From ballet to brass bands, opera to open-air heritage, Birmingham’s cultural scene is bold, world-class, and endlessly inventive. The city offers a rich mix of theatre, music, dance, and heritage experiences, ensuring there is always something extraordinary to see and hear.

—

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Under the leadership of Carlos Acosta, the BRB continues to enchant audiences with both timeless classics and bold new works. Don Quixote (Feb 12–21) sparkles with romance and humour, while 20th-Century Masterpieces (Jun 19–20) presents three innovative ballets from choreographic giants. Later in the year, Swan Lake (Sep 21–Oct 31) returns in Sir Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s acclaimed production, a glorious tale of love and tragedy brought to life with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. For more events and information, visit brb.org.uk

—

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO)

Led by Kazuki Yamada, the CBSO brings unforgettable music to Birmingham. Best of Bond (Feb 20) celebrates the iconic spy with thrilling themes, while Ocean in Concert (Mar 1), narrated by Sir David Attenborough, fuses cinematic wonder with a live orchestral score. Kazuki Conducts Rachmaninoff & Bartók (Apr 9) explores a thrilling mix of reflection and innovation, from the past to the future, all performed at Symphony Hall. For more events and information, visit cbso.co.uk

—

Birmingham Rep

As the city’s only major producing theatre, Birmingham Rep combines creativity, education, and stagecraft. Small Island (Apr 1–18) adapts Andrea Levy’s award-winning novel, charting journeys from Jamaica to 1940s London. A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Apr 25–May 24) is a vibrant, magical take on Shakespeare’s classic, while Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Jul 4–Aug 9) blends dark humour and drama in a razor-sharp musical thriller. For more events and information, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk

—

Birmingham Hippodrome

A centre for musicals, dance, and international festivals, the Hippodrome delivers entertainment for all ages. The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Feb 24–28) combines adventure and myth, while Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Mar 23–28) celebrates love, friendship, and being unapologetically yourself. The smash-hit SIX (Mar 31–Apr 11) retells the stories of Henry VIII’s wives with pop energy and bold choreography. For more events and information, visit birminghamhippodrome.com

—

Birmingham Museums Trust

Discover the city’s heritage from city museums to historic houses and more. The exhibition I Photograph Comedians! (Feb 18–May 31) on display at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, celebrates nearly 80 portraits of comedy legends from Ken Dodd to Joe Lycett. Visitors can also explore Tolkien-inspired sites with Sarehole Sundays guided tours, and historic collections ranging from Tudor homes to Weoley Castle ruins. For more events and information, visit birminghammuseums.org.uk

—

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

A world-leading centre for musicians, actors, and stage professionals, the Conservatoire showcases adventurous performances. Spring Opera: Orpheus in the Underworld (Mar 5–7) delivers Offenbach’s sparkling operetta with high japes and high kicks. Little Women: The Broadway Musical (Mar 20–21) follows the March sisters’ journey of love, ambition, and family, while Manchester Collective: Papillons (May 3) fuses music, dance, and multimedia in a stunning exploration of transformation. For more events and information, visit bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire

—

The Alexandra Theatre

Since 1901, The Alexandra has hosted musicals, comedy, and live music acts in a beautifully restored Edwardian setting. Key shows this season include Beautiful Crazy – The Luke Combs Collection (Feb 18), a musical celebration of one of country music’s biggest stars; Fawlty Towers – The Play (Mar 17–21), bringing the iconic sitcom to life; and The Ballad of Johnny and June (Apr 21–25), a moving musical retelling of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s legendary love story, featuring classic hits like I Walk the Line and Ring of Fire. For more events and information, visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/

View or download our full Birmingham City guide [here]