Brummies, Balti and brilliant things to do: Your summer guide to Birmingham and the West Midlands!
Calling all adventurers, foodies and fans of killer accents! Birmingham and the West Midlands are THE places to be this summer, and we’re here to spill the tea (Brummies love a good cuppa, you see) on why.
This is your one-stop shop for discovering everything awesome to do in this vibrant corner of England over the summer months.
BBC Good Food Show Summer 2025
12th – 15th June
The BBC Good Food Show Summer is back this June, and it’s the perfect chance to tantalize your taste buds and fire up your summer kitchen inspiration. From live cooking demos by celebrity chefs to aisles overflowing with delicious treats, you’ll discover new flavours, shop speciality ingredients and find everything you need to throw an unforgettable summer picnic.
Don’t miss out on this four-day foodie extravaganza – immerse yourself in culinary delights at the NEC Birmingham!
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The secret garden at Birmingham Library
Amid the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city lies a hidden slice of tranquillity. With a variety of plant species to provide colour throughout the year, the secret garden on the seventh floor of Birmingham Library is an oasis of calm. It’s the perfect place to visit with a good book, and there’s no shortage of them of course. Laid end-to-end, the books within the UK’s largest public library would stretch all the way to Edinburgh.
Within this striking architectural gem, you will also find a photography archive, live performances and a programme of year-round events.
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Godiva Festival
4th – 6th July
Calling all music lovers and festival fanatics! Get ready to shake it in the heart of England this summer!
The legendary Godiva Festival is back in Coventry, promising three epic days of music, entertainment and family fun all set in the beautiful War Memorial Park. It’s Coventry’s 26th year with a knockout lineup including Marc Almond, CLean Bandit, Heather Small, The Speicials Neville Staple and Diversity. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the party – grab your tickets now!
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Birmingham Mela 2025
19th – 20th July
This July, Birmingham is throwing a HUGE party celebrating South Asian culture – and you’re invited! The Birmingham Mela is the biggest South Asian music festival in Europe. Prepare for a spectacular weekend of incredible music, with over 150 artists taking the stage at Victoria Park, Smethwick.
But it’s not just about the music! With over 30 food stalls tempting your taste buds with delicious South Asian flavours, plus a gorgeous shopping bazaar selling unique crafts and souvenirs, immerse yourself in the rich culture of South Asia. There’s even a funfair to keep the little ones entertained as well as breathtaking visual performances to feast your eyes on.
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National Motorcycle Museum
£35 family ticket (2 adults 3 children)
With over 1,000 machines fully restored to the manufacturer’s original specifications, it’s no wonder this is recognised as the finest and largest motorcycle museum in the world. The museum aims to preserve these pieces of history for future generations, as a reminder of our nation’s industry and engineering prowess. This ethos is visible in the impressive examples on display. The 1912 848cc Wilkinson TMC Series V is thought to be one of only six remaining. And the stunning 1932 Brough Superior Austin-Engineered Four is one of only 10 ever made.
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Birmingham Cocktail Weekend
10th – 13th July
Love delicious cocktails but hate hefty price tags? Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is calling your name! With your festival wristband, you’ll get exclusive access to £5 signature cocktails at over 40 participating venues – that’s a steal compared to their usual prices.
Fancy a fruity summer concoction or a twist on a classic drink? You’ll find it all at BCW! Don’t miss out on this chance to explore Birmingham’s vibrant cocktail scene and raise a glass for a good time.
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Tolkien Trail
Birmingham lays claim to the fact it inspired the most popular book of the 20th century – The Lord of the Rings, as well as the equally famous children’s story The Hobbit.
JRR Tolkien lived in nine homes in the south of Birmingham during his formative years and this 10-point trail leads you to some of them. You’ll also take in Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog and Joy’s Wood – sites of Tolkien’s childhood adventures. After walking through the Shire Country Park and Cole Valley, you’ll be led to landmarks that played a significant role in the young author’s life.
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Birmingham Craft Brew Festival
12th July
Craft beer lovers, rejoice! The Birmingham Craft Brew Festival returns this July, bigger and better than ever! Held at the Custard Factory, this event is your chance to clink glasses with fellow enthusiasts and explore a vast selection of brews from local and regional breweries. With live music, delicious street food, and the chance to meet the brewers themselves, it’s a recipe for a fun-filled weekend. Don’t miss your opportunity to discover your new favourite beer – snag your tickets now!
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Watch Parties at F1® Arcade
Foodies and gamers alike can spend an evening at F1® Arcade for a thrilling drive and delicious dinner with cocktails to top it off! This exciting new venue offers visitors a virtual Grand Prix experience with you in the driving seat. Perfect for petrolhead families and groups of competitive friends, this is the ultimate day out, no matter your experience level.
Plus, kids eat for free at F1® Arcade locations until August 30th!
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Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival
18th – 27th July
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival! Experience world-class music with over 100 free performances, talks, workshops and film screenings. The festival takes over the West Midlands for 10 days, with stages set up in unique locations from bars and parks to libraries and even trams! Don’t miss this chance to experience the joy of jazz and blues from July 19th to 28th.
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Birmingham Restaurant Festival
1st – 31st August
Do you love good food at a great price? Then the Birmingham Restaurant Festival is the perfect event for you!
From August 1st to 31st, this celebration of Birmingham’s amazing culinary scene offers exclusive set menus at participating restaurants across the city. Explore Birmingham’s diverse food scene and savour delicious meals without breaking the bank. So gather your friends and family and get ready for a month of unforgettable dining experiences!
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Live music at The Jam House
Tickets £5 – £10
Located in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, it’s musicians who now shine in The Jam House. Established by Jools Holland in 1999, this real music venue offers the perfect opportunity to unplug from the city. Inside a historical Georgian building that looks out onto the picturesque St Paul’s Square, it won’t break the bank to see top-tier talent in this award-winning space. Offering live music and good food over three floors, whether you’re into jazz, blues or rock this is the place to find real musicians having a proper jam.
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