Well, January was a tough month, but it’s finally starting to feel like 2025. Our social calendars for the year are filling up fast, but don’t forget about February. It might be the shortest month, but there’s more than a fair share of things to do this February in Birmingham – from the very first Birmingham Light Festival to find ling on Valentine’s Day. 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. Fall in love with 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. Plus, on February 14, 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 Snake
Chinese New Year celebrations will again take place in Chinatown in 2025. The festivities will start on Saturday, February 1 with lion and dragon processions around Bullring & Grand Central. Then, on Sunday, February 2, the UberEats Festival Stage returns to Hippodrome Square with a packed programme of local Chinese talent – including traditional and modern music, dance and theatre performances, and a huge firework finale. Across the weekend, Chinatown will come alive with craft markets, food stalls, family activities and more.
4. Wander through an otherworldly light trail
Light Cycles continues to light up these winter nights until February 16. The one-kilometre light trail leads around the idyllic lakes of Stonebridge Golf Course – illuminating the wilds with life-size art installations, hypnotic visual effects and serene soundscapes. To get your tickets to Light Cycles head here.
5. Catch the ‘most vocally challenging musical’ ever
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical officially kicked off its 2025 tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse on January 6, completely rocking the audience followed by a standing ovation, but the show is taking over Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre from February 10 to 22. Set in post-apocalyptic Manhattan and based on the music of Meatloaf, the plot follows two lovers Strat and Raven, who battle their family and friends to be together. Strat is the leader of the group of outcasts The Lost, while Raven is the daughter of Falco, who is the tyrant ruler of Obsidian.
6. Tuck into an all-day Mediterranean menu
The all-day Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Willow, will open its doors in Sutton Coldfield in February. It will be serving an eclectic menu of Mediterranean flavours in summer holiday-inspired surroundings, while an outdoor terrace is perfect for al fresco dining. You can tuck into everything from signature salads to chargrilled kabab skewers, as well as brunch favourites and a range of lighter lunch options. Keep an eye out for the restaurant’s soft openings – where you will receive 50% off food during your visit.
7. See Birmingham glow up with its very own light festival
The very first Birmingham Light Festival arrives to save us from another dreary February this month. Transforming city centre locations into a spectacular gallery of illuminated artworks, this is the post-Christmas lift we all need. Between February 19 – 22, the Birmingham Light Festival will feature at least eight light artworks, all within walking distance of each other. Some of the illuminated works will even remain in place after the festival!
8. Roll up for the Birmingham International Tattoo
You can experience the pomp and pageantry of Britain’s biggest indoor tattoo on February 8 & 9. The Birmingham International Tattoo brings together marching bands, pipes and drums, a field gun competition, and dog racing. It’s a parade like no other! Plus, the BP Pulse LIVE will house the ever-popular spectacular grand finale – featuring over 1,200 performers.
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. Take the kids out on the February half-term
How is it half term already? The kids have barely been back at school a month and the February break rolls around again. Don’t get stuck at home, however, with Birmingham there’s so much to do. From the educational AND incredibly entertaining Thinktank to Birmingham’s very own time-travelling homes, Back to Backs. Check out the most incredible things to do with kids in Birmingham 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. Have a got at ‘the easiest claw machine in the UK’
The first East Asian-style arcade has opened in Birmingham’s Chinatown. Lucky Claw even boasts “the easiest claw machine in the UK” – with a 20% success rate! So there’s no excuse not to take home a cuddly toy. That’s not all, as the arcade also comes with its very own StepOn machine – a sort of giant dance mat.
13. Get ready for action-packed athletics
Are you ready sports fans? The UK Athletics Indoor Championships will take place at the Utilita Arena on February 22 & 23. Ahead of the European Athletics Indoor Championships in the Netherlands in March, the UK’s best track and field athletes will head to Birmingham, where both national titles and places on the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team are all up for grabs. To catch the action head here to buy tickets.
14. 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.