Sutton Park is Birmingham's largest park, covering 2400 acres consisting of woodland, heathland and wetland. Just 10km (6 miles) from the city centre, it's a perfect place to get away from the urban sprawl and tune into nature.
Available :
Daily
Aston Villa FC play their home matches at Villa Park. The Premier League runs between August and May and full fixture lists can be found on the club websites. Please note: games may be rearranged due to cup or television commitments.
Available :
18 Aug 2012 - 19 May 2013 (annual)
Birmingham's Handsworth Park celebrates the birth of the Sikh religion in true noisy style with Vaisakhi. Processions lead thousands into the park, where a funfair, food stalls and plenty of other events for the family await.
Available :
Apr 2013 (annual)
The Art Factory, held every Sunday afternoon in the Garman Ryan Collection of Walsall's New Art Gallery, offers a range of creative activities and materials for visitors to use to explore the artworks on display. On the first Sunday of the month an artist leads the session from 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Available :
Sun only
New Art Gallery, designed by controversial young architects Peter St John and Adam Caruso, houses the impressive Garman Ryan Collection and was intended to regenerate the inner-city landscape of Walsall, nine miles north of Birmingham.
Available :
Daily; not Mon
Ten inspirational galleries explore science, history and the world in Thinktank at Millennium Point. They include Power Up's incredible steam engines, and City Stories exploring Birmingham past and future. Enjoy the state-of-the-art Planetarium and surround-sound Giant Screen cinema.
Available :
Daily
Hockley's Museum of the Jewellery Quarter retraces Birmingham's 250-year-old jewellery and metalworking legacy with live demonstrations, workshop recreations and pre-booked factory tours. Buy antique to contemporary trinkets from the museum's shop or wander the unique district's 200 listed buildings.
Available :
Daily; not Mon or Sun
Inhabiting a three-storey Georgian building on St Paul's Square, The Jam House is a relaxed jazz joint with top-floor restaurant in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Lucky punters might catch the venue's musical director Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Available :
Daily; not Mon or Sun
Handmade French chocolates and fine dessert wines selected by owner Pierre Soualah fill the charming Chouchoute Chocolaterie in an atmospheric city-centre Victorian arcade. Chocolate lovers can choose from pralines, truffles and liqueur chocolates and create gorgeous gift boxes.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
From Picasso to Warhol, the Jewellery Quarter's St Pauls Gallery has an impressive collection of modern art. It is renowned for signed album-cover artwork from iconic musicians like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix.
Available :
Daily
Occuping a city-centre redbrick-terracotta Victorian building by St Philip's Cathedral, Purnell's was set up by local Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell in 2007. Order Gressingham duck or naturally-smoked haddock in the bright dining room, featuring contemporary Birmingham works by local photographer Laurence Roper. Early diners can enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif in the bar and lounge area.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
Birmingham's Academy hosts a stomping indie and funky Friday, featuring DJ/promoters Steve Gerrard & Carlton.
Available :
Fri only
Saturday nights at the Birmingham Academy see two rooms devoted to rock and indie. Resident DJs play metal, rock, punk, goth, industrial, ska, hip-hop, nu-metal, grunge and alternative indie tunes.
Available :
Sat only
In a listed city-centre building is laid-back Chi Bar, a four-level parlour with lounge, Manhattan loft-style cocktail bar and private room with a 60-person bed and jacuzzi. Music ranges from funky house to R&B, hip hop and jazz funk.
Available :
Daily
Once the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank, the Old Joint Stock pub is opposite the cathedral in central Birmingham. A Victorian-era glass-domed ceiling rises over an island bar serving local guest ales and their renowned pies. Head upstairs for pub theatre.
Available :
Daily
Owned by Indian actress Asha Bhosle, the city-centre Asha's Restaurant, her first Indian culinary venture in the UK, serves contemporary Indian cuisine and signature cocktails in a modern, lavish environment. Try the ginger-garlic prawns, delicious kebabs and spicy roasted aubergine or relax to chilled lounge music in the bar.
Available :
Daily
At the elegant city-centre Opus Restaurant, the menu changes twice daily to reflect the freshest ingredients, free-range meat and freshly-caught wild fish and crustaceans. Try Cornish lamb and Lyme Bay scallops or take home their homemade breads, pastries and desserts. The Opus Dinner Series allows diners to meet the farmers and fishermen behind the menu.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
Stocking original designerwear, Disorder Boutique produces independent, handcrafted and limited items, designed and manufactured in Birmingham using mainly British fabrics. The city-centre store also sells innovative designs from LA, New York and Europe, in keeping with its ethical, anti-brand policy.
Available :
Daily
An opulent city-centre hideaway, Red Bar & Lounge is renowned for its bespoke cocktails, laid-back lounging, top DJs and late-night dancing. A tempting menu includes gourmet canapes and bar tapas. Check the website for after party nights and special events.
Available :
Daily
The city centre's glass-covered Bullring houses 26 football pitches-worth of retail heaven. More than 160 shops and 25 restaurants on three levels reside under the curved aluminium disk-covered exterior. They include Selfridges, Debenhams, French Connection, Apple Store and Mango.
