On Thursday, the 24th of September, Birmingham will be celebrated internationally as it returns for its third edition. Celebrations will be extending into Friday 25th September for the first time. Across the two days, around 50 events are expected to take place throughout the city. But first, what is it?
Originally inspired by comedian Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham, the event celebrates Birmingham’s connections with other places around the world that share its name, while also recognising everything that makes Birmingham unique.
Since its launch, the celebration has grown into an annual event that brings together local organisations, businesses, artists, performers and residents to showcase the city’s culture, creativity and community.
One of the biggest additions for 2026 is The House That Brum Built, which will transform Birmingham’s historic Council House into the hub of the celebrations.
Visitors will be able to explore the Grade II-listed building while discovering exhibitions, activities and experiences celebrating Birmingham’s history, culture and achievements.
A specially designed Brummie Passport will allow attendees to collect stamps as they make their way through the building.
Alongside activities inside the Council House, visitors can expect appearances from well-known figures across Birmingham’s creative, cultural and hospitality sectors.
The celebrations will also feature the return of the Flashbab, where crowds gather outside the Council House in Victoria Square for the traditional communal “Alright bab” greeting before the ceremonial raising of the United States of Birmingham flag. I bet you can feel the Brum culture through the screen with that paragraph.
Well beyond the jokes we all make about the life and culture of the West Mids, events like the International Day of Birmingham help showcase the city to both residents and visitors while highlighting the businesses, organisations and people that contribute to its success.
For local businesses, it’s another opportunity to engage with the wider community, support city-wide initiatives and celebrate everything Birmingham has to offer.
Want to attend? The full programme of events is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The International Day of Birmingham takes place on 24th and 25th September 2026, with activities centred around Birmingham’s Council House and locations across the city.
