What’s On in Birmingham: Shows, Music, Theatre & More

From ballet to brass bands, opera to open-air heritage, Birmingham’s cultural scene is bold, world-class and endlessly inventive.

Birmingham’s arts and culture calendar is packed with world-class performances, landmark venues and fascinating heritage. From the Birmingham Royal Ballet and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to The Rep, Birmingham Hippodrome and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, there is always something to see, hear and discover.

The city’s rich heritage is equally compelling, with Birmingham Museums Trust looking after everything from grand historic houses to internationally important collections, while venues across the city continue to champion new talent, ambitious productions and creative collaborations.

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Birmingham Royal Ballet

With origins dating back to 1931, when Dame Ninette de Valois founded the Vic-Wells Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet was established by Peter Wright in 1990. Now under the leadership of Director Carlos Acosta, the company combines much-loved classics with ambitious contemporary work, accompanied by its internationally renowned orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Swan Lake – September 23-October 3: Sir Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s glorious ballet, with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia performing Tchaikovsky’s music live.

The Nutcracker – November 20-December 12: The enchanting festive favourite returns to The Hippodrome, full of festive magic and seasonal wonder.

The Maiden Of Venice – February 20-27: A sumptuous reimagining of the 19th-century classic La Bayadère, Carlos Acosta moves the action to Renaissance Venice.

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The Alexandra

The Alexandra Theatre is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a programme of musicals, comedy, drama and dance. The beautifully restored Edwardian theatre has welcomed everyone from West End stars to legendary comedians, and remains one of the city’s favourite venues for a big night out.

Burlesque The Musical – October 6-17: A dazzling tale of ambition, self-discovery and show-stopping entertainment, packed with glamour, powerhouse vocals and spectacular choreography.

Paranormal Activity – October 27-31: A chilling new stage adaptation of the hit horror phenomenon delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense and unexpected shocks.

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Birmingham Rep

Birmingham Rep has been shaping the region’s theatrical life since 1913. Its programme combines contemporary work, reimagined classics and major touring productions, while its Broad Street home remains an important hub for creativity and emerging talent.

Peter Pan – Wed 18 Nov ‘26 – Sun 17 Jan ‘27: Bursting with imagination, this faithful retelling of J M Barrie’s much loved children’s story is given a sprinkling of Rep magic.

A Thousand Splendid Suns – Fri 29 Jan – Sat 13 Feb: In war-torn Afghanistan, two women bound by circumstance form an unlikely bond as they endure hardship, fear and survival under a brutal regime.

Punch – Tue 16 – Sat 20 Feb: A gripping true story of one impulsive act with life-changing consequences, as a young man seeks redemption after a fatal encounter reshapes three lives.

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Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Part of Birmingham City University, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is a leading centre for training musicians, actors and stage professionals. Its purpose-built home includes Bradshaw Hall alongside intimate recital and experimental spaces, with a packed programme of concerts, theatre, masterclasses and festivals spanning classical, jazz and contemporary music.

Jazz Sabbath – October 6: Explore the boundaries between jazz and the songs that defined heavy metal, with new jazz arrangements of Black Sabbath songs.

Fairport Convention – October 11: The British folk-rock legends bring timeless songs, masterful musicianship and rich musical heritage for an unforgettable evening.

Gordon Giltrap & Friends – November 22: Join the legendary and special guests for a celebration of his remarkable 60-year career.

An Evening with The Magic Numbers – November 29: Mercury Prize-nominated indie favourites bring their signature harmonies, timeless songs and uplifting live energy.

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Birmingham Museums

Birmingham Museums Trust looks after some of the city’s most important heritage sites. Alongside Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, highlights include Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall, Sarehole Mill, Soho House and the ruins of Weoley Castle, while the Museum Collection Centre offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the city’s collections.

Every Thing Must Go by Joe Lycett: BMAG – July 29-February 21: The first major solo art exhibition by comedian Joe Lycett exploring the theme of “things that are no longer with us”.

The Locationist Presents: BMAG on Film – Selected Friday and Sundays throughout the summer: Unique access to parts of the building used for some iconic scenes, including Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, Silent Witness and KingsMan: The Golden Circle.

Piece of Work – Poetry at BMAG – July 30: Acclaimed, world-renowned poets and open mic in the historic Tearoom.

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Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Hippodrome is the city’s home of spectacle, welcoming more than half a million visitors each year. Its programme ranges from blockbuster West End musicals and world-class ballet to comedy, opera and cutting-edge dance. It is also home to Birmingham Royal Ballet and the region’s much-loved Christmas pantomime.

Sleeping Beauty – December 19-January 31: The UK’s biggest regional panto returns with TV presenter Rylan and Matt Slack at the helm.

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City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO)

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has been at the heart of Birmingham’s cultural life for more than a century. Based at Symphony Hall, one of the world’s great concert venues, the CBSO’s programme spans classical masterpieces, contemporary works, film music and family concerts, alongside its acclaimed chorus and youth ensembles.

Elgar’s Enigma Variations – September 30: Elgar’s Enigma Variations, alongside Britten’s sparkling Simple Symphony and a vibrant concerto by Gwilym Simcock.

Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular – Sunday 25 October 2026, 3pm: Enjoy a spooky family concert featuring Ghostbusters, Jaws, Danse Macabre and Baba Yaga, plus free Halloween crafts.