You’ve heard the jokes. Everyone has. For years, Birmingham was the punchline for people who hadn't actually stepped foot in the West Midlands since 1992. They think it’s just a massive concrete roundabout with a bull statue in the middle. Honestly? They’re missing out.
Right now, in early 2026, the city is in a weird, electric state of transition. We’re navigating the fallout of some pretty heavy local government budget cuts while simultaneously watching cranes dismantle the old skyline to make way for the massive Smithfield project. It's messy. It's loud. And it’s arguably the most interesting the city has been in a decade.
If you’re looking for things going on in Birmingham, don't just stick to the Bullring. That's for tourists. The real pulse of the city is currently shifting toward places like Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter, where the "old Brum" grit is meeting a very polished, very expensive new future.
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The Big Shifts: Smithfield and the New City Center
The biggest thing going on in Birmingham right now is the literal ground moving beneath our feet. The Smithfield redevelopment is finally in that "real" phase where you can see the scale of it. We’re talking about 17 hectares of land—the old wholesale markets—being turned into a whole new district.
Lendlease has been pushing ahead with the first residential phases, like Smithfield Lofts, which are slated for completion early this year. But the part everyone is actually watching is the Manor Square area. It’s supposed to be this huge public space that finally gives the city a "heart" that isn't just a shopping mall.
People are nervous about the markets, though. The Bull Ring Markets are historic. Moving them into two new buildings within the Smithfield site is a gamble. Will it keep that chaotic, authentic Birmingham energy, or will it feel like a sanitized food court? The locals I talk to are split. Some want the modernization; others are terrified we're losing the soul of the city to high-end "build-to-rent" blocks.
What’s Actually On: Events You Can’t Miss
If you’re here in January or February 2026, the calendar is packed, mostly because the city is trying to prove it’s still a major player despite the financial headlines.
- Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour: This is hitting the Utilita Arena on January 23 and 24. It’s basically a rite of passage for the city at this point.
- Jason Derulo: He’s taking over the Utilita on January 30. Expect the traffic on Broad Street to be an absolute nightmare that night.
- The National Running Show: If you’re into fitness, this is at the NEC on January 31 and February 1. It's massive.
- Florence + the Machine: They’re playing bp pulse LIVE (the venue formerly known as the Resorts World Arena) on February 8.
But for something a bit more "Brum," you’ve got to check out the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. It’s been running since mid-2025 and is scheduled to stay through September 2026. Seeing the Black Sabbath legend celebrated in the middle of Chamberlain Square just feels right.
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The Food Scene is Getting... Weirdly Specific
Birmingham’s food game has always been strong (we have more Michelin stars than any UK city outside London, which we will never let you forget), but the 2026 openings are leaning into "niche."
There's a brand-new food hall called Alfred Works opening in the Custard Factory this February. It’s got 15 different vendors, but what’s actually cool is the Blend Culinary Foundation Kitchen. They’re focusing on tackling local food poverty while serving high-end stuff. It’s a very Birmingham way of doing things—socially conscious but still delicious. Keep an eye out for House of Habesha and Baity there; they’re already legendary in the local pop-up scene.
If you’re looking for a view, 24 Stories is doing a "Celebration Menu" through the end of January. It’s 24 floors up with 360-degree views. Pro tip: go at sunset. The way the light hits the Rotunda and the New Street station roof makes the city look like a sci-fi movie set.
The Reality of the "Financial Crisis"
We have to talk about it. The Birmingham City Council budget situation is the elephant in the room. You’ll notice it in the small things—maybe the street lighting is a bit dimmer in certain wards, or the libraries have weird hours.
The council is trying to bridge a massive gap, and they’re aiming for a balanced budget by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. This means they’re selling off a lot of assets. It sounds grim, and for some services, it is. But the "things going on in Birmingham" haven't stopped. In fact, the private sector and the arts community have stepped up. The Birmingham Rep and The MAC (Midlands Arts Centre) are still putting on world-class shows like Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas (finishing Jan 18) and The Battle (starting Feb 11).
Sports: Beyond the Commonwealth Games
The 2022 Commonwealth Games felt like a peak, but 2026 is the year we start looking toward the European Athletics Championships, which are coming to Alexander Stadium in August.
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Right now, the focus is on the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in mid-February. Birmingham is basically the home of British indoor athletics. If you’ve never been to a meet at the Utilita, the atmosphere is surprisingly intense. You're so close to the track you can hear the sprinters breathing.
Also, basketball is having a massive moment here. The Super League Basketball Trophy Finals are at the Utilita Arena on February 1. It’s loud, it’s flashy, and it’s way more affordable than a Premier League match at Villa Park.
How to Do Birmingham Like a Local
Stop going to the Mailbox for every meal. It’s fine, but it’s corporate.
If you want the real 2026 vibe, go to Digbeth. Head to Dead Wax for vinyl and pizza, or Luna Springs if you want that big, outdoor, messy-brunch energy. Digbeth is where the city’s creative heart is, even with the constant construction.
For a quieter afternoon, the Jewellery Quarter is still the place. It hasn't lost its charm. Places like The Rose Villa Tavern or the independent shops around St. Paul’s Square are where you’ll find the people who actually live and work here.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book your tickets early: For anything at the NEC or the arenas, "selling out" is a real threat in 2026 as people travel from all over the UK for the big tours.
- Check the "Meanwhile Use" spaces: Look at the Beach at Smithfield or the pop-ups around the Smithfield site. These are temporary activations that won't be there once the permanent buildings go up.
- Use the Trams: The West Midlands Metro extensions are finally making sense. It’s the easiest way to get from the city center out to the entertainment hubs without fighting for a parking spot that’ll cost you £20.
Birmingham isn't a finished product. It’s a city that is constantly tearing itself down and rebuilding. That can be frustrating if you’re looking for "quaint," but if you want to see a city that is actively figuring itself out in real-time, there’s nowhere better to be.