What’s on in Birmingham: August highlights include Mary Poppins, Monster Exhibits, and Ozzy Osbourne tribute
Discover what's happening in Birmingham this August, from Mary Poppins performances to monster exhibits and an Ozzy Osbourne tribute.
From West End musicals and prehistoric beasts to a rock legend’s homecoming and beach days in Solihull, Birmingham’s cultural calendar is stacked this week. Whether you’re after theatre, art, family fun, or food—here’s what’s on from Monday 11th August.
Mary Poppins is now showing at the Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 23rd August. The multi award-winning Disney musical is in the middle of a six-week UK tour stop in the city. Stefanie Jones stars as Mary Poppins, alongside Jack Chambers as Bert—both reprising their roles from a critically acclaimed Australian run. Expect iconic songs, slick choreography, and a few magical tricks that still land with kids and adults alike.
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Across town at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Giants runs until 2nd November. This immersive exhibition dives into the prehistoric world after the dinosaurs, with life-size models of giant sloths, colossal snakes like the 13-metre Titanoboa, and massive mammals like the Indricotherium. With fossils, projections, and interactive activities, it’s a hit for families and natural history fans alike.
Also at the museum, Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero is on until 28th September. It’s free to visit and packed with rare memorabilia—from Grammy Awards and gold records to personal photos and MTV trophies. Outside, fans can explore a photo display in Victoria Square and a 40-metre mural near New Street Station. It’s part celebration, part walkable tribute to the Prince of Darkness and his Birmingham roots.
Art lovers can head to Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace, where Seulgi Lee: SPAN is open until 7th September. The Korean-born artist blends traditional crafts with conceptual art using mother-of-pearl buttons, hand-stitched proverbs, and woven baskets. Some pieces were made with Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, drawing links between Korean heritage and the city’s own industrial past.
Foodies are in for a treat as the Birmingham Restaurant Festival continues through August. With dozens of venues offering set menus at fixed prices, it’s a chance to explore new spots, support local kitchens during the quieter season, and skip the usual dining guesswork.
For families, PAW Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure comes to Utilita Arena for one day only—Saturday 16th August—with three performances. The live-action show sees Ryder and the pups embark on a treasure hunt through Adventure Bay, with puzzles, music, and crowd interaction. It’s fast-paced, full of familiar faces, and has toured more than 40 countries since launching in 2016.
Looking for something a bit different? Head to The Old Crown in Digbeth on Tuesday 12th August for The Ultimate Quiz Night, hosted by Mark “The Beast” Labbett from The Chase. Doors open at 7pm, and the quiz promises classic rounds, competition, and curveballs courtesy of the Beast himself.
In Solihull, Costa del Solihull Urban Beach is back in Theatre Square until 31st August. It’s free, open daily, and this year it comes with a Jurassic twist—complete with dinosaur props and themed decorations. Buckets and spades are provided, and there’s plenty of sand to keep the kids busy.
And for those after a quieter experience, the Sights of Wonder virtual exhibition from the Barber Institute is now online. It features some of the earliest photographs of the eastern Mediterranean, taken during the 1862 Royal Tour by Francis Bedford. Accompanied by diary entries and press clippings, the exhibition runs until June next year and offers a rare Victorian perspective on empire and exploration.
From stage shows and prehistoric creatures to Korean art and pirate pups, Birmingham’s got the week ahead covered.