Music
Birmingham venue guide: the best local music and comedy clubs
Birmingham isn’t short of impressive arenas. Genting Arena will welcome Mötley Crüe, Kelly Clarkson and Little Mix in the next six months, while Barclaycard Arena are preparing to host the likes of Madonna and All Time Low, plus you can catch the likes of Cliff Richard, Will Young and Jimmy Carr at Symphony Hall.
For more intimate affairs though, we’ve rounded up some of the best local venues to check out for all things music and comedy. Just click the venue name to get the latest tickets.
O2 Academy
Where: 16-18 Horsefair, Birmingham B1 1DB
Why: Rock, pop, indie, electronic, club nights and the occasional tribute band
Who: Most major tours will stop here, with Years & Years, Eliza and the Bear, James Bay, Miguel, Editors and Kid Ink on the upcoming schedule.
The Institute
Where: 78 Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DY
Why: There’s absolutely no genre bias here! You’re just as likely to stumble on the hottest dance DJs to chart-topping indie outfits.
Who: Wolf Alice, Action Bronson, The Wombats, Johnny Marr, Circa Waves, Swim Deep, Stormzy and Eagles of Death Metal are just some of the gigs on sale now.
Rainbow Venues
Where: 78 Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DY
Why: You’ll find this renowned venue at the forefront of Birmingham’s clubbing scene, with resident and guest DJs dominating the decks. They’ve now also opened bookings up to loads of great rock, indie and electro acts who’re touring through the midlands.
Who: Hannah Wants, Loco Dice, The Graveltones, Sweet Baboo, Only Rivals, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Mutoid Man and Nothing But Thieves are just a taster of what’s to come.
The Glee Club
Where: 70 Hurst St, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 4TD
Why: With two intimate auditoriums, comedians and musicians get up close and personal at The Glee Club. The atmosphere is rarely described as anything other than electric, with regular comedy nights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Who: Paul Chowdhry, Daniel Sloss, Matt Forde and Patrick Kielty are all just around the corner.
Sunflower Lounge
Where: 76 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 4EG
Why: A hotbed for new talent, Royal Blood and Peace played there before moving up to bigger venues. Oh, and supporting Foo Fighters!
Who: Storms, Baby Strange, Meat Wave and Broken Hands are some of our top tips.
The Jam House
Where: 3-5 St Pauls Square Birmingham, B31QU
Why: This venue does what it says on the tin, dishing up the best in local jazz, blues and rock to jam to.
Who: Regular blues, salsa and gospel nights from resident groups.
Hare & Hounds
Where: 106 High St, Birmingham, West Midlands B14 7JZ
Why: Expect eclectic bookings with everything to satisfy rockers, ravers, dancers and, well, hipsters. The venue has been a firm fixture on the city’s music map since UB40 played there in 1979.
Who: Ben Ottewell, Elvis Perkins, The Blackbyrds and Blacklisters are on sale now.
Tell us your favourite venue in Birmingham over at @TicketmasterUK.
