5 things to do in Birmingham this weekend (24 - 26 September)

Thousands are set to attend the fabulous Birmingham Pride events across Saturday and Sunday.

The event promises to be truly spectacular with an awesome line up featuring Cheryl, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Baga Chips, the parade and more on Saturday and Sister Sledge, Clean Bandit, Black Box and more on Sunday. You can see the BirminghamWorld story about the line up here.

So if you get time, or don’t fancy the main event, there’s plenty more things to do and places to see out of town, including the pretty special, inaugural Queens Heath event, Birmingham International Dance Fes and the Old Crown’s 653rd birthday celebrations.

Here’s our handy pocket sized guide to five more things going on this weekend.

Have fun whatever you decide to to!

Birmingham International Dance Festival at Handsworth Park - 11am Saturday

Autin Dance Theatre’s new outdoor show Out of the Deep Blue is a tale told in two parts – an interactive promenade and a physical theatre duet – transports its audiences into another world, to tell a story about our own.

Through dance, movement and masterful puppeteering, Out of the Deep Blue dives into the themes of the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis in an outdoor spectacle featuring a 4-metre tall Puppet operated by 5 world-class puppeteers and contemporary dancers.

The show has been designed with children and family audiences in mind, and this magical story about the power of empathy and collaboration between these two beings – an ancient creature, a dispirited teen – speaks to the world at large.

This free event is on from 11am for 45 mins. For more information about Out of the Deep Blue click here

Birmingham International Dance Festival is on until October 3.

Hott Date at Dead Wax in Digbeth - Saturday

Independent festival and club event Hott Date is back! This time at the melting pot that is Dead Wax, with a massive lineup of DJs and 12 live acts... otherwise known as The Dirty Dozen! Join them for 12 hours of musical fun across three rooms between 3pm and 3am on Saturday 25th September.

Hott Date consists of some of the best of Birmingham’s local artists including recently announced headliner garage punkers Table Scraps, the electronic hybrid trio Lycio and local folk legends High Horses as well as DJs of all backgrounds such as Bryony Williams of DIY music collective Grrrl Groan and part-time magician, part-time maverick Ed Quigley. There’s a variety of music styles so there’s something for everyone, from post-punk to indie pop to psy-fi Americana. Hott Date tickets are available here

The Quik Beats and Dig? at The Night Owl, Digbeth - Saturday

back by popular demand, The Quik Beats on Saturday 25th September, 8pm till late.

This Hammond organ driven, five-piece rock and soul band deliver an upbeat tribute to iconic 60’s R&B, soul and mod music.

Expect to hear tracks from artists such as the Spencer Davis Group, Booker T & The MG’s,  Julian Covay & The Machine, The Creation and more.

Tickets are £7 standard advance and includes entry to Dig? club night after (NHS + IB Card concessions available). 

Queens Heath Pride at Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath - Sunday

The popular bar on the High Street is celebrating the Birmingham suburb becoming the city’s newest gay quarter, renamed Queens Heath for the day.

There will be a short pride march, free live music, face painting, plus special surprises and giveaways!

Many local businesses are rebranding for the day - ‘The Kingsway’ will become ‘The Queensway, ‘The Juke’ will be known as ‘The Duchess’ and ‘Grace & James’ will turn into ‘Will & Grace & James’.

On the day The Duchess will be serving beers from the Queer Brewing Project which was set up to provide visibility for LGBTQ+ people in and around beer, and the Hare & Hounds will host free live performances from disco divas Fatt Butcher and Alanna Boden.

The march starts on York Road at 2pm. All are welcome! You can find more details about Queens Heath Pride here

The Old Crown, Digbeth - 653rd birthday weekender

This weekend Birmingham’s oldest pub, The Old Crown, celebrates its 653rd birthday!

For such a momentous occasion, one day just wasn’t enough, so they’re having a full on birthday weekend on the 24th & 25th September!

Expect live music (see below), DJs, party games, a gin pinata, cocktails, street food and much more!

Live Music: Friday - 6-11pm LIAMOSINO and LOBSTER

Saturday - 4-11pm ASH SHEEHAN

Tickets are free available here - they include a free party bag full of treats and Digbeth goodies.