Established in 1784, Birmingham Town Hall stands tall as a majestic structure where you can catch all the buzz around town. Built in the Roman Revival civic architecture, the building is a majestic regal sight. Several concerts, exhibitions, cultural events, festivals are held here and it is certainly the best place to get acquainted with the local music, art and culture.
The Jam House is backed by ex-Squeeze keyboarder and TV presenter Jools Holland. The club is spread over three airy floors, the top one being an open-plan restaurant serving modern world cuisine. The menu is set, although it changes regularly. Music, however, is the driving force with live acts nightly, and even a traditional Louisiana gospel brunch on Sundays.
The Oobleck is tucked away in The Custard Factory and sports a quaint warehouse look. This performance venue is the hot-spot for touring bands and local musicians. Get a dose of live music throughout the week that includes new age as well as classics.
Since opening in 1991, the Symphony Hall has been acknowledged as one of the finest concert halls in the world. The hall is home to the world famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and also plays host to visiting orchestras, celebrity recitals, non-classical acts and top comedians. It is one of the first ports of call for serious entertainment because of the fantastic acoustics; there is a reverberation chamber, a highly visual acoustic canopy and acoustic curtains.
Nominee of Best Venue award, and formerly the Carling Academy Birmingham, O2 Academy Birmingham is one of the best live music venues in the city. With so much emphasis given on the high quality of music, O2 Academy mainly showcases local bands and talents. Capacity-wise it is huge and has a stand-only capacity of around 600. Also this place is in no way less in terms of acoustics and other technical implications. Indeed a venue that proves to be responsible of thorough enjoyment for everyone, right from the audiences to performers.
Utilita Arena Birmingham is the venue for indoor sports, ball games, contact sports and athletic sports. In fact, they say that 30 different sports are played here and three world records have been set on the athletics track that can be dismantled and stored away. This venue is not just used for sports, but events like the Eurovision Song Contest and Gladiators have been televised from here. The 15,800-seat arena has witnessed entertaining concerts from international artists like Michael Bublé, The Prodigy, Jason Derulo, John Legend, One Direction, Imagine Dragons, Madonna, to name a few. Several world championship events of boxing, basketball, judo, badminton and indoor rowing are organized too.
A little way out from the city center but easy to get to, the Barber Institute is adjacent to the University of Birmingham. This is one of the world's finest small art galleries with an outstanding collection of old and modern paintings, drawings and sculpture. This gallery is not normally as busy as some larger galleries, so your tour will be un-crowded and pleasant. Artists' works include Bellini, Canaletto, Monet, Renoir, Rossetti and Van Gogh. The Institute is also a regular venue for concerts, lectures and other events.
Formerly known as The Sanctuary and the Digbeth Institute, O2 Institute Birmingham was once a grand Methodist chapel which opened for the first time in 1908. Over the years, it evolved into a cultural hub, until finally shutting down in 2008. A million pound revitalization program and take over by MAMA & Co. led to its re-opening in the fall of 2010. Despite refurbishment, this building restores its ornate facade and commitment to great music. With three venues and a capacity of 2,900, it hosts some of the best concerts and live entertainment in town.
Well-known as a music venue, the Hare & Hounds regularly plays host to bands of various styles in the upstairs room. Although no food is available, there is a wide selection of wines and spirits and a choice of lagers. Kings Heath is becoming more and more popular with young people, and as a consequence more and more new and brash bars are opening. However, this spot is refreshingly traditional and the locals are friendly.
Resorts World Arena is a fabulous event venue that is located within the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). This large venue has hosted big names and famous artists like Beyonce and Prince. Due to the arena's spacious size you'll find a wide range of events, including rock concerts, stand-up comedians, and so much more.