From Sabrina Carpenter to Black Sabbath, many of the world’s greatest artists have already stopped by Birmingham this year. But there’s plenty more exciting gigs still to come in the Second City. Home to many of the UK’s biggest and best venues, as well as plenty of smaller, cooler ones—including Villa Park, Utilita Arena, BP pulse LIVE, the O2 Academy, XOYO and the Hare & Hounds—you’re guaranteed incredible music every night of the week. That’s why we’ve broken down just some of the very best music concerts happening in Birmingham this summer.
1. Drake, July 20, 21 & 23
The five-time Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum global artist Drake returns to the UK for the first time in six years—bringing $ome $pecial $hows to Birmingham with three concerts on July 20, 21 and 23, 2025. He doesn’t need an introduction—with famous hits stretching from ‘Take Care’ to ‘Hotline Bling’—Drake is the true meaning of a ‘superstar’. He’s heading to Birmingham’s Utilita Arena with long-term collaborator and support PARTYNEXTDOOR. To get your tickets, head here.
2. Melvins, August 15
Formed in 1983, the Melvins are one of the most influential yet underrated bands going—with Kurt Cobain a huge fan. With a genre-defying fusion of punk rock and heavy metal, they’ve released more than 30 original albums over a four-decade career and show no signs of slowing down. They’re playing XOYO on August 15. You can learn more here.
3. Bill Bailey, August 27
The legendary Bill Bailey brings his ‘Thoughtifier’ show to Symphony Hall on August 27. Is it a concert or a comedy gig “amplified with music”? Does it even matter? Bill Bailey has crafted a one-of-a-kind, magical, musical mystery tour of the human mind, along with some other pressing matters about whales, biophilia and unrequited love. You can learn more here.
4. Father John Misty, August 30
Father John Misty is headlining Moseley Folk Festival on Saturday, August 30, in support of his 6th album ‘Mahashmashana’. Known for lyrical sharpness and beautiful melodies, expect nothing less than a breathtaking performance at Moseley Park and Pool. The likes of The Waterboys, Lightning Seeds, Mercury Rev, Doves, Peter Doherty, and many more will also be performing at the festival across the weekend. You can learn more here.
5. Queen Of The Night: A Tribute To Whitney Houston, August 30
While nothing can match one of the greatest singers of all time, Whitney Houston, this tribute to ‘The Voice’ is the next best thing. Queen Of The Night: A Tribute to Whitney Houston is the ultimate tribute to Whitney’s remarkable musical repertoire. Catch her timeless songs—like ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, ‘I’m Every Woman’’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’—performed by sensational vocalists and a full live band at Symphony Hall on August 30. You can learn more here.
6. Tom Greenan, September 4
Tom Grennan brings the GRENNAN ‘25 tour concerts to Birmingham on September 4. Catch the multi-platinum-selling artist performing from his fourth album ‘Everywhere I Went Led Me To Where I Didn’t Want To Be’ at the Utilita Arena. With two number one albums under his belt, alongside multiple Brit and Ivor Novello nominations, 2.5 billion streams, sold-out arena tours and an MTV Award for Best UK Act, this is an artist at the height of his powers. Get your tickets here.
7. Self Esteem, September 15
The ‘I Do This All the Time’-singer is heading to O2 Academy Birmingham on September 15. Self Esteem will be promoting her newest album ‘A Complicated Woman’, featuring ‘Focus Is Power’. To get your tickets head here.
8. Busted v McFly, September 16 & 17 (& October 12)
Get ready for the ultimate battle of the bands. Years after Busted and McFly came together to become McBusted, the rivalry between the boys looks to be back on… with Busted Vs McFly. Matt, Charlie and James will face off against Tom, Harry, Danny and Dougie in two concerts in Birmingham at the BP pulse LIVE on September 16 & 17. But will return, this time at Utilita Arena on October 12. To learn more, head here.
9. Vybz Kartel, September 19
Often hailed as the King of Dancehall, Vybz Kartel is set to electrify UK audiences with his much-anticipated The Worl’ Boss Tour. After over three decades in the music industry, the dancehall sensation continues to dominate the scene with his unique sound and dynamic performances. Vybz Kartel will bring his high-energy show to Birmingham’s bp pulse LIVE on September 19.
10. David Rodigan, September 21
The man, the myth, the legend. David Rodigan will bring his unbreakable love for reggae music to Birmingham with an afternoon set at the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath on September 21. For over 35 years, the legendary DJ has been blasting bass-heavy tunes in Britain’s dance halls. You can learn more here.
11. Lewis Capaldi, September 23
After surprising festival-goers at Glastonbury, the Glasgow-born singer will take to the stage of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on September 23. He’ll be performing classics like ‘Before You Go’, ‘Grace’, ‘Hold Me While You Wait’, ‘Bruises’, ‘Forget Me’, and new single ‘Survive’, which sees Lewis re-united with close collaborator Romans—who also co-wrote Lewis Capaldi’s global megahit ‘Someone You Loved’ that turned 10x Platinum earlier this year.
12. The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans, September 26
Who doesn’t love a bit of jazz? ‘The Jazz Room’ brings electrifying live music concerts, inspired by NOLA’s jazz legacy, to Birmingham. On September 26 (and October 17), Hockley Social Club will be welcoming this dynamic jazz show with a professional live band. Soulful singers, saxophonists and more talented musicians will serenade with groovy improvisations as well as timeless hits that have kept New Orleans’ hottest jazz spots jiving for centuries. To get your tickets to The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans, head here.
13. Lowkey, September 30
The unapologetically political rapper Lowkey is heading to the O2 Institute in Birmingham on September 30. He’ll be performing tracks from ‘Soundtrack to the Struggle 3’, which explores themes of political struggle and resistance. To get your tickets, head here.