It’s time to accept that autumn is underway. Just because the sun’s setting earlier, temperatures are dropping, and everyone’s cosying up, however, doesn’t mean there isn’t any fun to be had in Birmingham. There are an incredible number of Halloween events happening this October, but it’s not all about the spooky season either—as Diwali and Oktoberfest prove! So, 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 to Birmingham for three weeks (September 21 – October 12). The only Oktoberfest party in Birmingham serving all six official Oktoberfest biers until the taps run dry, expect everything from keg-tapping ceremonies to live Oompah bands. There are no tickets, no entry fee and no booking required either!
2. Head to a haunting Candlelight concert
Think you know Taylor Swift? Well, what about Queen or Leonard Cohen? Not like this you don’t! All three artists (and more) 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.
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3. Witness the magic of sky-high, luminescent art
Technology, art and music come together in harmony at Alexander Stadium on October 3 and 4. This open-air concert transforms the sky into a canvas as talented musicians perform grand, sweeping symphonies. DroneArt Show sees the iconic, classical pieces such as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons or Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake brought to life with over 500 drones. Get tickets to the DroneArt Show in Birmingham here.
4. Grab a wintery cocktail or two
The Winter Edition of Birmingham Cocktail Weekend sees the city’s very besy bars team up to offer signature £6 cocktails this month (October 23-26). Try every specially made cocktail and, at the end of the festival vote for the ‘Best Cocktail of Birmingham Cocktail Weekend’! This year, many participating venues will also be a new £9 signature cocktail and snack pairing, on top of unique food offers and events. To learn more about Birmingham Cocktail Weekend head here.
5. Celebrate Birmingham’s very own with a one-off team-up
Laura Mvula started writing music while working as a receptionist for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Years later, the the Mercury Prize-nominated singer is back to lead the CBSO at Symphony Hall with a one-of-a-kind concert on Friday, October 10. Conducted by Matthew Lynch, the performance will combine her rich harmonies and soul-stirring vocals with the full force of an orchestra, performing several of her songs—including Green Garden, Father Father, and Sing to the Moon.
6. 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.
7. Have a big laugh at this comedy festival
The UK’s second-longest-running comedy festival returns with a mix of big names, emerging acts and the very best comedians from the West Midlands (October 3 to 12). Highlghts include Dom Jolly’s ‘Trigger Happy TV: Live’ (Oct 7, Town Hall) and the ‘Inside No.9’ play (Oct 7-11, Dec 2-6, The Alexandra). Plus, Gary Delaney is back on home turf (Oct 6-7, Comedy Junction), and acclaimed Brum musical double-act Good Kids (Oct 3, Cherry Reds) reunite for a very special one-off appearance.
Of course, the always-popular Birmingham Comedy Festival Free Half-Dayers (Part 1, Oct 5; Part 2, Oct 12) is also back. Heading to the (almost) neighbouring Cherry Reds and The Victoria for consecutive Sunday afternoons, acts appearing include Eric Rushton, Finlay Christie and Jamie D’Souza, who test out new material. Plus, Hasan Al-Habib appears with his debut show, Death To The West (Midlands). To learn more about Birmingham Comedy Festival head here.
8. Say farewell to Brum’s all-day, all-night hangout space
The former print factory, transformed into an all-day, all-night hangout space where food, music and culture collide will close its doors at the end of this year. But Hockley Social Club won’t be going quietly—having announced an incredible farewell autumn programme. Closeup Comedy, the city’s leading standup comedy brand, welcomes Reginald D Hunter on Thursday, October 2, while music fans can enjoy We Call It Jazz: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans on Friday, October 27 and Plastic Dreams presents Grooverider on October 18.
9. Try your luck at winning prizes at Bongo’s Bingo
Award-winning Bongo’s Bingo head to The Forum in Digbeth this month. Shows will take place on October 5, 11 & 18, before a huge ‘Carenevil’ special on October 25. 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. Catch ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ strut into Birmingham
An ever-present example of excessive glitz, grandeur and glory, the musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s beloved Moulin Rouge! embarks on its first-ever world tour. Set in Paris, 1899, indulge in a world of beauty and extravagance full of bohemians, aristocrats, and reprobates at Birmingham Hippodrome (October 15 – November 15). You probably best remember Moulin Rouge! for its cabaret renditions of pop music classics—from ‘Your Song’ and ‘Like A Virgin’ to the rap medley/mash-up of ‘Lady Marmalade’, ‘Because We Can’ and ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’—but this new musical features over 70 iconic songs!
13. Explore the city’s loveliest literary spots
Every October, the Birmingham Literature Festival brings together the very best writers from around the UK to the West Midlands (September 28 – October 18). So why not see the city jump off the page this month? Because Birmingham’s writing exploits aren’t confined to dusty old bookshops. Be it JRR Tolkien’s fantastical tales of Middle Earth, or Henry Green’s realistic documenting of factory workers, the Second City has inspired countless literary tales over the years. See this guide to the most lovely literary spots in Birmingham.
14. Party to the city’s biggest Diwali celebrations
After last year’s unexpected cancellation, Soho Road Diwali is back for the biggest Diwali celebrations in Birmingham—best of all, the event is completely free! Taking place on Sunday, October 12, the one-day street festival of light right on Soho Road offers a line-up of Bollywood, bhangra, classical music, and global fusion beats all day long! Plus, the Birmingham Diwali Festival will showcase local talent from Birmingham’s diverse communities, authentic Indian and South Asian cuisine, a handmade crafts market, fun fair rides, and a fantastic fireworks finale!