Small gigs, comedy, markets, festivals, theatre and family days out coming up across Birmingham. Always check with the venue before you travel.
The first major survey of the late British-Indian painter brings together around 40 works from six decades, touching on Punjab, migration and his love of nature. Entry is free, so it's an easy one to drop into on a city centre wander.
Freddo hosts a short, silly Halloween show packed with songs and magic, and there's a new trick-or-treat door trail with a treat for every child. It's all included in a standard Cadbury World entry ticket.
Trick-or-treat your way along the museum's old streets after dark, with ghost stories in the cottages, a scare maze and a disco at the Workers' Institute. Evenings run on 24, 29, 30 and 31 October, and the later dates are selling fast.
The feel-good ABBA musical pulls into the Grand for a fortnight of singalong fun on a Greek island. Matinees run on selected Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday 1 November.
Favourite Disney characters glide onto the ice for a half-term treat at the NEC's arena, with a second run of shows the following weekend. Morning and afternoon performances make it easy to fit around little ones.
The roofed outdoor ice rink and the big wheel return to Centenary Square, so you can skate whatever the weather and then take in the city skyline from above. Both are open every day except Christmas Day.
Britain's biggest German-style Christmas market fills the city centre with handmade gifts, bratwurst, pretzels and mugs of glühwein. On Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, it opens at 1pm.
A cosier festive market on Colmore Row with locally made crafts, food and drink, a helter skelter and a bandstand, all beneath one of the city's biggest Christmas trees. The cathedral runs a programme of Advent music alongside.
The Yorkshire comic brings her new tour show to the grand surroundings of Birmingham Town Hall, a cheery alternative if you'd rather skip the bonfire crowds.
The museum celebrates Diwali with a lantern procession, Bollywood and Bhangra dancing, live music and plenty of good food. A lovely evening out for all ages, running until 9.30pm.
Celebrities and reality TV faces take to the court to mark 100 years of netball and raise money for Shelter, with a world record attempt thrown in. A family-friendly afternoon lasting around five hours.
The Rep's big Christmas show is a musical take on J M Barrie's tale, adapted by Phil Porter with songs by Ruth Chan. Best for ages seven and up, with plenty of matinees over the holidays.
Coventry's pantomime this year is a classic tale told the Belgrade way, with writer Iain Lauchlan back in the frocks as Dame Dorothy Do-It. Expect slapstick, songs and a good deal of shouting from the stalls.
Birmingham Royal Ballet's much-loved Christmas production returns with live music from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. A relaxed performance runs on 1 December and an audio-described one on 28 November.
The Dublin band bring their biggest headline tour yet to the city, with Chalk opening the night.
A rare chance to see the songwriting legend live. It's a phone-free show, so devices are locked in pouches on arrival and you can simply enjoy the music.
More than 350 independent producers offer tastings for your Christmas table, with live chef demos and workshops on cheese and festive dining. Handy for stocking up on edible gifts.
The Queen of Christmas herself brings a festive spectacular to Birmingham, with DJ Suss One warming up the crowd. Just about the most seasonal night out going.
Two nights of fresh stand-up from LGBTQ+ comics who have spent ten weeks honing new material, sharing the bill with some established Birmingham names. Aimed at ages 15 and over.
The Grand's brand-new pantomime sets sail with Richard Blackwood as Long John Silver and Ian Adams as the dame. Shows run from morning to early evening, so there's a slot for every family.
The Glaswegian stand-up brings his latest tour to the arena for one night of sharp, warm storytelling.
Ikon's annual festive market spreads through the gallery with local makers selling jewellery, prints, homeware and cards. It's free and there's no need to book, so pop in after work until 8pm.
Top indoor rowers, GB squad members among them, race on rowing machines from flat-out sprints to the classic 2,000m, with big screens to follow every stroke.
An indoor Christmas funfair with unlimited rides, an ice rink and a circus show, all included in a four-hour session ticket. A good bet for wet school-holiday days.
Gather round open fires on the museum's historic streets, join the carollers and tuck into traditional Christmas treats. Seven evenings across December, running until 10pm.
The Hippodrome's big pantomime stars Rylan alongside panto favourite Matt Slack, with all the glitter and silliness you'd hope for. Recommended for ages five and up.
Fritz Lang's silent sci-fi masterpiece turns 100, and the Covent Garden Sinfonia performs the original 1927 score live as it plays on the big screen.
Khaled Hosseini's novel about two women forging an unlikely bond in Taliban-era Afghanistan comes to the Rep in a new staging directed by Kimberley Sykes. Suitable for ages 14 and over.
Indoor motocross racing and freestyle stunts with plenty of pyro, plus a family-friendly Sunday matinee. Dirt Bike Live tickets also get you in to watch daytime practice and qualifying.
The long-running Birmingham International Tattoo returns to the NEC arena for its 2027 edition, with a Saturday evening show and a Sunday afternoon performance.
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