With Ozzy’s final farewell at Villa Park just a week away. The countries second city has gone Black Sabbath mad! With everything from tribute gigs and film premieres to pop-up shops and some of the coolest graffiti art we’ve seen in years. Birmingham is a metalheads paradise at the moment.

Don’t worry though, we’ve put together a guide to some of the coolest activities Brum has to offer this week. So whether you’re looking to fill some time before the heavy metal event of the decade. Or, you just want to bask in a city taken over by rock and roll history. We’ve broken down nine of the coolest spots and events to check out below!

1. Ozzy Osbourne – Working Class Hero Exhibit – Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

The heaviest installations we’ve seen since the “Home of Metal” exhibition took over Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery back in 2011. Ozzy Osbourne – Working Class Hero gathers some of the coolest memorabila and atrefacts from the Prince of Darkness’s career. Both alongside Black Sabbath and as a solo artist, all the way to the present day. Including displays of Ozzy’s nigh infinite collection of platinum discs, MTV Music Awards, his star from the Hollywood walk of fame and much, much more! The best thing? It’s free!

You’ve got plenty of time to check it out too. As the exhibit is scheduled to run from June 25th to September 28th. So even if you aren’t in Birmingham for the big day, it’s still worth adding to your calendar. You can find out more information via Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s official website here.

2. Black Sabbath Bridge – Broad Street – Birmingham

Another free Black Sabbath sightseeing oppurtunity that we highly recommend taking in ahead of their final show this week. The iconic Black Sabbath bridge. Featuring a bench baring the likeness of all four members of the iconic group. Black Sabbath Bridge can be found on Broad Street, the heart of Birminghams nightlife. Just up from Birmingham Symphony Hall. Making it a perfect selfie spot for any visitors looking to immortalise themselves alongside rock and roll royalty.

3. Selfridges Pop-up Shop Takeover – Bullring Shopping Centre – Birmingham City Centre

Selfridges, located in Birminghams famous Bullring shopping centre have gone Black Sabbath mad this week. Dedicating one of their massive window displays to Ozzy & Co as well as setting up one of the coolest pop-shops we’ve ever seen! With selfie spots, exclusive merch and a life-sized Lego Ozzy. Selfridges have really let their hair down with this one. Meaning it’s definitely a spot worth visiting, especially if you want to grab a bit of extra Sabbath memorablia.

4. The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne World Premiere – ThinkTank – Millenium Point

Charting Ozzy’s rise to the top. All the way from his poverty stricken childhood in Birmingham, through his time in Black Sabbath, his incredible career as a solo artist. All the way to being one of reality TV’s most relateable father figures. The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne biopic is set to make it’s World Premiere on July 4th. With two showing scheduled at Birminghams Think Tank at Millenium Point and a Q&A with Jack Osbourne set to take place after the evening showing. As cinematic events go, they don’t come much more metal than this!

Tickets have sold out since the premiere was announced back in May. However, you can try and pick up any last minute seats or just find out more about The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne over at the official Millenium Point website here.

5. ‘Summer of Sabbath’ – Bonehead – Lower Severn St. Birmingham

All that sightseeing got you craving a snack? Look no further! Bonehead, already renowned as one of the countries finest purveyors of chicken and frosty cold beverages, have jumped wings first into the vibe this week. Hosting their very own ‘Summer of Sabbath’ event. Running from Thursday July 3rd through until Sunday July 6th. The Sabbath inspired menu will feature a special ‘Heaven & Hell” bowl. As well as limited edition cocktails, exclusive merch and a suitably heavy playlist!

6. ’10th Annual Black Sabbath Convention’ – Ye Olde Foundry – Dudley

Not to be left out of the celebrations, Black Country institution, Ye Olde Foundry will be holding the tenth annual Black Sabbath Convention on Friday July 4th. Featuring a set by tribute band Sabbotage as well as a live Q&A with Sabbath’s former band manager, Jim Simpson. It may be a little way outside Birmingham, but if you’re in town for the night before, it’s definitely worth checking out. Head on over to Ye Olde Foundry’s social media for more details.

7. Metal In The Midlands – Birmingham Town Hall – Victoria Square

BBC WM are taking over Birmingham Town Hall with a little help from B:Music on July 2nd. With a line-up of top local heavy metal talent including Meat Dripper, Cherry Dead and Gans. As well as a headline performance from Midlands metalcore oufit, Defects. Tickets are on sale now. However, like most ticketed events occuring in the city centre we don’t expect them to last long.

8. Ozzy The Bull – Grand Central Station – Birmingham City Centre

For those travelling into Birmingham, Ozzy The Bull is difficult to miss. However, even if you aren’t getting into the city via rail next weekend. It’s worth paying a visit to one of the biggest (literally) stars of 2022’s Commonwealth Games in Grand Central Station. You can find directions and further travel information for the big day over on their official website.

9. @mrmurals Black Sabbath Mural – New Street, Birmingham

Finally, if you’re travelling through the city centre at all. It’s worth taking a diversion to check out @mrmurals amazing Black Sabbath tribute piece. Stretching around the outside of Birminghams New Street Train Station. It looks absolutely fantastic and is a two minute walk from Ozzy The Bull, making it easy to grab two heavy metal photo opportunities in one!

Of course, even if you weren’t lucky enough to bag tickets for Back To The Beginning. Black Sabbaths historic final show will also be streamed worldwide in association with Kiswe and Mercury Studio’s. With all proceeds going to Cure Parkinsons, Acorn Childrens Hospice and Birmingham Childrens Hosptial. Tickets and an exclusive collectors package for the live stream are available now.

For more information on all things Black Sabbath you can head over to the bands official website. Or follow them on social media to stay totally up to date on any further announcements