The Best Venues For Live Music In Birmingham

Birmingham is a popular stop for many music tours embarked upon by famous international artists. With its great locations, such as the O2 Academy Birmingham, Symphony Hall and Genting Arena, along with the city’s thriving local music scene, Birmingham is one of the most popular cities in the UK for music. As well as international artists, the music scene boasts fantastic up-and-coming artists who perform in Birmingham’s alternative spaces, like The Jam House or The Drum.

1. The Jam House

The Jam House

The Jam House is a great venue that seeks to combine delicious food and excellent drinks with outstanding live music. The Jam House focuses mostly on jazz and blues artists who entertain guests throughout the night. However, besides upcoming jazz acts, such as Jazzlines or Jocelyn Brown, the Jam House’s event calendar includes other special music events, like an evening dedicated to live salsa music, which invites guests to dance the night away. The venue also has an amazing balcony, right above the main stage, where guests can enjoy performances in a great atmosphere. 3-5 St Pauls Square Birmingham, UK, +44 121 200 3030

2. The Drum

The Drum

The Drum is Birmingham’s most important intercultural art centres that is dedicated to the development, presentation and celebration of the arts and other cultural activities of the city’s diverse communities. This performance venue features a fantastic artistic program, presented throughout the year in three cycles. Both regional and international artists are given the opportunity to perform at the outstanding venue and workshops, as well as art projects, are offered to children and teenagers. Upcoming music events include an evening dedicated to the sound of Caribbean Jazz and its special cultural heritage in the city of Birmingham. 144 Potters Ln, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 333 2400

3. Route 44

Route 44

Having celebrating its tenth anniversary, Route 44 is one of the prime venues for live rock music in the whole of Birmingham. The venue, which holds about 250 people, is home to both internationally successful bands, such as Quartz, a band that has one already shared a stage with rock legends Black Sabbath and AC/DC, and local up-and-coming artists. The upcoming events calendar includes gigs from locals bands, like The Naked Beatles, Telsen, Fred Zeppelin and Pure Purple. Consult Route 44’s website for a detailed event schedule. Inn On The Green, 2 Westley Rd, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 708 0108

4. The Velvet Music Rooms

The Velvet Music Rooms

The Velvet Music Rooms, located on Birmingham’s Broad Street, is one of the largest independent bars and nightclubs in the city. Spread out on the vast floors, the top floor features a luxury VIP seating area with table service that is perfect for birthday parties and other special events. Velvet Music Rooms are renowned for its outstanding DJ performances by both resident and guest DJs. Get a first sneak peak on the bar’s website and get inspiration for a night out at Velvet Music Rooms. Cumberland House, 200 Broad St, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 248 0500

5. The Institute

The Institute

The Institute in Birmingham is one of the city’s most famous live music venues. It is a popular stopover for international artists, touring through Europe, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. From Anti Flag, Red City Radio, Ride, and many more, the O2 Institute is one of the prime choices for outstanding live music. In addition to this, the Institute gives local emerging artists the possibility to perform at their venue, with even an option to simply sign up for a gig on their website. You can sign up for their newsletter on their website and keep up-to-date with upcoming events. 78 Digbeth, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 643 0428

Digbeth Institute | © Tony HIsgett/Flickr

By Sophia Karner

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.