Summer starts to fade away, and Birmingham enters September. But just because it’s back-to-school season for the kids doesn’t mean the rest of us have to suffer. From food festivals to Candlelight Concerts, Oktoberfest and a celebration of our favourite felines, there’s plenty of fun to be found in the city! Check out the best things to do this September in Birmingham, which are making the gradual introduction of autumn a little easier to enjoy.
1. Check out The Yummy Brummie’s new restaurant
The Michelin-starred Purnell’s only shut its doors last October, but Glynn has been busy working on his next venture. He’s teaming up with Loki Wines’ Phil Innes for a brand-new restaurant opening this September, Trillium. Tuck into a seasonal menu of small and large plates, designed for sharing, with “punchy flavours” and “global inspiration” at One Snowhill in the Colmore Business District. Plus, sample a dynamic, ever-evolving wine list—spotlighting hidden gems, low-intervention producers and iconic names.
2. Visit the city’s most unique buildings for free or low cost
Birmingham Heritage Week, now in its 11th year, returns to shine the spotlight on the city’s history with talks, tours, workshops, walks and more this September. Plenty of local places and spaces will open their doors with a wide range of events during the 10-day festival (September 12-21) for free or at low cost.
Just some of the events include free entry to Winterbourne House & Garden, a celebration of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter—including at the School of Jewellery and Assay Office—and interactive activities at the Moor Pool Heritage Festival.
3. Catch the ballet like you’ve never seen before
We all know Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. But not like this. A fusion of classical ballet and modern technology, Ballet of Lights sees local dancers light up the stage, literally, with glittering routines and glow-in-the-dark costumes. The timeless tale of a cursed princess awakened by true love’s kiss comes to Crescent Theatre on September 5. Get your tickets now for Ballet of Lights in Birmingham here.
4. Enjoy a night of Peaky Blinders revelry
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 27, 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. You will be able to explore the streets and alleys, hear tales about Birmingham’s most notorious gangs, and enjoy the roaring nightlife of the interwar years with entertainment around every corner.
5. Listen to the works of Hans Zimmer at this magical candlelight concert
All cinema lovers will undoubtedly know the name, Hans Zimmer. An icon of the movies, his scores have defined movie soundtracks for decades, from Rain Man to Pirates of the Caribbean, Dune to Kung Fu Panda and countless more since his 1977 debut. On September 6, a candlelight concert will celebrate his illustrious career at the Birmingham Cathedral. Treat yourself to a special night of live music by Candlelight and get your tickets here.
6. Take in the fresh air 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 near Birmingham. Not only does it give you a break from your usual scenery, but you can watch the leaves turning on some awesome routes.
7. Surround yourself with thousands of glowing lanterns
Imagine holding your loved one’s hand, surrounded by thousands of glowing lanterns that light up the water while calming music plays in the background. That’s the Water Lantern Festival. On September 27, you are invited to decorate lanterns with your hopes, dreams, and memories in this peaceful chance for personal reflection. Plus, a perfect photo opportunity! As Dartmouth Park transforms into a galaxy of wishes, it will also be filled with local food trucks, live music, and other activities. To learn more about the Water Lantern Festival, head here.
8. Don your Lederhosen and raise your steins
Prepare to get your oompah on this September! Albert’s Schloss is bringing the Bavarian bliss of Oktoberfest to Birmingham (September 20 – October 12). No tickets, no entry fee and no booking needed, just an appetite for lederhosen, traditional bratwurst and bier. The festivities kick off with a traditional keg tapping ceremony, officially marking the start of the Oktoberfest celebrations.
But there’ll be competitive sausage eating contests, traditional Oompah tunes, Oktoberfest games (such as ring and hook, stein holding, and hat toss) and all six of the legitimate Oktoberfest beers throughout the festivities. Plus, a best-dressed competition! To learn more about Oktoberfest at Albert’s Schloss, head here.
9. Get in touch with your felines
The Cat Show Live will host its debut event at NEC Birmingham on September 13—with up to 5,000 cat enthusiasts expected in Second City (dog owners may want to stay away). The second-ever cat show promises over 250 pedigree cats on display, a chance to engage with industry professionals, hear global speakers on a variety of cat-related topics – from behaviour and health to the latest trends in feline care – and a bustling marketplace of over 100 trade stands.
10. Tuck into Birmingham’s newest food hall
A brand-new food hall is coming to Birmingham this month. Having found success in Manchester, Society Birmingham will open at One Colmore Square on September 5—hosting a mix of street food, craft beer, cocktails, coffee and DJs. Plus, there will be an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining on sunny days.
11. Grab a bite at this free food festival
Over 100 traders are heading to Sutton Coldfield for this free-to-enter food festival. Running from September 12 to 14, the three-day celebration promises not just street food, sweet treats and craft drinks. But live music throughout the weekend, comedy waiters and stilt-walking chefs, and free face painting. There’s no ticket needed, just head to The Parade and enjoy.
12. Dance the day away
Day Fever, the viral ‘nightclub’ experience held between 3 pm and 8 pm, is bringing its much-loved daytime disco to Birmingham. Turning up at O2 Institute Birmingham on Saturday, September 6, Brummies can expect the perfect party music playlist, personally curated by Jon McClure of Reverend and the Makers and Vicky McClure of Line of Duty fame, as well as her film producer partner Jonny Owen, hosting another afternoon of no-holds-barred party times!
13. See a Black Sabbath ballet… yes, really
After an emotional year for Ozzy Osbourne fans, Black Sabbath – The Ballet returns to Birmingham this month (September 18 to 27, 2025). Birmingham Royal Ballet will dance alongside full orchestrations of the legendary Brummie band’s best tracks – including hits like ‘Paranoid’ and ‘Iron Man’ – as well as new orchestral works inspired by Black Sabbath.
14. Take a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath
Hop on a coach from Birmingham and explore the mystical Stonehenge and the stunning city of Bath. You’ll not only discover over 4,500 years at the Neolithic stone circle in this exclusive offer (with an audio guide in hand) but soak up the unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary culture in Bath – stopping by at the likes of Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, The Roman Baths and The Jane Austen Centre along the way. To grab your tickets to the From Birmingham Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour, head here.
15. Visit a colourful herd of bull sculptures
The 7ft bronze Bullring Bull—and Birmingham’s de facto mascot—finally got its own art trail this summer. The ‘Bulls in the City’ art trail has seen 40 hand-painted sculptures spread throughout the city in support of Birmingham Hospice (and wraps up on Sunday, September 14).