6 of the Best Birmingham Events in September

September has arrived! Summer has ended, and the kids are back at school, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. With the changing seasons come new and exciting events to take part in around the city. Here are just 6 of the amazing activities in Birmingham this month.

Celebrate Nature – 2^nd – 18^th

Taking over Victoria Square for 2 weeks of September, PoliNations aims to celebrate the UKs diversity, history, and amalgam culture, all while emphasising the important role of plant life and natural spaces. Thousands of plants are displayed around giant tree sculptures to create an ethereal garden space, including 9 “iconic plants” which each tell a story about our cultural heritage in the UK.

It’s not all spectacle though, there are many events taking place in the area too. There are guided yoga and meditation sessions, talks and activities around gardening and plant life, and free chai courtesy of Dishoom. Everything really lights up in the evenings though – literally. As well as musical performances in all sorts of genres and styles, every day at dusk the trees put on a light show accompanied by soundscapes and dance performances.

Walk Among History – 9^th – 18^th

Birmingham Heritage Week is back for it’s annual celebration of all things Brum. For 10 days, dozens of organisations are throwing open their doors so that members of the public might learn more about the history and culture of Birmingham. There will be tours and talks, workshops and walks, and even some online events for those who aren’t able to make it out to the city. Many of the events are free, so there is no reason not to join in. Although there are over 150 events to choose from, here are some of our top picks.

1. The Birmingham Honey Show at Winterbourne (10^th and 11^th September) will say hello to the resident bee population of the historic house and garden. There will be plant and honey sales, as well as activities for the kids.
2. The First Folio Tour is displaying a copy of William Shakespeare’s First Folio at Highbury Hall (18^th September). Usually part of the Shakespeare Memorial Library at the Library of Birmingham, it is now touring the area so that everyone may have a chance to see it.
3. Gem of a Place (9^th – 11^th, 16^th – 18^th September) will turn the Jewellery Quarter into a theatre. Beginning at the Golden Square, you will be taken on a journey with 6 stories about the jewellers of the area. Booking is needed for this one, though, so don’t miss out!

Get a Tattoo – 10^th – 11^th

No, not that kind. In September, Britain’s largest indoor military tattoo will be coming to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC. The Birmingham International Tattoo will play host to a number of marching bands from the UK, France, and Poland, as well as junior bands from cadet forces and youth marching bands. After individual performances, they will join together in a massed international band as part of the Spectacular Grand Finale.

The displays at this event will include a field gun competition, a flyball dog display, and musical performances from classical singers. There will also be the opportunity to donate to the charities Troop Aid, which helps injured soldiers, and Royal Star & Garter, which supports disabled veterans. So not only can you witness a once-a-year spectacle, but you can also help a good cause.

Go For a Drink – 16^th – 17^th

Students, take heed! Taking over the Tea Works in Digbeth, Beer Central is back for its annual craft beer festival. There will be hundreds of beers to try from over 30 different, world-class breweries, including Birmingham’s favourite Attic Brew Co. If you need something to soak up all that booze, there will be live fire cooking and all sorts of street food to fill your stomach.

As if food and so, SO much beer isn’t enough, you’ll get some live entertainment from music acts such as reggae guitarist Dennis Bovell and a hip hop DJ set from Bam! So let out your inner hipster, and get to drinking.

Have Some Pride – 24^th – 25^th

It’s the 25^th anniversary of Birmingham Pride this year, so you know it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! An incredible celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that started life as a series of loud and proud protests, today Pride is one of the best, and most important, festivals of inclusion and acceptance in the world. Tens of thousands of people come together in the city centre every year for this event, and they never run out of things to do.

Of course, the parade march is the most important part of the entire weekend. A protest first and foremost, the march is also an incredible spectacle and full of colour and energy. Additionally, there will be a main stage erected at Smithfield, near the Gay Village, which will be a site for cabaret and musical performances. Round the corner you will find the street party, with all the best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs coming out the make the days all the more exciting.

Be Independent – 24^th – 25^th

Birmingham is absolutely full of some of the best independent food and drink traders you can find, and The Independent Birmingham Festival is a great way to try them out. With 18 food vendors and 9 bars, you will find yourself utterly stuffed by the end of the day, but it will be well worth it! There will also be an outdoor market with many independent artists, designers, and sellers, as well as live music on the main stage.

The location of this event makes it even more special. With Aston Hall looming over the green, it really feels like a grand occasion. Even better, the weekend is completely dog friendly, so even your pup will get a great day out. Be quick getting your tickets though, the festival sold out very quickly last year, and you don’t want to miss out.