The main event kicks off on Thursday 24 September 2026, at the annual FlashBAB opening ceremony in Victoria Square, with more IDOB goodness continuing on Friday 25 September. Think of it less as a day and more as a celebration of all the Birminghams - but especially ours.

Right in the heart of Brum, in and around Birmingham Council House and Victoria Square. Not only do we have the keys to the Council House but we’re re-naming it The House That Brum Built Yes, you are allowed inside the Council House. No, you may not declare yourself Lord Mayor

On Thursday, the official opening ceremony - FlashBab - takes place in Victoria Square from 1pm–2pm, free to attend! After that, things start happening all over the Council House from around 2pm, with events, performances and general Brummie nonsense carrying on into the evening. Friday has another packed programme, doors to the Council House open from midday, including daytime events and The Big Brum Night Out from 8pm–11pm. Check the programme before setting off because individual events have their own timings. Link to www.idob.co.uk/whats-on

There are plenty of free events, exhibitions and things to wander into. Some events are ticketed because rooms have limited capacity or because we've somehow persuaded people to put on a proper show. If the programme says Tickets, get yourself one. If it says Free Event, congratulations!

For the free, non-ticketed parts: yes, bab. For ticketed events, you'll need the relevant ticket. Some events are free and ticketed at the same time - which just means it’s a good idea to register in advance to guarantee your place.  Popular bits may get busy, so arriving early is considerably more effective than standing outside saying, “But I came all the way from Solihull.”

Depends what you're seeing. Ticketed events currently range from a quid upwards, with things like the Big Brummie Pub Quiz, Trevor Beattie, Benny’s Babbies: the reunion, The Big Brum Night Out and creative workshops, individually priced. Check the What's On page and follow the ticket link for the event you fancy.

We would say so. There’s live music, comedy, poetry, films, art, exhibitions, workshops, a Brummie pub quiz, bingo, Cluedo, Birmingham-made goodies, a fictional museum, hot sauce, brass bands, a bar, and several things that are considerably harder to explain. Or you can wander around the Council House until something wonderfully Birmingham happens to you.

At 1pm on Thursday in Victoria Square, we're kicking things off with FlashBab. Expect The Heavy Beat Brass Band, the IDOB anthem, the raising of the United States of Birmingham flag, the Lord Mayor, Mr Egg and a communal cry of ALRIGHT BAB. There are also free Curly Wurlys and goody bags.

We want as many people as possible to enjoy IDOB. Step-free access is found at the Reception entrance, to the left of the main entrance. There are lifts and accessible toilets. If you've got a specific access requirement, please get in touch before the event and we'll do our best to help.

There’s plenty happening during the day that families may enjoy, but individual events may have their own age guidance, particularly later in the evening. Check the listing before bringing your babbies to IDOB!

Clothes are strongly encouraged. Beyond that, whatever makes you feel sufficiently Birmingham. Bonus points are awarded entirely unofficially for Peaky Blinders caps, Birmingham City/Albion/Villa diplomacy, Mr Egg references and anything that makes a stranger say, “Where on earth did you get that?”

Anyone aged under 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult. Nortons will be serving in The Reception room, operating a challenge 25 policy, and ID may be requested.