Well, January was a tough month, but it’sfinally starting to feel like 2026. 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 dazzling Birmingham Light Festival to finding love on Valentine’s Day. Get February off to a flying start with these fun-filled events.
1. Head out for a winter’s walk that ends at the pub
Credit: Robert Harding Video, Shutterstock Yes, it might be cold out, but nothing beats wrapping up warm and getting yourself a bit of fresh air in February—it’s an excuse to walk to a cosy pub at the very least. Just an hour from Birmingham, Broadway Tower in the Cotswolds has been named one of the “best winter walks all ending at a cosy pub”. But, if you don’t want to travel that far, stretch your legs in the city’s beautiful range of parks, gardens and woodland areas on these walks near Birmingham.
Picture this: A gorgeously exclusive venue, thousands of gentle candles and afour-string quartet playing ‘Your Song’ as you hold your love’s hand. Sounds romantic, right? Candlelight is the unique experience that’s sure to impress your date. On Valentine’s Day (February 14), the evening unfolds inside the stunning Birmingham Cathedral to the delicate, dreamy notes of ‘Clair de Lune’ and the timeless romance of ‘Moon River’. To get your tickets to Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special, head here.
3. Ring in the Year of the Horse
Credit: Chinese Festival CommitteeChinese New Year celebrations kick off in Chinatown on Sunday, February 22, as the area welcomes the Year of the Horse. Expect everythign from lion and dragon processions to traditional and modern music, dance and theatre performances, and a huge firework finale. Plus, see Southside come alive with craft markets, food stalls, family activities and more.
4. See Birmingham glow up with its very own light festival
Credit: LensiBirmingham Light Festival sees even more city spaces brought to life with lights from February 12 to 15, 2026. Across Valentine’s Day weekend, Birmingham’s streets, squares, and public spaces will become a spectacular gallery of illuminated artworks. This time, both the Bullring and Edgbaston Village will be joining in on the city-wide celebrations, as all five city-centre BIDs (Colmore BID, Central BID, Southside BID, Westside BID and The Jewellery Quarter BID) will brighten up February’s dark nights.
The Magic Gateway is a family-focused show of wonder, comedy, and quick-fire illusions. This high-energy, 60-minute adventure invites kids and adults alike to somewhere rules don’t apply. One moment you’re watching objects rise into the air, the next they’ve vanished right in front of you. Better still, throughout The Magic Gateway, the magician brings young volunteers into the spotlight to try their hand at real tricks and be part of the magic-making. To get your tickets to The Magic Gateway, head here.
6. Tuck into the viral sensation of ‘sushi burritos’
Credit: SushiDog
London’s SushiDogbrings its hand-held burrito-style sushi rolls, as well as sushi bowls and salads, to Birmingham on January 31, 2026. There’s no better time to taste the future of fast food than on the upper level of the Bulling. The customisable grab-and-go sushi spot will seat up to 25 customers and feature both a dine-in area and a convenient takeaway counter.
7. Ride the world’s most famous steam locomotive
Credit: Paul Tymon, Shutterstock It’s been more than a hundred years since The Flying Scotsman first connected Edinburgh and London. A locomotive marvel, it later became the first train to reach 100mph on the British railway. And, from February 18 to 20, five trips a day from Birmingham Moor Street, here’s your chance to ride the world’s most famous steam train comes to Birmingham. If that wasn’t enough, the Flying Scotsman has an extra special romantic evening on Valentine’s Day, complete with a three-course dinner.
8. Roll up for the Birmingham International Tattoo
Credit: Birmingham International Tattoo You can experience the pomp and pageantry of Britain’s biggest indoor tattoo on February 14 & 15. 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. Play it cool at the brand-new jazz festival
Credit: Supplied Calling all jazz cats! A brand new jazz festival is happening across the multi-venue building, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), from February 12 to 13, 2026. Eastside Jazz Festival includes acclaimed US saxophonist Chris Potter with the Pablo Held Trio, pianist Rebecca Nash performs as the prestigious Aurum Trio with Henrik Jensen and Dave Smith, and one of the world’s leading jazz orchestras, BBC Big Band.
Credit: Supplied Want to see Darth Vader slut drop in a glossy catsuit or a hip-thrusting Han Solo moonwalk? The Empire Strips Back shimmies its way into Birmingham until February 8 for a steamy spectacle of sensual stripteases, synchronised dance routines, and tongue-in-cheek comedy. It’s not just about the talented performers either. This high-energy burlesque show boasts expertly-crafted props, stunning set design and creative costumes that promise a unique twist on the Star Wars films you know and love.
