With the August bank holiday (31 August) on the horizon, Birmingham and the West Midlands are gearing up for a weekend packed with things to see, do and eat. Whether you're planning a family day out, looking for something different to do together or making a weekend of it, there's plenty to fill the extra day.

From getting up close to wildlife and heading under the sea to trying your way around Birmingham's food scene, catching a musical or joining the crowds at Birmingham Weekender, here are seven ideas for your bank holiday plans.
 

 

1. Join the Birmingham Weekender celebrations

No late August bank holiday weekend in Birmingham would be complete without Birmingham Weekender.

The free, family-friendly festival returns to the city centre over the bank holiday weekend, bringing performances, outdoor installations and experiences to the streets around Bullring and beyond. The programme brings together local, national and international artists, with dance, music and outdoor performances taking over the city.

It's the perfect excuse to spend a day exploring Birmingham on foot – stopping for food, a little shopping or a drink along the way before catching another performance.

2. Catch Midsummer Masti: The Story Continues 

For something a little different, head to the Midlands Arts Centre on Sunday 30 August for Midsummer Masti: The Story Continues.

Following the success of last year's event, Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage returns to MAC's Outdoor Theatre with an evening of music, dance and celebration. The event promises to continue the story with a lively programme inspired by love, life and family.

Taking place outdoors at MAC in Cannon Hill Park, it's a chance to experience South Asian arts and culture in a relaxed summer setting.

3. Spend the day at Dudley Zoo and Castle

Head just outside Birmingham (a 45 minute drive) to Dudley Zoo and Castle for a day surrounded by animals, history and plenty to explore. The zoo is home to around 140 species, with the grounds set around the ruins of Dudley Castle and its distinctive Tecton structures.

There's an extra reason to visit this summer, too. Wild Bricks is bringing a trail of life-sized endangered animals, built from thousands of toy bricks, to the zoo. Running until 31 August, you can spot the sculptures around the zoo's pathways alongside the real animals, with a trail to complete as you explore.

It's an easy way to turn a trip to the zoo into a full day out, with plenty to discover along the way.

4. Make a meal of Birmingham Restaurant Festival

August is a good month to put Birmingham's food scene at the centre of your plans. Birmingham Restaurant Festival runs throughout the month, with participating restaurants creating special-value set menus and dining experiences.

One offer to look out for is the Social Platter for Two for £20 at Flight Club on Temple Street – a chance to sit down and try something new without turning dinner into a big occasion.

With restaurants across the city taking part, it's also a good excuse to explore beyond the usual spots and build a meal into your bank holiday plans.

The festival runs from 1–31 August 2026, with menus available to browse online before booking.

5. Join the Sea Creature Rescue Squad

If you're heading into Birmingham with younger visitors, make a mission of your trip to the National SEA LIFE Centre.

This summer, Sea Creature Rescue Squad invites young explorers to become Ocean Heroes, with an interactive trail taking them through the aquarium and challenging them to learn more about sharks, turtles, coral reefs and seahorses. Complete the challenges and there's even a certificate, stickers and colouring sheet to take home.

The experience runs until 6 September and is included with admission, so you can take your time exploring the aquarium's other marine life while you're there.

6. Make a day of it at the NEC

The NEC has plenty on this bank holiday weekend, with something for all ages. Younger visitors can join Peppa Pig on her Space Adventure, while Gravity Show 2026 brings a weekend of supercars, live drifting and action to the venue. For something completely different, step into the world of Ancient Egypt at Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, with immersive projections and interactive experiences bringing the story to life.

With all three taking place at the NEC, it’s easy to combine a visit with lunch or a wander around the wider site.

7. See Mrs.Doubtfire take the stage

Swap a day out for a night at the theatre and catch Mrs.Doubtfire The Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome.

The West End hit arrives in Birmingham from 13 August, bringing the much-loved story of Daniel Hillard and his alter ego Euphegenia Doubtfire to the stage with new songs and dance numbers alongside the moments fans will recognise from the film.

With performances running until 19 September, it's an easy one to build into a city break – particularly if you're staying overnight and want to make an evening of your visit.

Make a weekend of it

With family attractions, food, theatre and free outdoor events all happening across the region, there's plenty to pack into the August bank holiday.

If you're travelling into Birmingham, stay a little longer and give yourself time to explore beyond the event you're coming for. From the city centre to its neighbourhoods and further into the West Midlands, there's plenty more waiting to be discovered. Click here to find out more about accommodation.

See more bank holiday weekend events here.