From rock legends and immersive Egyptian adventures to heritage discoveries, brilliant theatre and a laid-back reggae afternoon in Digbeth, Birmingham has another packed weekend ahead. Whether you’re a local looking for something different or visiting the city for a couple of days, here’s The Birmingham Edit’s pick of the best things to do from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September.
Step Back in Time for Birmingham Heritage Week
One of the biggest reasons to get out and explore next weekend is the return of Birmingham Heritage Week, which runs from 11th–20th September.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover parts of Birmingham you may have walked past a hundred times without knowing the stories behind them. Buildings, neighbourhoods and historic spaces across the city are opening their doors, with tours, exhibitions, walks and special events celebrating Birmingham’s extraordinary past.
There are events across the city, from Bournville and the Jewellery Quarter to Sutton Coldfield and Yardley, including plenty of free activities, family events, guided walks and tours.
Explore the full Birmingham Heritage Week programme: HERE
Last Chance to Experience Tutankhamun
This really is your last chance. Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at the NEC closes on Sunday 13th September.
The 90-minute experience takes visitors into the world of Ancient Egypt through spectacular immersive video projections, virtual reality and metaverse experiences, artefacts and interactive displays.
If you’ve been meaning to see it but haven’t quite made it, this is the weekend to do it.
Information and tickets: HERE
Mrs. Doubtfire Takes Over the Hippodrome
For a night at the theatre, Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical continues its run at Birmingham Hippodrome throughout the weekend.
Based on the much-loved Robin Williams film, the stage musical combines big production numbers with plenty of comedy and a surprisingly touching story about family.
There are performances on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon, making this one of the easiest big shows to fit into your weekend.
Show information and tickets: HERE
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Gets Brummie
There’s an especially strong Birmingham flavour at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery right now.
Ozzy Osbourne (1948–2025): Working Class Hero celebrates the global achievements of one of Birmingham’s most famous sons and remains on display until 27th September.
Even better, from Saturday 12th September, the museum begins special Farewell to Working Class Hero tours as the hugely popular exhibition enters its final weeks.
Meanwhile, fellow Brummie Joe Lycett has taken over the gallery with EVERY THING MUST GO, his first major solo art exhibition. It’s colourful, mischievous and suitably unconventional — exactly what you’d expect from Lycett.
See what’s on at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: HERE
Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero: HERE
Turn Up the Volume
Birmingham’s live music scene is particularly busy next weekend.
Friday 11th September brings Evanescence, joined by special guests Poppy and K.Flay, to Utilita Arena Birmingham. The following evening, Jane McDonald brings her Living The Dream show to the same venue.
Utilita Arena Birmingham – events and tickets:
HERE
Over in Digbeth, the O2 Institute Birmingham is always worth checking for its latest gigs and club nights.
O2 Institute Birmingham: HERE
And if Sunday afternoon sounds better with reggae, food and a relaxed Digbeth atmosphere, take a look at what’s happening at The Night Owl, one of Birmingham’s best-loved independent music venues.
The Night Owl – events: HERE
Make a Day of Birmingham
Of course, you don’t actually need a concert or theatre ticket to have a great weekend in the city.
For a family favourite, head to Cadbury World in Bournville for a suitably chocolate-filled day out.
Cadbury World: HERE
You could also explore the underwater world at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham.
National SEA LIFE Centre: HERE
For some serious retail therapy, spend a few hours browsing the Bullring & Grand Central, before heading towards Digbeth and its independent shops, bars, street art and creative spaces.
Bullring & Grand Central: HERE
Alternatively, wander through the Jewellery Quarter, explore Birmingham’s canals around Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin or simply find somewhere new for lunch and watch the city go by.
The Birmingham Edit tip: Don’t over-plan it. Pick one headline event, leave a few hours free for exploring and see where the city takes you. Birmingham is often at its best when you stumble across somewhere you weren’t actually looking for.
