but don’t skip ahead too soon. It doesn’t have to be doom and gloom in February or all about love – not that that’s a bad thing, by any means. It might be the shortest month, but there’s more than a fair share of things to do this February in Birmingham – from the return of the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to the new openings of some incredible restaurants. Get February off to a flying start with these fun-filled events.
1. Grab your coat and head out for a walk
It might be cold out, but we recommend wrapping up warm and getting yourself outside for a bit of fresh air this February. It’s an excuse to walk to a cosy pub anyway. But even if you only want to stretch your legs for 20 minutes, the city has a range of parks, gardens and woodland areas to stroll around. Check out these walks near Birmingham.
2. Enjoy the romantic setting of a candlelight concert
Picture this: A gorgeously exclusive venue, thousands of gentle candles and a four-string quartet playing classical music. Sounds romantic, right? Candlelight is a totally unique experience you’re sure to impress your date with. There’s something a concert for everyone too, from the soundtracks of Hans Zimmer to the decade-spanning hits of David Bowie. On February 15, Birmingham Cathedral will host timeless love songs – like The Beatles’ All You Need Is Love and Elton John’s Your Song – for some extra romance. Check out all the Candlelight concerts available in Birmingham here.
3. Ring in the Year of the Dragon
Lunar New Year celebrations will again take place in Chinatown in 2024. A day’s worth of activities on February 11 will ring in The Year of the Dragon in and around Birmingham Hippodrome, and throughout Southside (including the Chinese Quarter). Expect dancing dragons, traditional folk music, delicious Chinese street food, fireworks, family activities and much more.
4. Try your hand at this cinnamon bun workshops
Head to the bakery at Hampton Manor on February 15 to learn how to make and bake the ever-popular cinnamon buns. This two-hour insight into the in-house bakery’s best-selling recipe means you’ll always have these delights at home whenever you like. You’ll get very hands-on by creating both the dough and cinnamon butter from scratch, before shaping your tray of nine delicious buns. Tickets to this workshop cost £60 and include tea, coffee and a detailed recipe card to take with you. To learn more head here.
5. Fall in love with lots of doggos at this Pup-Up Cafe
If this photo hasn’t made your heart swell with cuteness, this might not be the event for you. Pup-Up Cafe is back in Birmingham this February at Revolución de Cuba. Advertised as a Valentine’s Day special, but taking place February 25, it’ll be the perfect puppy hangout this month. With free puppiccinos, unlimited dog treats and an on-site photographer capturing every second of cuteness, we can’t think of a more romantic way to spend the day with your furry baby, can you? To learn more head here.
6. Visit the reopening of the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery finally reopens on February 10. Restarting in phases, The Gas Hall will host the return of Birmingham’s world-famous collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, Victorian Radicals. There are more than 160 works on display, by artists such as Ford Madox Brown, William Morris, Elizabeth Siddall, and Birmingham-born Edward Burne-Jones. Expect paintings, drawings, jewellery, textiles and metalwork, all exploring the relationship between art and nature in an age of industry.
7. Dine at the return of Carters to Birmingham
After leaving for six months to work out of a greenhouse in Evesham, the Michelin restaurant Carters is heading home to Birmingham. Not to Moseley, but to a private members club, Eighteen at 103 Colmore Row, from February 2 to May 31. Creating a Chef’s Table experience in the boardroom, guests can expect the UK’s highest-quality produce in a multi-course format with expertly paired drinks, complemented by breathtaking views of the city. Carters at Eighteen pop-up is open for Friday dinner service, Saturday lunch and dinner service, Sunday dinner service, and Monday dinner service – with the possibility of reserving the space for private hire on request.
8. Tuck into Louisiana fried chicken, biscuits and gravy
Brummies will soon finally be able to get their hands on the chicken sandwich that broke the internet. Popeyes UK will finally be landing in the West Midlands this February. The all-new delivery kitchen – its first UK kitchen outside of London – will be available within a 2-mile radius of Birmingham City Centre. At the moment, the closest Popeyes is currently over an hour away, but we’ll soon be able to try the world-famous shatter crunch for ourselves. It’s also only the beginning of the brand’s aim to grow its “presence in the city” by the end of the year…
9. Get on your bike and cycle around these nearby lakes
If you’re fed up with walking and want to get about a bit further in less time then hop on a bike and get pedalling. The city has some amazing cycle routes, including bicycle lanes in local parks and gardens, which allow you to see some beautiful sights even in the February frost. You can find some of Birmingham’s lakes and reservoirs to cycle around here.
10. Go to the cinema for FREE
You can soon watch the award-winning The Iron Claw – starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White – before its official UK release at independent Birmingham cinemas without paying a penny this February. Supported by the BFI, Escapes is teaming up with over 400 independent cinemas nationwide to offer screenings of the newest movies. Starting on February 5 with The Iron Claw at Mockingbird Cinema, Midlands Arts Centre, and Omniplex. If you can’t make it this month, Escapes has a whole year of new releases lined up. To learn more head here.
11. Visit the gorgeous castle and Elizabethan garden
If you’ve recently become obsessed with Saltburn and want more gran places to visit, Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden are less than an hour from Birmingham. Explore the extraordinary medieval castle, uncover the personal chambers of Queen Elizabeth I, climb the towers for panoramic views, and wander the gorgeous Elizabethan gardens. You’ll also find interactive exhibits, dress-up experiences, and 900 years of history. To get your tickets head here.
12. Head to the best pub in the country, just bring a designated driver
You might think your local pub is the best, but only Tamworth residents can say it. The Tamworth Tap recently won CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year award for the second year running and we’ll be driving over this February to check it out. Situated in an old Tudor building, it’s a fantastic pub for a pint of real ale and soaking in the stunning views of Tamworth’s historic Norman castle. It’s worth checking out what’s on before driving over, however. The pub hosts regular events, such as beer tastings, live local music and screenings of cult films that you won’t want to miss.
13. Pair burgers and barrel-aged beverages
Harborne’s The Bun & Barrel closed after less than a year in October. Not that it wasn’t a success – it had some of Birmingham’s best burgers – so we’re excited to know that new owners have stepped in. The restaurant known for high-quality burgers and barrel-aged beverages will return this month. It will largely remain the same but will add more options, like mainstream beers and Philly cheesesteaks.
14. See these photos of a bygone Black Country
Dudley-born photographer Phil Loach (1949-2023) worked as a press cameraman for 40 years, photographing a wide range of people and occasions in the West Midlands and beyond. In addition to his press work, he created a large private archive of documentary photographs. These personal pictures will be on display from February 13 to 24 and reflect his unique view of his home region. You’ll find a rare snapshot of unusual places, bizarre situations, and everyday events of the Black Country at the RSBA Gallery.
15. Embrace Valentine’s Day wherever you are in Birmingham
I think we’ve proven that not everything in February is about Valentine’s Day. But there’s no denying that love is in the area this month. Luckily, you’re in Birmingham – one of the most romantic cities in the UK, so says we. If you’re on the search for date ideas, we’ve got you covered here. Or if you’re looking for somewhere to express your love or maybe propose, there are some great places to kiss in Birmingham and romantic restaurants top. All that’s important on Valentine’s Day, however, is that you are with the one you love.