Four days of live sport, entertainment and culture will take place in the heart of the city this summer.
This August, the energy of Alexander Stadium will extend into the city centre, as the European Athletics Championships will stage a Fan Zone at Centenary Square, which will become ’Champions Square’ from 13-16 August.
Whether you're a die-hard athletics fan or simply looking for a great day out during the summer holidays, Champions Square will offer something for everyone. Visitors can soak up the atmosphere at Centenary Square while Europe's biggest athletics stars compete live on the big screen, whilst enjoying an exciting programme of live music, dance, circus, street theatre and interactive activities across the day.
Champions Square Fan Zone at Centenary Square will create a vibrant festival atmosphere in the heart of Birmingham, bringing together sport and culture in a celebration of the city's creativity, energy and community spirit. Open to all and free to attend, it's the perfect place for families, friends, visitors and local communities to be part of the action.
Building on the hugely successful Festival Sites during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the legacy Birmingham Festival 23, Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS) has been appointed to curate the four-day Cultural Programme in Champions Square.
To help bring Champions Square to life, an Open Call has been launched inviting artists, creatives and cultural organisations to be part of this unique celebration.
The programme, funded by Birmingham City Council’s Together on Culture Magnets and Moonshots programme, is seeking high-energy outdoor performances. From live music and dance, to roaming performances and workshops, successful applicants will help create an unforgettable atmosphere that showcases Birmingham's outstanding cultural talent alongside one of Europe's premier sporting events.
The official Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships fan zone promises four unforgettable days where world-class sport meets world-class entertainment - giving everyone the chance to be part of the Championships.
Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said: “We’re delighted to confirm the fan zone at Centenary Square, giving even more spectators the chance to be part of the European Athletics Championships this August.
“With just one month to go, fans can make their plans to be a part of the UK's first ever staging of a European Athletics Championships, whether buying tickets to see the best in Europe competing in Birmingham, picking a spot to view the elite race walks and marathon events in the city centre, signing up to run the mass participation Unity Challenge for their own medal moment, or joining in the celebrations and programme at Champions Square fan zone at Centenary Square.”
Caroline Davis, Managing Director of OPUS, said: "Birmingham showed the world during the Commonwealth Games that culture doesn't sit alongside sport - it helps define the experience. It creates moments of joy, surprise and connection that people remember long after the competition has finished. We're excited to build on that legacy by creating another programme that belongs to the city and shines a light on Birmingham's incredible creative community."
Rebecca Phillips, Senior Producer at OPUS, added: “We're looking for artists who can create energy, surprise and delight, and bring audiences together. Whether you're an established company or an emerging performer, if you've got work that thrives outdoors and invites people to stop, watch and take part, we'd love to hear from you.”
“We know that the enthusiasm of the fans, both local and visiting, will bring added excitement and buzz to the Championships.”
Open Call applications are now open, with a deadline of 23:59 on Monday 20 July 2026. Successful applicants will perform as part of Birmingham's official European Athletics Fan Zone, with opportunities for thousands of visitors to experience their work throughout the Championships.
Open Call more information and application details can be found online here.
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “The European Athletics Championships is the cornerstone of an exciting summer of sport in Birmingham. As we have seen previously at events such as the Commonwealth Games, major events like this not only underline Birmingham’s credentials as a world class city of sport but also provide an opportunity to showcase our wider cultural offer to residents and visitors alike.
“We are, therefore, delighted to support this programme as part of our ‘Together On Culture’ strategic framework, and we look forward to seeing the city’s creativity come to life on stage during the championships.”
From August 10-16 the Championships will see over 1600 athletes from 48 nations compete for glory. With 44 gold medals to be won across the seven evening sessions, fans will see history being made under the floodlights. Many of Europe’s biggest names are expected to target their 2026 summer ambitions at Birmingham — making this a superb chance for fans to witness world-class performances on home soil.