9 things to do in Birmingham this weekend (October 8 - 10)

Here’s our pick of 9 brilliant Brummie things happening in the city this weekend
The Night Owl is paying tribute to Charlie Watts from The Rolling Stones on Saturday. Here’s a picture of the band (left to right) Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards, performing at the London Stadium in LondonThe Night Owl is paying tribute to Charlie Watts from The Rolling Stones on Saturday. Here’s a picture of the band (left to right) Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards, performing at the London Stadium in London
The Night Owl is paying tribute to Charlie Watts from The Rolling Stones on Saturday. Here’s a picture of the band (left to right) Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards, performing at the London Stadium in London

The nights might be getting darker as autumn draws in - but that hasn’t held up events happening across Birmingham.

More and more people are catching up after the lockdown and there are so many great and varied things you can do across the city - from literature festivals, martial arts shows, ballet, theatre and some fab live music.

Here’s a selection of what’s on in Birmingham this weekend.

Have a great time whatever you decide to do.

Edgbaston Artisan Village Market - Friday from 10am to 3pm

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There’s some great home-made produce promised at this tasty event which is coming to Greenfield Crescent.

Chutneys, cheeses and Christmas specials are among the delights at the latest event, which is held on the first Friday of every month.

It’s only four months old - but has already grown to become the biggest artisan market in Birmingham. All your Edgbaston Village Market info here

Birmingham Literature Festival at University of Birmingham - Friday (and other events throughout the week)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This year’s event is already underway, showcasing the very best writers, speakers, thinkers, activists and artists from the UK and across the world.

Organisers programme and commission a wide range of innovative literature and literature-inspired work. You can choose one of six events to book at the Bramall Building at University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus on Friday. These include a regional writer meet up and a talk about money with Otegha Uwagba. More details about this year’s Birmingham Literature Festival here

Horse of the Year ShowHorse of the Year Show
Horse of the Year Show

Horse of the Year Show 2021 at Resorts World Arena - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

This popular event has returned after being absent due to the pandemic. On Friday horse fans can see the prestigious Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Saturday daytime showcases championships galore in both the TopSpec Arena and the Andrews Bowen International Arena.

The evening performance is equally exhilarating with the final installment of the Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Driving Championship and the continuation of the international showjumping classes including the highly anticipated Ripon Select Foods Puissance.

Sunday remains the ‘day of champions’ as the show comes to a climax with the crowning of the Horse of the Year Show Supreme Horse and Pony of the Year and the Leading Showjumper of the Year. More details about the Horse of the Year Show are here.

The Night Owl, DigbethThe Night Owl, Digbeth
The Night Owl, Digbeth

Ultimate Madnezz at The Night Owl, Digbeth - Saturday

The Night Owl proudly presents Madness tribute act, Ultimate Madnezz live, performing the hits, classics, and deep cuts from the ska legends!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Grab those baggy trousers and come and join us at The House Of Fun for a proper dance and sing-a-long!

Doors 8PM

Tickets available here.

Get Stoned at The Night Owl, Digbeth - Sunday

Like many music fans The Night Owl + Get Stoned were heartbroken by the sad passing of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. The Night Owl is celebrating his life with a day of Rolling Stones music + festivities.

Also to pay their respects, the venue is donating 50% of door money to Cancer Research charity in memory of Charlie

2-8pm, £6

Tickets available here.

The Father Teds (Live) at D.J.Quinns in Hall Green - Saturday

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Birmingham Irish Band Since 1996" - and still one of the best in the city will take to the stage from 8:30pm. And it’s free entry.

Birmingham Royal Ballet perform Romeo and JulietBirmingham Royal Ballet perform Romeo and Juliet
Birmingham Royal Ballet perform Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet Birmingham Royal Ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome - Friday and Saturday

Kenneth MacMillan’s passionate choreography and Prokofiev’s glorious score set hearts alight in  this enduringly popular interpretation of Romeo and Juliet.

Love at first dance, forbidden passions and dangerous secrets combine in this exhilarating classic ballet. In the most famous love story ever told, a dangerous cocktail of arrogant youth, simmering tension and deadly feuds leaves two young lovers at the mercy of powerful families and their own hearts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

From the balcony scene’s ecstatic pas de deux, exploring love in all its soaring wonder, to the lovers’ heart-breaking ends, Romeo and Juliet is dance at its most poignant and beautiful. Click on the hyperlink for more details about BRB’s performance of Romeo and Juliet https://www.brb.org.uk/whats-on/event/romeo-and-juliet - tickets have sold out.

The Cat and The Canary is playing at The AlexandraThe Cat and The Canary is playing at The Alexandra
The Cat and The Canary is playing at The Alexandra

Cat and the Canary at The Alexandra - Friday and Saturday

Building on the phenomenal decade-long success of The Agatha Christie Theatre Company, The Classic Thriller Theatre Company presents their fifth production, with an adaptation of this famous stage thriller which went on to spawn three hit movie versions. For more information about The Cat and The Canary at The Alexandra here

What’s New Pussy Cat at the Rep - until November 2

Get ready for music, mods and rocking romance in this brand-new musical comedy inspired by the classic Henry Fielding novel The History of Tom Jones.

Written by Tony Award winning, Joe Di Pietro and featuring the iconic songs of Sir Tom Jones, this hilarious new show invites you to relive London’s swinging sixties in all its delicious excess. Click on the hyperlink for more information about What’s New Pussy Cat at the Rep.

Battle Arena is coming to Edgbaston StadiumBattle Arena is coming to Edgbaston Stadium
Battle Arena is coming to Edgbaston Stadium
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Battle Arena Mixed Martial Arts Edgbaston Stadium - Saturday

Battle Arena Is Bringing The Boom To Birmingham. One of Europe’s ‘top’ mixed martial arts shows will see 52 amateur fighters from around the world go head-to-head in front of a packed out crowd.

Battle Arena is an MMA promotion which puts on big shows across the UK and offers the perfect opportunity for seasoned professionals, amatures and those new to MMA to see an action packed evening.

Battle Arena owner, James Price, said he expects a sell-out crowd of about 1000 people at the Birmingham venue.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 49-year-old said: "We’ve got some pretty amazing fighters on the card. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world for a reason. It’s really exciting, high-octane action. It’s got everything you want from a combat sport. It’s just great to watch.”

For more information visit Battle Arena’s Facebook page or www.mmabattlearena.com

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.