Credit: Debra Angel, Shutterstock If you’ve recently become obsessed with this country’s grandestlocations, 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. Grab an Indian beer from the airport
Credit: Birmingham Airport Birmingham’s The Indian Brewery Company has built its reputation on locally brewed Birmingham beers and a strong, innovative food offering—and it is launching a third location at Birmingham Airport in February. Holidaymakers will be able to enjoy craft beers on tap, Indian-fusion pizzas, and an exclusive range of Birmingham-made merchandise, including beer packs and t-shirts.
Experience ‘Sleeping Beauty’ like never before, in this extra special dance and light show featuring dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes. Ballet of Lights fuses classical ballet and modern technology in a timeless tale of the cursed princess awakened by her true love’s kiss. Lighting up the stage (literally), enjoy a kaleidoscope cast of colours defying gravity with leaps and pirouettes in a beautiful production! Get your tickets now for Ballet of Lights here.
14. Relive Britpop’s greatest rivalry
Credit: The Battle In the summer of 1995, the ‘Battle Of Britpop’ saw Blur’s Country House and Roll With It by Oasis in a fight for the number one spot in the UK charts. And now, 30 years on, the infamous matchup is retold onstage in a comedy that lands at the Birmingham Rep from February 11 to March 7, 2026.
Do you want to be part of a high-stakes trial that could forever change the future of the justice system? After a self-driving car causes a fatal accident, it’s up to you to decide who’s responsible on February 12. Throughout the live theatre courtroom drama, you’ll have to answer complex questions, analyse witness testimonies and forensic evidence, and cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused. Get your tickets now for The Jury Experience – Death by AI: Who Pays the Price? in Birmingham here.
16. See Rik Mayall’s underpants and Joe Lycett’s teddy suit
Credit: Andy Hollingworth A major photographic exhibition of some of the UK’s comedy legends, past and present, opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from February 18 to May 31, 2026. ‘I photograph comedians!’ is a retrospective exhibition by British photographer Andy Hollingworth. The exhibition features nearly 80 images of studio portraits, rare contemplative moments off-stage and live stage performances—with a strong local connection with Jasper Carrott, Stewart Lee, Lenny Henry, Joe Lycett, Jo Enright, and Shazia Mirza. Photographs of iconic objects such as Eric Morecambe’s pipe, Tommy Cooper’s fez and Billy Connolly’s banana boots also feature, alongside comedy memorabilia such as costumes, backstage passes, programmes and tickets. Among items on display will be a tour jacket worn by Lenny Henry on his 1984 tour, a signed pair of Rik Mayall’s underpants and Joe Lycett’s teddy suit, worn in the advertisement for series two of Late Night Lycett.
17. 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 air this month. Luckily, you’re in Birmingham – one of the most romantic cities in the UK. 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.
Picture this: A gorgeously exclusive venue, thousands of gentle candles and a four-string quartet playing ‘Your Song’ as you hold your love’s hand. Sounds romantic, right? Candlelight is the unique experience that’s sure to impress your date. On Valentine’s Day (February 14), the evening unfolds inside the stunning Birmingham Cathedral to the delicate, dreamy notes of ‘Clair de Lune’ and the timeless romance of ‘Moon River’. To get your tickets to Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special, head here.
The Magic Gateway is a family-focused show of wonder, comedy, and quick-fire illusions. This high-energy, 60-minute adventure invites kids and adults alike to somewhere rules don’t apply. One moment you’re watching objects rise into the air, the next they’ve vanished right in front of you. Better still, throughout The Magic Gateway, the magician brings young volunteers into the spotlight to try their hand at real tricks and be part of the magic-making. To get your tickets to The Magic Gateway, head here.
Experience ‘Sleeping Beauty’ like never before, in this extra special dance and light show featuring dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes. Ballet of Lights fuses classical ballet and modern technology in a timeless tale of the cursed princess awakened by her true love’s kiss. Lighting up the stage (literally), enjoy a kaleidoscope cast of colours defying gravity with leaps and pirouettes in a beautiful production! Get your tickets now for Ballet of Lights here.
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 air this month. Luckily, you’re in Birmingham – one of the most romantic cities in the UK. 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.