It’s to accept that Autumn is underway. But just because the sun’s setting earlier, temperatures are dropping and everyone’s cosying up doesn’t mean there isn’t any fun to be had in Birmingham. There are an incredible amount of Halloween events happening this October, but it’s not all about the spooky season either – as Black History Month and Oktoberfest prove. So, without further ado, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Birmingham to make for an epic October.
1. Join the Bavarian celebrations with beer and bratwurst
Why go to Germany when Germany can come to you? Dust off your lederhosen, top up on the best Bavarian beer from ALDI and start blasting all the greatest German folk music hits. Because Albert’s Schloss is bringing Oktoberfest (September 21 – October 6) to Birmingham. The festivities kick off at the Bavarian bar with a traditional keg tapping ceremony, but there’s so much happening across the two weeks – and everyone is willkommen. There are no tickets, no entry fee and no booking required either!
2. Have a big laugh at this comedy festival
The UK’s second-longest-running comedy festival kicks off with a mix of big names and up-and-comers (October 4 to 13). Over 150 acts will perform across 20 venues at the 10-day annual arts festival – including Sarah Millican, The Mash Report’s Rachel Parris and Milton Jones But are hosting comedy shows. The always popular Birmingham Comedy Festival Free Half-Dayers (6 Oct & 13 Oct) also return with back-to-back shows at two venues on John Bright Street (The Victoria & Cherry Reds). To learn more about Birmingham Comedy Festival head here.
3. Witness Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s grand reopening
After almost four years, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery reopened with the world-famous collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, Victorian Radicals in February. Now, the next phase of reopening is set for the October half-term (October 24). This includes the museum’s iconic Round Room with new and familiar artworks back on display surrounding Jacob Epstein’s bronze sculpture, Lucifer. The Industrial Gallery will also reopen with a new ‘Made in Birmingham’ display, which celebrates the city of a thousand trades, self-deprecating humour, creative people and their worldwide impact. To learn more head here.
4. See this ‘greener alternative’ to fireworks
The hugely popular Fireworks Spectacular at Edgbaston Stadium has been cancelled, but will make way for a ‘greener alternative’. It’s being replaced with a ‘first-of-its-kind’ drone light show, Evolution. On October 26, Evolution will bring to life the story of the universe with narration, an original cinematic soundtrack and more than 600 drones – for a 45-minute experience of cutting-edge technology and creativity.
5. Sip on a warming mug of delicious hot chocolate
With autumn in full swing, it means the hot chocolate season has arrived. From sophisticated mugs of rich, chocolatey heaven, to goblets of milky goodness with gooey marshmallows and cream, there are plenty of places in Birmingham to grab a hug in a mug that is hot chocolate. Just what the doctor ordered! Check out our guide to Birmingham’s dreamiest hot chocolates where you can sip on the hot drink happily and escape the unpredictable British weather.
6. Have the fright of your life at this immersive scare maze
There are a lot of wicked Halloween events taking place in Birmingham this October. But the pick of the bunch has to be Luna Springs’ custom-built scare maze (October 11 to November 2). Designed around an abandoned nuclear facility, the Digbeth-based venue is inviting you to Meltdown: Victor’s Revenge Part II – which promises to ramp up the scares this year. And Luna Springs’ Scare Maze brunches also return! To learn more about this scare maze head here.
7. Head to a haunting Candlelight concert
Think you know Hans Zimmer? Well, what about Adele or Ed Sheeran? Not like this you don’t! All three artists receive the Candlelight concert treatment this October – with a string quartet performing their greatest hits in incredible locations, all under the gentle glow of candlelight. To get your tickets and see all the Candlelight concerts in Birmingham head here.
8. Go pumpkin picking to carve the perfect jack-o-lantern
Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram or just absolutely love getting your carve on, there are a number of pumpkin patches near Birmingham you can visit this autumn. Whether you want to make Halloween-inspired jack-o-lanterns or pumpkin soup, these fields will not only be brimming with pumpkins but also plenty of activities to get involved in from carving to photoshoots with your produce. Check out the best pumpkin patches near Birmingham here.
9. Try your luck at winning prizes at Bongo’s Bingo
Award-winning Bongo’s Bingo returns to The Forum in Birmingham this month. Shows will take place on October 5, 12 & 19, before a big Halloween special on October 26. If you’re looking for crazy things to do this October, Bongo’s Bingo combines the much-loved quaint pastime of bingo with rave rounds, dance-offs, and crazy prizes. Brace for a night full of madness, mischief and shared euphoria! To learn more head here.
10. Go ghost hunting around Birmingham
Birmingham can be a creepy place when it wants to be – with more than its fair share of haunted locations. So why not explore the most frightful places in Birmingham this October? With stories of restless spirits, cruel murders and menacing ghouls, follow step-by-step instructions to reach the next place, solve the clue and get a creepy story. To get your ticket head here.
11. Cosy up or cower with one of these spine-tingling movies
If you’d rather stay in the house this Halloween, then there’s always space for some spooky films and popcorn. So, whether you’re going out or staying in on October 31, there’s plenty of time to squeeze in a few of these fantastic films. Check out our picks of the scariest movies and series, then bust out those skull-shaped sweets you bought on a whim from the supermarket and start chomping!
12. Get involved with Black History Month
Several events are taking place for Black History Month in the West Midlands. This 2.5-hour deep dive into Birmingham’s rich Black heritage every Saturday will reveal Handsworth’s lively spirit. Meanwhile, you can check out more Black History Month events by heading here.
13. Explore the city’s loveliest literary spots
October is a great time to cuddle up with a good book. But why not see the city jump off the page this month? Birmingham writing exploits aren’t just confined to dusty old bookshops. Be it JRR Tolkien’s fantastical tales of Middle Earth, or Henry Green’s realistic documenting of factory workers, Birmingham has inspired countless literary tales over the years. Just walk around the city and you’ll discover so many lovely places for book lovers to visit. See this guide to the most lovely literary spots in Birmingham.
14. Party to the UK’s biggest Diwali celebrations
After the unexpected cancellation of Soho Road Diwali, we’re excited to say that celebrations will proceed in the West Midlands with a brand new event thanks to Sandwell and Birmingham Mela. Europe’s biggest South Asian music festival has stepped in to host the UK’s biggest Diwali Mela at Victoria Park in Smethwick – best of all, the event is completely free! Taking place on Sunday, October 20, 1pm to 8pm, this year’s Diwali Mela promises traditional music, dance performances, food stalls, artisan crafts, and a professional fireworks display. It’s expected to attract thousands for Diwali aka the festival of lights.
15. Catch the ‘festival that bites’ for unusual, edgy and spectacular theatre
Fierce Festival has put Birmingham on the map for unusual, edgy and spectacular theatre and performance. Centring black, queer and marginalised bodies more than ever, the 2024 programme brings together over 15 productions at the vanguard of international performance practice. Trailblazing artists from over eight countries, present nine UK premieres and one world premiere over six days (October 15-20).
Fierce Festival 2024 will take over iconic Birmingham venues such as Midland Arts Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, and the Library of Birmingham, with everything from post-apocalyptic futures to viral dance moves, infamous parties, one-to-one listening experiences, reimagined opera, and disability-led pop concerts. To see the full programme head here.