What's on West Midlands this summer: Birmingham's best summer festivals, events and days out for 2025
With the school holidays just around the corner, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest, best and most family-friendly events happening across Birmingham this summer—whether you’re after free days out, music festivals, or something a little different.
Summer's here - and Birmingham's packed with festivals, family events, and free days out.
From reggae in Handsworth to folk in Moseley, this city doesn't sit still for six weeks. Whether you're planning with kids, mates, or just looking for something different, we've pulled together the highlights.
🌞 Reggae in the park: Simmer Down Festival
📅 27 July | 📍 Handsworth Park
If you want sunshine, soul, and community spirit, Simmer Down Festival is it. Expect a joyful explosion of dub, roots, and dancehall, with families and locals soaking up the relaxed vibe. Food stalls, colourful outfits, and kids dancing to bass-heavy rhythms make this a high-energy yet laid-back day out.
Who’s it for? Reggae fans, multicultural families, and anyone craving a free, inclusive celebration of Birmingham’s cultural diversity.
💃 Beats and bazaars: Birmingham Mela
📅 19–20 July | 📍 Victoria Park, Smethwick
A sensory overload in the best way possible—Birmingham Mela brings Bollywood, bhangra, funfair rides, and a bazaar of South Asian street food together. From Kashmiri chai to Punjabi grills, it’s a non-stop celebration of heritage and harmony.
Who’s it for? South Asian communities, families, foodies, and festival-goers interested in Europe’s largest South Asian cultural event.
🌿 Folk by the lake: Moseley Folk & Arts Festival
📅 29–31 August | 📍 Moseley Park
Hidden in the heart of Moseley, this low-key festival combines live folk music with storytelling tents, poetry, crafts and comedy. It’s social, family-friendly, and charmingly intimate with just 6,000 capacity.
Who’s it for? Culture seekers, parents, and those who want calm over crowds.
🐝 Buzzing with life: Pollinator trail at Botanical Gardens
📅 18 July – 7 September | 📍 Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Nature meets art in this hands-on eco-trail filled with blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and circus-style performers from Cirque du Pollinate. A perfect mix of fun and education wrapped in floral colour.
Who’s it for? Curious kids, eco-conscious families, and anyone looking for outdoor learning with a playful twist.
🎪 Homegrown gun: Good Stuff Family Festival
📅 30 August | 📍 Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club
Bubble machines, silent discos, live local music and world-record attempts—this grassroots festival is small-town summer magic. Affordable and full of charm, it’s tailor-made for laid-back family adventures.
Who’s it for? Families, music lovers, and those who want value-packed entertainment without big crowds.
Read more: 'Quintessentially English' secret garden near Birmingham Airport is bursting with summer fun
🍻 Pint paradise: Great British Beer Festival
📅 5–9 August | 📍 NEC Birmingham
Step into the “biggest pub in the world” where hundreds of beers meet live music, tasting sessions and buzzing conversations. With its new home at the NEC, CAMRA says it’s “bolder & better”.
Who’s it for? Beer lovers, adult groups, and anyone seeking a high-energy, social festival vibe.
🐂 Urban art safari: Bulls in the City
📅 16 July – 14 September | 📍 Birmingham-wide
Spotted a colourful bull on the high street? It’s part of a city-wide sculpture trail featuring 40 giant bulls and 85 decorated calves. It’s creative, interactive and sparks spontaneous exploration.
Who’s it for? Families, art lovers, and curious passersby. A brilliant talking point and photo-op across Birmingham this summer.
🌳 Big green spaces: Parks to explore
Heathlands, lakes, pony treks, forest trails - Sutton Park is Birmingham’s backyard wilderness. Great for long walks, wildlife spotting, and summer picnics.
Cannon Hill Park: A classic inner-city green space with boating lakes, sports zones and conservation areas. It’s a hotspot for weekenders and festival overflow.
Overall - enjoy the summer!
From reggae sound systems and Bollywood beats to storytelling tents and beer halls, Birmingham’s summer is more than just events—it’s a celebration of unity, creativity, and outdoor freedom.
These festivals and trails bring together every corner of the city, offering something for every age, background, and budget.