Being the second largest city in England, Birmingham has a rich history of vibrant live music scenes. Its nightlife dates back to the 1900s, and today, the city boasts cherished live music venues like O2 Institute Birmingham, The Jelly House and The Flapper. It is quickly becoming one of the UK's most interesting cities to explore and discover new music.

Below, we have compiled a list of Birmingham's ten venues you can visit to enjoy live music any time of year.

  • 1

    Symphony Hall

    Home to Birmingham's symphony orchestra

    Symphony Hall
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    The Symphony Hall and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are excellent venues to enjoy classical music, honoring the city's history and diversity. The venue hosts over 150 performances annually, with Birmingham, UK, and worldwide performers.

    The Symphony Hall plays anything from classical to current music, movie scores, and even symphonic disco. It is active in every facet of music in the Midlands thanks to a broad community program, a family of choirs, and youth ensembles. They recently presented a weekend of Beethoven's music and a Tchaikovsky arrangement.

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    Location: Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA, United Kingdom

    Phone: +44 1217 803333

    Map
  • 2

    O2 Academy Birmingham

    A premier venue at the heart of Birmingham's nightlife

    O2 Academy Birmingham
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    02 Academy is easily accessible from Birmingham, just 15 to 20 minutes walk from the city centre, and offers a variety of club, comedy and music acts all year round. There are many lodging options nearby for visitors, and the hall can host roughly 3,000 people.

    02 Academy creates a fantastic vibe that usually makes a great night out. It offers different conveniences, pubs, and shopping places. Ticket costs vary depending on the play you plan to see, but they're normally inexpensive.

    Location: 16-18 Horse Fair, Birmingham B1 1DB, United Kingdom

    Open: Monday to Friday - 12-4pm Saturday & Sunday - closed

    Phone: +44 1216 228250

    Map
  • 3

    The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theater

    Housing mouthwatering food, beer and a bar with a glass-domed roof

    The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theater
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    The Old Joint Stock Theater pub lies just outside Birmingham City Center. The pub's distinctive, vintage appearance distinguishes it from other entertainment joints.

    The Old Joint Stock Theater pub began as a library in 1862. It has maintained its authentic vintage appeal, down to its central glass dome and traditional features. It serves as Birmingham's entertainment destination by night and pub by day. Walking to the upper floor of this 19th-century structure, you'll discover one of Birmingham's top theaters.

    The pub hosts live music on the last Wednesdays of the month and Gin Master lessons. It also has many activities to partake in every day, including burlesque performances and wine testings.

    Location: 4 Temple Row W, Birmingham B2 5NY, United Kingdom

    Open: Monday to Saturday - 11am-11pm Sunday - 12-6pm

    Phone: +44 1212 001892

    Map

    photo by andrewrabbott (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 4

    O2 Institute Birmingham

    A historic nightlife establishment

    O2 Institute Birmingham
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    The O2 Institute Birmingham is a famous live music venue and a member of the UK's Academy Music Group. It's in a structure formerly known as Digbeth Civic Hall, which served as the original location of the legendary international trance club, Gods kitchen. The venue has four rooms: the 1500-capacity main room, a 600-person downstairs room, a 300-person upstairs room, and a separate V.I.P. area.

    There's also a 2,000-person auditorium located on the upper balcony. The bar hosts different bands and performers from local favorites. Catch shows from the Wonder Stuff, Bentley Rhythm Ace and Super Furry Animals from the 1990s. O2 Institute Birmingham is a favorite venue for worldwide touring groups like The Temper Trap and Ladyhawke.

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    Location: 78 Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DY, United Kingdom

    Open: Monday to Friday - 12-3pm Saturday & Sunday - closed

    Phone: +44 1214 374150

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  • 5

    The Brasshouse

    A historic brass foundry, pub and restaurant

    The Brasshouse
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    The Brasshouse, formerly a brass factory, is in Gas Street Basin, next to the Canal Old Line. Birmingham was a significant brass manufacturing hub in the 18th century, with metal coming from Bristol through the River Severn and canal.

    The Brasshouse features Sky Sports and BT Sport each week and hosts a wide selection of live music. It's a well-liked Broad Street pub that stays open late through the night on weekends when DJs play the hottest melodies for the young and enthusiastic nightlife lovers.

