Formerly known as the Digbeth Institute because it is located on Digbeth High Street, close to the city centre, the O2 Institute 2 Birmingham is part of a complex of live music and entertainment venues. Situated in the downstairs area of the venue, the O2 Institute 2 used to be called the Library and was rebranded when the current management team took over in 2015. The venue is capable of comfortably accommodating 600 people and is principally used for intermediate-level concerts, with the biggest acts tending to be booked at the Institute 2's sister venue, known simply as the O2 Institute.

The O2 Institute 2 has changed ownership many times over the years, having previously been owned by HMV Group, for instance. Indeed, the entire building used to belong to Birmingham City Council, which used it as a civic amenity centre in the mid-20th century. Originally, the entire building was used as a place of worship and public meetings. Several renovations to the Edwardian-era building have been conducted, the most recent being in 1997, and an extensive overhaul that took place between 2008 and 2010.

O2 Institute 2 Birmingham events

Acts such as the pop band Alvvays have been booked to perform at the Institute's second stage. From time to time, top-class tribute acts are also seen, such as A Night of Amy, an evening of Amy Winehouse songs. The venue has also been used for club nights in the past. During the 1990s, the venue was part of the burgeoning rave music club scene and fans of dance music are still often catered for.

All of the events booked at the O2 Institute 2 Birmingham are ticketed in advance. Some are only available to people who are 18 years of age or older. However, some gigs and other types of events are suitable for the over 14 age group. The tickets should specify which age group the event is suitable for. If you are younger than the specified age restriction for a particular event then you are likely to be turned away. Many of the events that are suitable for under 18s require that they be accompanied by an adult. However, some do not. As such, it is always worth checking on the rules because they change. In most circumstances, it is best to bring proof of your age, such as a PASS card or a passport.

Similar venues to the O2 Institute 2 Birmingham

At StubHub, you can find good alternative venues to the O2 Institute 2, such as the O2 Academy 3, for example. Alternatively, seek out tickets for the Robin 2 Hotel, a few miles away in Bilston.