What's on in Birmingham this summer: Major events guide
Plan your summer in Birmingham with our guide to the major events happening in the city this season.
Summer in Birmingham isn’t just warmer - it’s louder, tastier, and full of life.
Moseley Park's Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival runs 11th to 13th July.
It's one of the city's most established music events, showcasing both international talent and homegrown acts.
Watch the video for the full story.
The setting alone makes it worth the visit - a private, tree-lined park you wouldn't know existed unless someone told you.
Not far from there, Victoria Square will transform again for the Colmore Food Festival on the 4th and 5th July.
It's a chance for local restaurants to get out of the kitchen and onto the streets.
In a city where hospitality jobs have taken a knock in recent years, it also puts a spotlight on the sector's recovery.
The following weekend, 12th July, Digbeth plays host to the Birmingham Craft Brew Festival.
Independent breweries from around the UK set up shop at the Custard Factory, offering pints and tasters alongside street food and DJs.
With taprooms booming post-lockdown, this one's as much about industry as it is about fun.
Then there's the Birmingham Mela on 19th and 20th July, over in Victoria Park, Smethwick.
It's billed as the UK's biggest South Asian festival, and it earns the title. Music, dance, food and community stalls cover every inch of the park.
For many Brummies, it's the social highlight of the year. The same weekend, Solihull Summer Fest brings pop and indie to Tudor Grange Park. Not technically Birmingham, but it might as well be.
It draws a strong local crowd, and again, you'll see everything from small traders to security crews getting a slice of the seasonal economy. Looking ahead to August, the Páirc Summer Series lands at the new Irish Centre.
On the 23rd and 24th, expect Irish folk legends, community groups and a festival atmosphere that nods to Birmingham's deep Irish roots.
These kinds of events aren't just nostalgic--they remind us where the city's working-class character was forged.
June has its moments too.
The Summer Festival of Music, hosted by the University of Birmingham from the 8th to 26th, blends orchestras, folk and choral performances across a mix of venues.
It's a reminder that not all live music needs amps and lasers to leave an impact.
Meanwhile, Herbert's Yard in Longbridge is offering a steady run of outdoor dining and casual gigs throughout the summer. It's the sort of spot that embodies the shift towards smaller, community-focused events.
No frills, just food, music, and a place to sit.
Together, these events shape a summer that isn't just for fun--it's a living, breathing map of what this city is proud of.