Taking place on Thursday 24 September, the day champions the global communities that make up Birmingham, UK alongside international counterparts in Birmingham, Alabama and beyond. 

In a first for the city, a programme of events entitled ‘The House That Brum Built’ will take over rooms of Birmingham’s Council House.

A second day of festivities is also planned for Friday 25 September, making 2026 the biggest International Day of Birmingham.

Originally devised for Sky TV show Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham, the yearly celebration now delivered by International Day of Birmingham CIC recognises the contribution of the city, and its people and places - alongside sister towns and cities across the world which bear the same name.

In 2024, comedian Joe Lycett travelled to North America - home to no fewer than eighteen Birminghams - to explore their history, their collective Brummie cultural commonalities and form official ‘Friendship Agreements’.

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.”

For International Day of Birmingham 2026, 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.

With a Brummie Passport in hand - designed by Colour Palette Company and Draw My City artist Stacey Barnfield - visitors will stamp their way through the Grade-II-listed Council House landmark building, room by room, discovering everything that makes Birmingham worth celebrating.

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.”

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. 

Birmingham champions taking part in the 2026 celebrations include Poet Laureate Ayan Aden, film producer and creative director Trevor Beattie, social historian Professor Carl Chinn, satirical collage artist Cold War Steve, acclaimed author and activist Kit de Waal,  anonymous subversive artist Fokawolf, actor and comedian Barbara Nice, celebrity chef and restaurateur Glynn Purnell, and papier-mâché pop artist and performer Tat Vision.

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.