Eight free events happening in Birmingham you won’t want to miss

Many of us are living on stringent budgets these days but that doesn’t have to take all the fun out of life. There are plenty of events going on in and around Birmingham that won’t cost us anything.

From musicals to free exhibitions, there’s lots to keep us entertained in the next few weeks, and you won’t have to spend a single pound to get in.

While not all of them will be suitable for children, who are soon going on a half-term leave, there are many free events - especially a sports event - perfect for kids coming up.

Here are eight events to visit without hurting your pocket:

1. Peter Lover: A musical

It is a fun packed musical theatre love story about a father with two daughters and the battle to keep them from a disastrous relationship.

This has free admission and is taking place at 6pm on February 18, 2023. Where: 498 Stratford Road, Sparkhill. See more details on Eventbrite.

2. LUCA - A Very Dangerous Idea

Artist Judith Alder will be working live in the RBSA Gallery to make a new wall drawing: LUCA (A Very Dangerous Idea) referring to Charles Darwin’s ‘tree of life’ sketch and the theory that all life as we know it has developed from one original life source.

Dates and times: 17th February, 24th, and 25th February. 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4.30pm You can just drop in at the gallery located in Jewellery Quarter at 4 Brook Street. Find more details on Eventbrite.

3. LEGO® Friends Hangouts; Birmingham Bullring Experience

A LEGO Friends hangout is coming to Birmingham this half term and you can visit the new LEGO Friends bedroom sets and meet the characters in Bullring this weekend. This is a 30-minute experience where kids can discover more about themselves and learn to express their own, unique personalities.

There are some special guests coming to the event as well. You can meet them at these days and times:

• Saturday 18th - 10AM - 2PM: Teija Kabs
• Sunday 19th - 12PM - 4PM: Yammy
• Monday 20th - 10AM - 2PM: Amazing Arabella
• Tuesday 21st - 10AM - 2PM: Talk to Coco

It’s free to attend and you can find more details on Eventbrite.

4. Free Stand-Up Comedy Night

Every Monday at 7:30pm you can join Resident MC Alex Egan as he hosts live Stand-Up Comedy from the best talent on the UK circuit at Sommar tap on Waterloo street, Birmingham B2 5TB. This event doesnt need a ticket and you can book your place free of charge on Eventbrite.

5. Sport Birmingham- ‘Have a go’ at different sports event for families

Organised by Sport Birmingham, and supported by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Children’s Trust, this is an event to provide opportunities for young people and their families to ‘have a go’ and participate in a number of sports activities and learn more about opportunities across the city.

Activities to try on the day will include boxing, squash, badminton, gymnastics, and athletics. It is a free vent and not time-bound so people can come and go as they please. You can book up to six tickets at once. When booking please select between 1 and 6 tickets. You will needone ticket for each person attending.

It’s taking place at on February 22, 2023 at Utilita Arena, B1 2AA, entrance via Door C (next to Legoland Discovery Centre). The event is from 12.30pm – 3.00pm. You can book your tickets on Eventbrite.

6. All Our Money - Comedy show

The organisers have said that it is a true, but “bearly credible comedy about Birmingham City Council’s budget”. The comedy performance will be followed by a discussion.

This show by Stan’s Cafe will change the way you think about how local democracy works. This FREE performance at Stirchley Baths is especially for Shift: Birmingham participants and their family and friends.

It’s taking place on March 4 at Stirchley Baths from 2-4pm. You can see more details on the event website.

7. Maestro: Improv Comedy Knockout Show

At Birmingham’s only elimination comedy showdown - only one performer will be crowned The Maestro at the end of the night. It will be a glorious night of mayhem as a fresh collection of performers compete to survive the audience vote in increasingly difficult challenges set by the directors.

It takes place on the first Wednesday every month and is free to enter. It starts at 7:30pm upstairs at 1000 Trades, Jewellery Quarter. There’s a pay-what-you-think-it’s-worth bucket (suggested donation £5) which helps fund Birmingham Improv Festival. See more details on the Eventbrite website.

8. Ikon Gallery

This is an internationall acclaimed contemporary art venue located in Birmingham and has free entry. They hold multiple tours through out the year to put a spotlight on the key works on display at the gallery. You can see the dates and times on the Ikon Gallery website.