Birmingham is getting ready for the King Charles’ Coronation and the big bank holiday weekend. There will be street parties, big screens, and a celebration of everything British. However, it might not be everybody’s jam.
For those who are looking for smaller and alternative events that are also free to attend during the bank holiday weekend of May 6-8, there is loads to do to keep you entertained.
There is something unique taking place at different corners of Birmingham - and the only thing to keep in mind is that there may road closures for street parties - and the Great Birmingham Run taking place on Sunday - and you will have to plan ahead and allow extra time.
From watching the Great Birmingham Run in person - if you’re not taking part in the half marathon and 10K event - to live music by up-and-coming local bands and some fabulous places to relax and unwind there’s something for everyone.
So, here are 13 free events in Birmingham taking place this weekend:
1. The Great Birmingham Run, May 7
Taking place on May 7, the Great Birmingham Run will be one of the biggest events in the city calendar. There will be an information point open in Centenary Square on both May 6 and 7. On Saturday May 6, the info point will be open from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday May 7- race day - this will be open from 7.30am. You can watch the run from Broad Street and Centenary Square, Chamberlain Clock, The Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square, The Jewellery Quarter, The Mailbox and canals. The Junior Great Birmingham Run starts at 8.45am, while the Mini Great Birmingham Run starts at 9.25am. Fast Paced Club Runners- Half Marathon and 10k Orange waves start at 9.30am, Half Marathon and 10k Green waves start at 9.45am, Half marathon and 10k pink waves start at 10am, and there are many more races to keep an eye out for. (Photo - Edwin Ellis PR)
2. Birmingham Pride 2023 Eco Drag Challenge at The Old Print Works
Drag queen See-Maa-Butt, drag persona Maxx Gentleman and Craftspace invite you to create fabulous drag costumes using waste materials on May 7 from 11am. See-Maa-Butt and Maxx Gentleman will share fun, simple but effective crafting techniques including using plastic bags to make decorative flowers. Everyone will make a costume and accessories to wear and are invited to join their walking group at the Birmingham Pride Parade on Saturday 27th May to promote ‘planet-kind’ drag that will help make a difference to climate change. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. This event is part of Drag Declares Emergency project and #EcoDragChallenge developed by Lady Kitt and commissioned by Craftspace(Photo - Google Maps)
3. Young Curators - Get to know session at Moseley Road Baths
On May 6, from 12-3pm, Moseley Road Baths are hosting a ‘Get to Know’ Session for all of those who are curious about the Young Curators Steering Group. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in applying. This is for people between 18-30 and they will learn about building and its history, a paid opportunity and get some free pizza as well. (Photo - SWNS)
4. Workers of the Roundhouse free drop-in tour
From Thursday to Sunday between 11:30 and 14:00, you can drop in for a free and short interactive tour. You’ll discover the Victorian people (and horses) who made the Roundhouse a 24/7 hub for the city of Birmingham. You’ll also meet a lesser-known architect here. (Photo - Silver Pear Communications)