Birmingham Music Venues: Our Top Picks

There are a number of Birmingham music venues to visit.

Our beautiful city is known as the home of heavy metal, but that’s not the only song it sings.

Before you know it, you’ll be singing ‘As we lie in fields of gold’, or should we say, Cork-fields of gold…

At just a short distance from some of the best music venues in Birmingham, an apartment at Corkfield is sure to be a top hit!

But now, it’s time to face the music…

The top 20 Birmingham music venues chosen by our experts

Here at Corkfield, we are passionate about fostering a sense of community, and what greater community than music fans?

As our expert, X says:

Some of our Neighbourhood experts have put together their favourite music venues Birmingham has to offer to help you find your new go-to hit.

The Night Owl

What isn’t on offer at The Night Owl when it comes to music?!

There’s a wide variety of music genres to choose from, such as:

• Soul
• Guilty pleasures
• Ska

This place will have you going (w)hit, whoo!

The Flapper

With a beer garden that gets the evening rays, The Flapper prides itself on its inclusive attitude.

This is reflected in the selection of music on offer, like pop punk, indie, and hardcore metal.

The Blue Piano

As one of our Neighbourhood heroes, when you visit The Blue Piano as a Corkfield resident, you get an exclusive discount!

With an actual blue piano, this Birmingham music venue is home to a range of singers and musicians.

Plus, it also made our list of the best restaurants in Birmingham – make sure you give it a visit!

Glee Club

No, we’re not talking about the TV show!

Birmingham’s Glee Club is not only home to music shows but also comedy nights and cabaret.

We’re sure you’ll leave feeling glee….

Norton’s

A self-proclaimed ‘not another Irish bar’, Norton’s is a music venue in Digbeth’s Irish Quarter.

With a capacity of 500 people, it’s a great place to see UK and international acts.

Plus, one thing’s for sure, the pints will be unmatched.

The Sunflower Lounge

The aim of The Sunflower Lounge is to bring ‘the glamour and grunge of New York dive bars to the centre of Birmingham’.

And they’ve been doing just that since 2002!

With DJs in the main bar and live music in the basement, previous acts have been:

• Foals
• Royal Blood
• Dua Lipa

You don’t want to miss out s(u)n…

O2 Institute

Perhaps the most well-known music venue on our list, the O2 Institute is a Birmingham landmark.

Playing home to some of the biggest names in music, you have the opportunity to see the likes of Bloc Party, Mallery Knox, and Gavin DeGraw.

The Actress and Bishop

Found in the Jewellery Quarter, The Actress and Bishop hosts open mic nights, resident DJs, and live music every Friday and Saturday from 8pm.

Plus, every Sunday is Blues Club. With jazz and blues music (who saw that coming?), it’s the perfect place for a boogie.

Suki10C

If you’re interested in grassroots music, Suki10C is the place for you.

This Birmingham music venue plays a wide range of genres, such as:

• House
• Techno
• Dance

The Rainbow Pub

As an iconic Birmingham spot, The Rainbow Pub was restored to its glory and is now a go-to music venue.

It’s hosted a wide selection of famous artists like Joss Stone, Ocean Colour Scene, and Bastille!

But we can’t promise it’ll only be sunshine, not showers, when you visit.

The Victoria

Now this one may not be the Queen Vic, but we promise you it’s just as good!

Not far from Birmingham New Street Station, The Victoria is a great option for those indie bands you haven’t heard of but will soon become a firm favourite.

You won’t want to be getting out of this pub!

Pan Pan

Did someone call for Peter?

This Birmingham music venue is in a league of its own.

Pan Pan not only hosts music nights, but also film showings, workshops, and parties.

Dead Wax

As a live music and vinyl bar, you’re sure to hear sounds you’ve never heard before at Dead Wax.

Championing everything local, you can hear some of Birmingham’s very best artists whilst sipping on some local beer.

What a time to be alive!

Devil’s Dog

Self-proclaimed ‘Birmingham’s heaviest hardcore metal venue’, are you daring enough to enter the Devil’s Dog?

With a range of DJ sets, glam slams, and live artists, it may be hell, but it’ll feel like heaven…

Mama Roux’s

Open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday without fail (plus bank holidays and events), there’s an array of music options at Mama Roux’s, such as:

• Thursdays is Noisy – a free-entry gig to see upcoming stars
• Friday is Mama’s House Party – a live band and 2 guest artists each week
• Saturdays is the Dirty Discotheque – three rooms of music housing live percussionists, musicians, performers, and DJs

Everyone wants to go to Mama’s house.

The Castle and Falcon

Having been a Birmingham staple for more than 150 years, The Castle and Falcon had a complete renovation in 2017 and now has a 400-standing capacity.

A number of acts have played at this music venue in Birmingham, like:

• Duran Duran
• Sam Fender
• UB40

XOYO Birmingham

Formerly known as The Mill, XOYO Birmingham has a mezzanine warehouse and an open-top garden!

With a wide variety of music events, such as RnB brunches, festivals, and live nights, you don’t want to miss out.

The Jam House

Found in the Jewellery Quarter, The Jam House is aptly named.

Split over three floors, you can hear from some of the best at this Birmingham music venue.

For example, Chaka Khan, The Specials, and Jools and his Rhythm ‘n’ Blues orchestra have played there.

Let’s go and have a jam!

Sure you’ll have a great night at your gig, but the hit single will be coming home to Corkfield

There’s as many music venues in Birmingham as there are Taylor Swift eras!

But that’s just one of the many brilliant things about living in this city.

Why not make a day of it and also go for a lovely meal at one of Birmingham’s best restaurants?

It may not be very rock and roll, but there’s nothing quite like climbing into bed – especially at Corkfield.

With an assortment of studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments available, there’s no reason not to book a viewing.

Have a question for us? Don’t hesitate to get in touch or call us on 0121 716 7959.