International Day of Birmingham returns for third year
The event will take place on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September
Last updated 29th Jul 2026
A global celebration of Birmingham is returning for its third year, with a special two-day event.
International Day of Birmingham recognises the contribution of the city in the West Midlands - alongside sister towns and cities across the world which bear the same name.
It was originally devised for Sky TV show Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham, but has turned into an annual festival delivered by International Day of Birmingham CIC
Speaking ahead of International Day of Birmingham 2026, Joe Lycett said: “This day has got out of hand and I want nothing to do with it.
“The sad truth is that I will be unable to attend this year’s celebrations as I am contractually bound to be in Britain’s second city - London.
“I wish everyone a very happy International Day of Birmingham 2026, bab.”
This year, a programme of events called ‘The House That Brum Built’ will take over rooms of Birmingham’s historic Council House.
With a Brummie Passport in hand, visitors will stamp their way through the Grade-II-listed building, room by room, discovering everything that makes Birmingham worth celebrating.
Birmingham’s Lord Mayor will be joined by key figures and organisations from across the city’s arts, culture, creative food, media, and nightlife worlds - all coming together with residents and visitors to publicly embrace civic pride.
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zaker Choudhry, said: "International Day of Birmingham is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our city unique: our creativity, diversity, civic pride and strong sense of community. It is also a chance to recognise the special connections we share with other Birminghams around the world, bringing people together through friendship, culture and a shared identity."
"I am delighted that this year's celebrations will be bigger than ever, with our historic Council House opening its doors for The House That Brum Built. I encourage residents, visitors and friends of Birmingham everywhere to join us in celebrating our city, its people and the remarkable spirit that makes Birmingham such a special place to call home."
It will take place on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September, making 2026 the biggest International Day of Birmingham yet.
The now traditional Flashbab will see a gathering of Brummies outside the Council House in Victoria Square take part in a communal chant of “Alright bab", led by Lord Mayor Councillor Zaker Choudhry and Mr Egg, followed by the ceremonial raising of the United States of Birmingham flag, accompanied by the IDOB anthem.
Nicola Silk, director of International Day of Birmingham CIC and executive producer of IDOB 2026, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding this year’s IDOB and doubling the Brum fun over two days in The House that Brum Built.’
“As the most Birmingham event ever to happen in Birmingham continues to grow, we're carefully selecting a small number of commercial and strategic partners to help enhance the experience while showcasing their commitment to our city and its communities.
“We’ve long needed a reason to come together and celebrate what is best about Birmingham; 24 September is that day and has now become Birmingham’s own Christmas; this year we have Birmingham’s Boxing Day too. So, let’s raise a glass of Birmingham tap water and big up Brum at the biggest Brummie house party the city has ever thrown for itself."
Details of the full International Day of Birmingham 2026 programme will be announced in the coming weeks.