    Location: 44 Broad St, Birmingham B1 2HP, United Kingdom

    Open: Monday & Tuesday - 8am-11pm Wednesday & Thursday - 8am-12am Friday & Saturday - 8am-2am Sunday - 8am-10:30pm

    Phone: +44 1216 333383

    Map

    photo by Elliott Brown (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 6

    Hare & Hounds

    An exciting venue with fine cocktails and wines

    Hare & Hounds
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    The Hare & Hounds is in the Kings Heath neighborhood in south Birmingham and thus accessible from numerous neighborhoods. It's a Grade II-listed pub that was constructed in 1820 but has remained in its current form since 1907. The establishment has two downstairs bars offering high-quality evening food options and pub quizzes.

    There are two venues above that regularly host live music events. Club nights feature jazz, indie, funk, reggae, hip hop, soul, house, D'n'B, and comedy. The Hare & Hounds presents visitors with amazing Bath countryside views as they enjoy live music. Head out to this traditional English pub for a remarkable live music experience.

    Location: 106 High St, King's Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ, United Kingdom

    Open: Monday to Thursday - 5pm-12am Friday & Saturday - 2pm-3am Sunday - 5pm-12am

    Phone: +44 1214 442081

    Map
  • 7

    The Jelly House

    Big-name rock, jazz and blues artists

    The Jelly House
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    The Jelly House is a remarkable venue that blends fantastic live music with amazing cuisine and beverages. This open-plan theater, housed in a classic Georgian tower, has a rich musical heritage. It was established by renowned musician Jools Holland and designer Neil Tibbott and functions as an unplugged place for people to enjoy live music.

    Jazz nights were successful in creating these positive vibes. The Jelly House has a 600-person capacity. Therefore, you should reserve their popular balcony tables overlooking the main stage early. You don't want to miss out on very demanding sitting positions.

    Location: 3-5 St Paul's Square, Birmingham B3 1QU, United Kingdom

    Open: Sunday to Tuesday - closed Wednesday - 6pm-12am Thursday - 6pm-2am Friday & Saturday - 6pm-2am

    Phone: +44 1212 003030

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  • 8

    The Victoria, Birmingham

    A theater pub that hosts quiz night

    The Victoria, Birmingham
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    Victoria is one of Birmingham's oldest bars. It made a name for itself as a music pub with ingenious beverages and cuisine. The bar and the stage space upstairs host DJs who spin indie and disco music. With themed nights and a loud audience, promoters like The Slingshot Club come here to bring in a diverse range of artists and bands, both local and touring.

    Expect more cocktails and live music upstairs at their sibling establishment, Island Bar, which is just around the street. DJs downstairs play everything from Sam Redmore's disco and reggae to DJ Magoo's afro-beats. Weekday quiz nights provide a fun touch to the comfortable ambiance that residents and guests adore.

    Location: 48 John Bright St, Birmingham B1 1BN, United Kingdom

    Open: Monday to Thursday - 4pm-11pm Friday - 4pm-1am Saturday - 12pm-1am Sunday - closed

    Phone: +44 1216 339439

    Map
  • 9

    Actress & Bishop

    A live music scene and late-night bar

    Actress & Bishop
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    The Actress & Bishop is a popular destination for people seeking live music. It's located in The Jewelry Quarter in St. Paul's Square and has been a mainstay of the Birmingham music scene for years. It's also one of the city's most well-known live music venues.

    DJs and live artists perform here frequently. Whether it's an open mic night or a full band upstairs, you can't miss live music to meet your class every night, and the atmosphere is always intriguing and diverse. Late-night opening times, concerts, DJs, and a scenic smoking terrace make The Actress a popular destination.

    Location: 36 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham B3 1EH, United Kingdom

    Open: Daily from 12pm-2am

    Phone: +44 1212 367426

    Map
  • 10

    The Flapper

    Hosts regular live music scenes, a pool table and a beer garden

    The Flapper
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    The Flapper is undoubtedly a true classic of the local independent music scene. It is best renowned for hosting Editors' first-ever live performance. In the past, The Flapper hosted a two-day alt-rock music festival. Hardcore performers and regional promoters like The Slingshot Club often attempt to promote live music in The Flapper.

    A night out at The Flapper can never be boring due to the diverse art and amenities it has to offer. There are pool tables and rock memorabilia to admire on the walls. You will also not miss a beautiful beer garden to unwind.

    Location: Kingston Row, Cambrian Wharf, Birmingham B1 2NU, United Kingdom

    Open: Sunday to Wednesday - 4-11pm Thursday - 4-11:30pm Saturday - 12pm-1am

    Phone: +44 1212 362421

    Map