We’re falling for this month’s events and activities.
The leaves might be starting to turn but you needn’t have to turn your back just because summer has technically ended as this city has plenty up its sleeve to entertain us this month. Some might think autumn is when things wind down and we start to retreat back indoors but in actual fact it seems Birmingham didn’t get that memo. With new openings, concerts and entertaining experiences there’s plenty of things to do meaning this September will be the month to remember!
1. Go for a night out at this new music venue and club
As we start to see more live music events taking place, a brand new venue is arriving in Birmingham for you to celebrate its long-awaited return. Plus hopefully less lonely nights at home and instead more on the dancefloor with our mates. The new entertainment space with a 3,500 capacity, now known as Forum Birmingham, has been transformed and plans to open its doors on September 3. Forum Birmingham will be welcoming world class DJs and live acts from across the live and electronic music spectrums making it a must-visit destination for your future nights out.
2. Explore the science of psychedelic drugs at this fascinating talk
Here to tick “learn something new” off that list are Fever Talks, who are bringing a fascinating lecture about The Science of Psychedelics to town. The talk will take place on September 16, at the spacious venue that is Millennium Point. How can psychoactive drugs can help us understand human consciousness and therapeutic techniques? The Science of Psychedelics sets out to answer that question, as Dr David Luke, a module leader of the Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience, delivers a really thought-provoking talk. You can find your tickets here.
3. Visit new bar Fox & Chance for some incredible cocktails
Located on Pinfold Street, this long-anticipated bar is finally opening this September. Fox & Chance has been teasing some of their cocktails on social media including one of their original creations you’ll be able to find on their menu soon. Known as The Flip the Pip, it’s described as “a smooth and creamy cocktail and a decadent treat for any time of the night” and features a mix of banana-infused rum, maple syrup and stout. Fox & Chance will also be serving classic and mouthwatering cocktailS such as daiquiris and espresso martinis, plus local beers by Birmingham Brewing Company, surrounded by a wooden interior creating a cosy feel.
4. Enjoy a night of fun and revelry at these Peaky Blinders Nights
It’s time to grab your flat cap and don your finest threads as you step into the smoky underworld of the 1920s, because Peaky Blinders Nights are making a return to the Black Country Living Museum. This September, fans of the popular TV series can enjoy a night of fun and revelry and become an adopted member of the Shelby family with this immersive experience. During Peaky Blinders Nights, you will be able to explore the streets and alleys at the Black Country Living Museum and hear of tales about Birmingham’s most notorious gangs. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the roaring nightlife of the interwar years with music and entertainment around every corner.
5. Listen to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at this magical candlelight concert
Fever Originals is going open-air with its wildly popular Candlelight concert series and bringing them to The Loft, located in one of the trendiest areas in Birmingham. Taking place on June 13, the series of open-air concerts will showcase music performances in utterly magical settings as top musicians are completely surrounded by flickering candlelight. The Loft’s outdoor space is a wondrous sight to behold, with plenty of seating, tropical plants and fairy lights to create a night of wonderful candlelight concerts. Add some candlelight and classical music and you’ve got yourself enough relaxing ambiance that it’ll make your forget that you’re even in Birmingham. Grab you tickets here.
6. Take in the fresh air and be at one with nature with an autumn stroll
From lakes to mountains, the surrounding area of Birmingham offers a range of terrain for you to explore whilst the weather is still pretty mild. From climbing up Clent Hills to a circular route around Coughton Court, Warwickshire boasts amazing views and walking routes which vary from challenging to chilled. Check out our guide to autumn walks less than an hour away from Birmingham, which are a must for you to do over the weekend as not only does it give you a break from your usual scenery but you can watch the leaves turn on some awesome routes.
7. Gorge on phenomenal fish and chips at Fillet of Soul
We might be land-locked here in Birmingham but new opening Fillet of Soul is bringing the sea to you with their impressive fish and chips menu. Their fish and chips are cooked in beef dripping (or vegetable oil if you prefer) and also boast a range of vegetarian options such as courgette, onion and Indian spiced fritters; sweetcorn hush puppies; and battered gherkins. Fillet of Soul, located on Bennetts Hill, will also be serving handmade sauces to go alongside all that deliciously battered goodness like tartare sauce, curry sauce and gravy, to name a few. This fish and chip restaurant opening on September 8 will be available for both dine in or takeaway so you can easily get your fish and chips fix.
8. Sip on a selection of pints from over 30 world-class breweries at this craft beer festival
Heading into town with an epic weekender of all things beer – Beer Central: Birmingham’s Craft Beer Festival is rolling into town this autumn, celebrating all things craft beer (as you’ve probably guessed by its name). Taking place over two days in September (Friday 17th and Saturday 18th), the boozy festival will pop up at Tea Works in Digbeth. And now, beer lovers will get the chance to enjoy the huge open space, which will be filled with over 30 world-class breweries offering a taste of their fantastic craft beers including local brewers, Attic Brew Co. Cheers to that! Find tickets to this craft beer festival here.
9. Have some floral fun at this sunflower farm just a short drive from Birmingham city centre
Becketts Farm in Wythall, just a 30 minute drive south of Birmingham city centre, has recently opened a sunflower haven. But don’t leave it too long to go as these golden beauties will be disappearing soon due to the end of summer (wahhh!) If you’re fast you can roam these gorgeous fields and get the perfect Insta shot as well as escapism from city life. Becketts have been farming in Wythall for 80 years and their mission is to bring both fresh food and farming closer to the people, so feel free to visit their farm shop full of produce straight from the fields and restaurant for a cream tea or Sunday roast. Plus, the farm also runs cookery courses from bread making to fish preparation and much more.
10. Reminisce the noughties at this sassy Britney brunch at Tonight Josephine
Oops, they did it again with another brunch! Tonight Josephine has also launched a Britney-themed brunch that will have your reminiscing the noughties. Expect a boozy brunch filled with intoxicating bubbles, a scandalous game of bingo and a vocal showdown that will leave you begging to hit it baby one more time. Iconic, sassy, and full of throwbacks. Is this the brunch of your wildest dream? Of course it is, IT’S BRITNEY B*TCH. Tickets are on sale here.
11. Eat delicious vegetarian food at LAND’s newly-revamped restaurant
One of the top vegetarian restaurants in the city, LAND, took advantage of lockdown by giving the dining space a bit of a spruce up and now it’s finally ready to welcome you back. LAND 2.0 will still be bringing its modern, plant focused dining to the people of Brum but with new, sleek interior. The restaurant takes inspiration from around the world to showcase the best produce from the land and their menus highlight the best ingredients available based on the seasons. As well as a revamp, LAND will also have a new addition which is the chef’s table. This experience is a great way for guests to get a front row view of the kitchen, watch your food being prepared and ask questions to the chefs. For more information and to book head here.
12. Explore the array of independent businesses in the charming suburb of King’s Heath
So you feel you know Birmingham city centre, Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter pretty much inside out now but have you ventured to the southern suburb of King’s Heath? Historically in Worcestershire, Brum has claimed this area as its own and it’s not short of things to do this September. From music venues to markets, pastries to pizza, garms to the great outdoors, this little pocket just outside the city has got it all. Whether you leave here with an extra ice cream dessert, a record or memories, you’ll also leave with an urge to come back and explore more next time. Check out our guide to King’s Heath for reasons to visit.