O2 Academy Birmingham

O2 Academy Birmingham is a well-known live music venue located on Bristol Street in the city's Southside district. It occupies a former cinema building and features two main spaces: a large 3,000-capacity main hall and a smaller 400-capacity room (The Institute). The venue hosts a wide range of events, from major international touring acts and DJs to club nights and comedy shows. The atmosphere is energetic, with excellent sound and lighting systems. Despite its popularity, some reviews note that the venue can feel crowded and the queues for bars and toilets can be long during sold-out shows. The location is convenient, close to Birmingham's city center and public transport links. O2 Academy is a staple of Birmingham's nightlife, offering a diverse lineup that appeals to music fans of all genres.

Don't miss

• Catch a concert by an international touring artist in the main hall
• Enjoy a more intimate gig in The Institute upstairs
• Experience club nights like 'Relentless' or 'Sonic Boom'
• Grab a drink at the on-site bar before the show

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit O2 Academy Birmingham

Cheapest way inBirmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour4★ · 13 travelers2–3 hoursFrom$13 per personSee dates →Most bookedUp at The O2: Daytime Climb with Guided Tour with Panoramic Views4.9★ · 2,903 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →Top ratedBirmingham Escape Game at The Summit5★ · 222 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$44 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Bring ID if you look under 25, they operate a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol.
• Check the venue's bag policy; large bags may not be allowed.
• Plan your return journey, last trains from New Street can be around 11 PM.
• Queues for bars can be long; consider arriving early or using the upstairs bar.

A bit of history

The building opened as the West End Cinema in 1930 and later became a bingo hall before being converted into a music venue in the 1990s. It was rebranded as O2 Academy Birmingham in 2008 as part of the Academy Music Group chain.