What's On in Birmingham
Wednesday 17 June 2026
Birmingham on Wednesday 17 June is practically vibrating with one shared heartbeat — England take on Croatia in a World Cup 2026 clash that promises to turn the whole city into one giant living room. But beyond the roar of the crowd, there is still room for sea creatures, spontaneous laughter, and a Finnish stand-up who has been making the world snort-laugh for years. Whatever your Wednesday looks like, the city has a seat with your name on it.
Highlights

England vs Croatia x Luna Springs Fan Zone — Luna Springs Digbeth transforms its sun-drenched outdoor space into a full-blown fan zone for what could be one of the most tense and thrilling matches of the tournament. Expect big screens, a festival atmosphere, and the kind of collective joy — or collective anguish — that only a shared sporting moment can produce. Doors open at 5:00pm and tickets run from £0 to £15, so grab your spot before they go.

WORLD CUP 2026: ENGLAND V CROATIA — If you want to watch England take on Croatia with maximum drama and a proper crowd behind you, the O2 Institute Birmingham is the kind of venue that turns a football match into a full-scale event. With its vast capacity and thunderous sound system, every goal — or near miss — will feel seismic. Check the website for ticket availability and pricing, and get in quick.

World Cup 2026 - England VS Croatia — The Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath is one of Birmingham's most beloved neighbourhood venues, and on match night it becomes something truly special — a packed, passionate room of locals all willing the same thing to happen. Tickets are just £10, and the community pub atmosphere means you will be cheering alongside people who actually care. Kick-off screening begins at 8:00pm.

Birmingham Improv presents Midlands Improv Night — If sport is not your thing — or if you simply want a break from the nail-biting tension — head to 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter for a night of completely unscripted, gloriously unpredictable comedy. Birmingham Improv brings together some of the Midlands' sharpest improvisers to create scenes, stories, and characters entirely in the moment, which means no two shows are ever alike. Doors from 7:30pm — check the website for tickets and details.

ISMO: Perseverance Tour — Finnish comedian ISMO has quietly become one of the most quietly brilliant observational comics on the international circuit, and his Perseverance Tour lands at the magnificent Town Hall Birmingham at 8:00pm. His fascination with the absurdities of language and human behaviour makes for comedy that is sharp, warm, and genuinely surprising — the kind of show where you laugh out loud at things you have never thought to question before. Check the website for ticket prices and availability.

Sea Life Birmingham - Standard Entry — For families or anyone who fancies a morning of wonder before the football frenzy takes hold, the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham opens its doors from 9:30am and offers an extraordinary underwater world right in the heart of the city. From graceful rays to fascinating sharks and vivid tropical fish, it is a genuinely transportive experience that delights visitors of all ages. Check the website for current pricing and to book your slot in advance.
Full listings
| Event | Venue | Time | Price | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nightlife | |||||
| England vs Croatia x Luna Springs Fan Zone | Luna Springs Digbeth | 5:00pm | £0–£15 | Tickets | |
| Comedy | |||||
| Birmingham Improv presents Midlands Improv Night | 1000 Trades | 7:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Arts & Theatre | |||||
| ISMO: Perseverance Tour | Town Hall Birmingham | 8:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Sport | |||||
| England Vs Croatia | Sector 57, Birmingham | 5:00pm | £1–£5 | Tickets | |
| talkSPORT Fan Zone – England v Croatia | Sports Illustrated Warehouse | 6:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| World Cup 2026: England vs Croatia | British Oak | 7:00pm | £5 | Tickets | |
| WORLD CUP 2026: ENGLAND V CROATIA | O2 Institute Birmingham | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| World Cup 2026: England v Croatia | Nortons Digbeth | 7:00pm | £0–£50 | Tickets | |
| ENGLAND VS CROATIA Rosies Birmingham {Free Entry Tickets } | Rosies Birmingham | 8:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| World Cup 2026 - England VS Croatia | Hare And Hounds Kings Heath | 8:00pm | £10 | Tickets | |
| General | |||||
| Sea Life Birmingham - Standard Entry | National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham | 9:30am | Check website | Tickets | |