As the days get longer and the mornings brighter, summer in Birmingham is fast approaching! Whether you're here for a quick visit, a weekend getaway, or lucky enough to call the city home, there's no shortage of exciting experiences, delicious food, and vibrant festivals to enjoy.

To help you make the most of the sunny days ahead, we’ve handpicked 9 must-do experiences that locals swear by, and we think you will too.

 

1. Relax with a Drink at a Rooftop Bar

Birmingham’s rooftop bars provide the perfect setting to unwind and soak up incredible views of the city. At the Sky Bar & Restaurant at Resorts World, you’ll find the stylish Secret Garden, complete with cosy pods and a sleek glass bar. In Digbeth, The Button Factory’s rooftop garden serves up great tunes and a relaxed atmosphere. For a taste of luxury, head to Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at The Cube, where you can wine and dine while enjoying 360-degree panoramic views.
 

2. Catch the Action at a Live Sport Event

This summer, Birmingham is the ultimate destination for sports fans, with an exciting lineup of events. June kicks off with the British Open Squash, a prestigious and historic tournament featuring some of the best players in the sport. In July, don’t miss the highly-anticipated England v India Test Match at Edgbaston Stadium. Then, in August, golf fans can look forward to the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry Hotel & Resort.
 

3. Explore Free Museums and Galleries

Birmingham is home to an array of fantastic museums and galleries, many of which are free to visit. Step back in time at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to learn about the city’s vibrant past. For modern art lovers, the Ikon Gallery offers a contemporary twist with thought-provoking exhibitions, while the Lapworth Museum of Geology invites you to explore one of the Midlands’ finest collections of fossils, minerals, and rocks.

4. Feel the Beat at a Music Festival

Summer in Birmingham wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local music festival. Head to Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul for a soulful celebration of innovative UK and international music. Immerse yourself in the colours, sounds, and flavours of South Asian culture at the Birmingham Mela, which is packed with performances, food, and art. For a high-energy event, don’t miss MADE Festival in Digbeth, an urban dance festival that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

 

5. Taste Your Way Through Local Food Festivals

Birmingham is a food lover's paradise, with a variety of mouth-watering festivals taking place this summer. Birmingham Restaurant Festival offers a month-long celebration of great value menus and unique dining experiences. At the Colmore Food Festival, local restaurants, cafes, and bars line the streets, offering delicious local food and drink. For a global culinary experience, the Halal Food Festival at the NEC brings together innovative dishes from across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

 

6. Stroll Through Parks and Green Spaces

Take advantage of the warmer weather and explore Birmingham’s parks and green spaces. Wander through 15-acres of lush gardens and tropical houses at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, or discover the beauty of Winterbourne House, an Edwardian house surrounded by stunning grounds. For a family-friendly day out, head to Cannon Hill Park, where you’ll find everything from crazy golf and pedal boats to a mini funfair and the popular Midlands Arts Centre.

7. Visit a Family-Friendly Attraction

There’s no shortage of exciting, family-friendly attractions in Birmingham. Step into a chocolate wonderland at Cadbury World and learn about the 200-year history of one of Britain’s most iconic brands. Take a unique guided tour through the Newman Bros Coffin Works to look at a fascinating piece of Birmingham's industrial past. Or, spark curiosity at Thinktank, Birmingham’s interactive science museum, with over 200 hands-on exhibits on science and technology.

 

8. Experience the Best Arts and Cultural Events

Birmingham is a city bursting with creativity, offering a diverse range of arts and cultural events. Celebrate love, diversity, and equality at Birmingham Pride, where colourful parades and live performances fill the streets. Be sure to catch the debut of the Serendipity Arts Festival, uniting global artists and communities this summer. For film lovers, the annual Flatpack Festival presents a programme of screenings, performances, walks, and installations celebrating the magic of cinema.

 

9. Uncover Hidden Gems at a Local Market

Birmingham is home to a fantastic selection of local markets, each offering a unique selection of food, crafts, and gifts. Visit Edgbaston Village Market for artisanal products and delicious street food in a charming setting. Moseley Farmers Market, four-time winner of Best Farmers Market in the UK, is perfect for browsing fresh produce, cheeses, and local goods from independent sellers. For something special, head to Kings Heath Artisan Market, held on the second Sunday of each month, where you’ll find everything from handmade gifts to homemade treats. And for a truly local experience, don’t miss the Bullring Markets, where you can pick up fresh produce, fish, meat, and the latest fashion.

 

 

Discover more things to do this summer in Birmingham and start planning your next adventure today.