Birmingham's live music scene is set for an electrifying year, with two of the city's premier venues unveiling a star-studded schedule for 2026. The bp pulse LIVE arena (formerly Resorts World Arena) and the Utilita Arena Birmingham have a calendar brimming with major acts from January right through to December.
A Year of Blockbuster Entertainment
Following a successful 2025 that hosted artists like Kylie Minogue and Lewis Capaldi, the venues are raising the bar. The 2026 programme promises an eclectic mix, from pop superstars and rock legends to beloved theatre spectacles and dance extravaganzas. This confirms Birmingham's status as a top-tier destination for national and international touring acts.
The entertainment begins in January with the ever-popular Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour at the Utilita Arena from the 23rd to the 25th. The line-up features celebrities including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Vicky Pattison, and a special return for 2023 finalist Layton Williams with Nikita Kuzmin.
Also in January, Jason Derulo brings his 'The Last Dance World Tour' to the Utilita Arena on the 30th. February sees the atmospheric Florence and the Machine perform at bp pulse LIVE on the 8th, touring their new album 'Everybody Scream'.
Spring and Summer Highlights
The spring schedule is particularly strong. Virtual band pioneers Gorillaz will headline bp pulse LIVE on March 22. In April, the legendary electronic act The Prodigy, with special guest Carl Cox, play the Utilita Arena on the 18th.
That same month, Yungblud takes to the Utilita Arena stage on April 23rd, followed by former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson with his 'How Did We Get Here?' World Tour on April 25th.
May brings GRAMMY-winner Doja Cat to the Utilita Arena on the 26th for her 'Tour Ma Vie' show. June is packed with variety, featuring the arena concert spectacular of Les Misérables (June 11-14), the "last last" Birmingham concert from icon Barry Manilow at bp pulse LIVE on the 16th, and a homecoming for reggae favourites UB40 with Maxi Priest and Aswad on June 20th.
Lily Allen ends her touring hiatus at bp pulse LIVE on June 26th, while rock giants Def Leppard, with special guests Extreme, headline on July 4th.
Autumn and Winter Brings More Stars
The latter part of the year maintains the momentum. In September, gothic rockers Evanescence play the Utilita Arena on the 11th, and the "King of Waltz" Andre Rieu enchants bp pulse LIVE on the 19th.
Pop group Westlife celebrate their 25th anniversary with a three-night run at the Utilita Arena from October 16th to 18th. November 20th offers a choice between the pop line-up of Hits Radio Live at bp pulse LIVE and a co-headline tour from indie giants Bloc Party and Interpol at the Utilita Arena.
The year concludes powerfully in December. The Darkness bring their biggest tour in two decades to the Utilita Arena on the 12th, while Britpop stalwarts Ocean Colour Scene perform at bp pulse LIVE on the same date.
With more announcements expected throughout the year, 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable period for live music and entertainment in the heart of the West Midlands. Fans are advised to book early for these major gigs and shows to avoid disappointment.
