We are now well and truly in Autumn. The nights are starting much earlier, and the mornings are getting dark, so you might be tempted to spend your free time snuggling up in bed and watching Netflix. But don’t put the kettle on just yet because there are so many ways to spend those chilly days and nights in the city. Here are just 5 of the best things to do in Birmingham this November.
Start Christmas Early
Yes it’s only November, and yes Christmas isn’t for at least a month, but who doesn’t wish it could be Christmas every day? The festival season arrives early in Brum, with the annual Frankfurt Christmas Market coming to town on Thursday 3rd November, and lasting until Friday 23rd December. This market is incredibly popular, and every year brings thousands of people to the city to soak in some Christmas cheer. It is the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, and contains many stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious, sweet treats. The popular beer stalls offer traditional food and drinks, including bratwurst and weissbeer, to keep you warm in the chilly evenings. There will also be live music, and the much-loved singing reindeer.
Still not enough Christmas? Well get yourself over to Pigeon Park for the second annual Christmas in Cathedral Square. There will be rotating stalls selling food, drink, crafts, and gifts, so come back every week to see something new. You’ll also find a helter-skelter, a live bandstand, and the return of the Pigeon in the Park pub! It arrives on 16th November, the same day as the Birmingham Christmas lights will be switched on, until 18th December.
Have a Skate and a Spin
With the Christmas market comes the ice rink and the big wheel. Taking over Centenary Square from 3rd November to 8th January, Ice Skate Birmingham will bring the biggest ice rink in the city back for another year. Although outdoors, the rink is covered, so you won’t have to worry about slipping in the rain. All ages are welcome, so it’s a wonderful place to take the family, and it is open every day from 10am to 10pm, so you can have a morning session and avoid the crowds, or skate under the stars. The rink is even wheelchair accessible, so everyone can have fun on the ice.
If you’re more of a sit down person, or just don’t want to risk an embarrassing fall, why not go for a ride on the big wheel? From the top you will have views of the skaters on the rink below you, as well as panoramic of Birmingham. It’s okay if you’re not a fan of heights, you can always chill out in the ice lounge. You don’t need to be a skater to enjoy the food and drinks on offer, and it’s perfect for warming up with a mug of hot chocolate.
Watch a Fireworks Display
Remember, remember, the fifth of November. Bonfires, fireworks, and lots… of options to choose from for your Guy Fawkes Night. Between Diwali and New Year’s, there seem to be fireworks going off every night, but those back garden celebrations don’t hold a candle to the events held in and around Birmingham on the 5th. In the west, you have the display at Himley Hall in Dudley, the largest event in the Black Country. In the east will be Kenilworth Castle’s annual fireworks gala, held on the historic castle grounds.
But if you don’t want to leave the city, you need to go to Edgbaston Fireworks Spectacular. It is the biggest fireworks display in Birmingham, and it is far more than just rockets and sparklers. There is an on-site fun fair, live performances, face painting, and hot food to warm you up. The part atmosphere goes from 5.30pm to 9pm, so it’s really a night to remember.
Join the Nerdy Crowd
Back again to give a space for all of our latent nerdy desires to be fulfilled, MCM Comic Con is coming to the NEC on 11th to 13th November. Three days packed with guests, panels, and gaming; it is always a weekend of pure fun. Get into the spirit by donning your best outfit and join the cosplay competition – who says dressing up is only for Halloween? There will be console games, board games, card games, and Dungeons and Dragons in the gaming zone, as well as work from independent creators at Artist Alley.
Prefer K-Pop to the MCU? Well, you’re catered for too! The Pop Asia area will be filled with anime and manga, music and dance performances, and The British Sumo Federation! Panels at Comic Con will include a cosplay masquerade, Star Wars droid building, and a discussion on women of colour in wrestling. And as usual, there will be plenty of guests, including a number of WWE and anime stars, as well as world-famous actor Ron Pearlman!
SHOUT!
SHOUT festival is an annual celebration of queer arts and culture that spreads over venues across Birmingham and the West Midlands from 4th to 12th November. It was started by the grassroots organisation Birmingham LGBT to both amplify and support queer communities in the city. There will be tonnes of workshops, performances, and activities to take part in, with something new to choose from every day, so keep an eye out for your perfect event.
If you are a lover of comedy, watch one of the stand-up or dramedy performances, including a comedy night at the Glee Club on the 10th. Fancy a dance? Be taught by award-winning burlesque performer Dominus Von Vexo how to Cha-Cha with the Edwardian Tea Rooms as a gorgeous backdrop. For those who prefer a more quiet day out, there are many creative meet ups and workshops, as well as art exhibitions at the Ikon Gallery. And to end the week, watch the Catwalk Extravaganza, which will be the ultimate night of fashion, lip syncing, and dancing.