Available :
Daily
The Grade I-listed Town Hall, a restored neo-classical music venue which re-opened in 2007 following a £35m renovation, dominates Victoria Square, Birmingham's main piazza. Stop to admire the quirky Floozie in the Jacuzzi sculpture and Iron: Man by Antony Gormley.
Available :
Daily
Birmingham now hosts its own impressive version of the traditional Hindu Rath Yatra Festival. Chariots devoted to Lord Krishna's most merciful incarnation make their way to Victoria Square for a huge vegetarian feast and entertainment.
Available :
Aug 2013 (annual)
Birmingham's festive Frankfurt Christmas Market returns to Victoria Square and the upper part of New Street. Around 200 stalls sell jewellery, handmade toys, ceramics, candles, glasswork and traditional Christmas decorations, to help you find the best Christmas presents.
Available :
Nov - Dec 2013 (annual)
Slouchy seats, exposed brickwork and purple timber floors re-create a 1960s New York vibe in the candle-lit, city-centre Mechu Bar and Grill, with private VIP lounge. Share a platter or grazing plate or try their signature burger and Mechu chips with aioli. There's also an extensive dessert and cocktail menu. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
Named after the street where it dwells, SummerRow is an up-and-coming social development based on a New York theme. Its two bar-cum-lounges, Mechu and Après, attract a young sophisticated crowd for post-work dinner, drinks and dancing.
Available :
Daily
Simple French fare from coq au vin to moules marinières is served with gusto in this city-centre restaurant, where long bench tables and balcony areas offer group and romantic dining. Chez Jules' two-course lunch and dinner menus offer particularly good value. Ensure there's space for homemade desserts like crème brulee and mousse au chocolat.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
In regenerated Digbeth, find vintage fashion, vinyl and organic food at The Custard Factory Flea Market, where artists and entertainers create a unique market atmosphere. The Custard Factory complex houses shops, galleries and the 40-foot Green Man sculpture.
Available :
Weekends only
The SuperSonic Festival at Birmingham's Custard Factory is run by Capsule, the driving force behind some of the UK's best music events. Expect live music ranging from prog to grimecore as well as art installations, a film programme and karaoke.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
Middle Eastern treasures and one of the world's largest pre-Raphaelite collections are among highlights of the centrally located Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The Waterhall Gallery of Modern Art, 19th-century Round Room and impressive Edwardian Tea Room are worth a visit.
Available :
Daily
Playing host to everything from the Rolling Stones to Mendelssohn's Elijah are Birmingham's city-centre iconic buildings. The 1,100-capacity Town Hall, with its original 6,000-pipe organ, is fully restored and the 2262-seater Symphony Hall is home to the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Available :
Daily
The lively city-centre Bullring Markets sell everything from latest fashions to fresh fruit. The Rag Market is renowned for its gorgeous fabrics. For clothes, lingerie and accessories, head to the Open Market's covered walkways or the adjacent Indoor Market.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
West Bromwich Albion FC play their home matches at The Hawthorns. The Premier League runs between August and May and full fixture lists can be found on the club websites. Please note: games may be rearranged due to cup or television commitments.
Available :
18 Aug 2012 - 19 May 2013 (annual)
Opened in 1909, the city-centre's Electric Cinema is the UK's oldest working cinema and Birmingham's only independent picture house. There's an Art Deco bar, delicious menu and Parisian absinthe from a fountain. Upgrade to sofa seating with waiter text service.
Available :
Daily
Creative mixologists blend cocktails at Bar du Malmaison in Birmingham's upscale Mailbox mall. Leather sofas and contemporary lighting create a slick, elegant look and feel. An extensive wine cellar offers bottles for all palates. Stay up for late-night dancing.
Available :
Daily
Birmingham Comedy Festival promises one of the biggest and best line-ups yet, with familiar faces and emerging talent performing throughout the city. Going from strength to strength each year, this year's festival promises even more entertainment.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
A celebration of Black music and art, the British Arts and Street Sounds festival takes place at venues across Birmingham. Events range from UK hip-hop dancing and sound system nights to critical debates on race and cultural identity.
Available :
Jul 2013 (annual)
BIAD Graduate Shows exhibit and promote the best emerging talent from Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. Held at venues throughout Birmingham University sites, it showcases mixed-media work from students who are taking their first steps towards becoming professional artists.
Available :
Jun 2013 (annual)
Birmingham's International Dance Festival presents a programme of performances from around the world at indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city. A biennial event, it's another high-energy fixture in the city's cultural calendar, and features both local and international dance troupes.
Available :
Apr - May 2013 (biennial)
Runners can do their thing for the environment this autumn as the Birmingham Half Marathon's Race Against Climate Change is a chance to show commitment to the worthy cause. Growing in momentum, 15,000 runners are expected at this year's race.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
Birmingham is smothered in green, white and gold for its annual St Patrick's Day Festival. The huge parade features floats, marching bands and walkers, and day-long activities for all ages make this a great party.
Available :
Mar 2013 (annual)
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