Sun’s out, Brum's out! Birmingham comes alive in the summer with an array of festivals that celebrate everything from hip-hop and jazz to food and culture. Whether you're a music lover, a foodie, or just looking for a good time, there's something for everyone in our wonderful region!
Here's a roundup of some must-visit summer festivals in and around Birmingham.
B-Side Hip-Hop Festival - 6-9 June
The B-Side Hip-Hop Festival is a dynamic celebration of hip-hop culture held in the heart of Birmingham. This four-day event features a thrilling lineup of breakdancers, graffiti artists, and DJs, transforming the city into a vibrant urban playground!
Expect workshops, performances, and battles showcasing both local and international talent. Food stalls offering a variety of delicious street treats to keep the energy high, making it a must-visit for hip-hop enthusiasts and those wanting to experience the local culture!
Shrewsbury Food Festival - 29-30 June
Looking for a weekend of food, family, and fun? Shrewsbury Food Festival, set in the beautiful Quarry Park, is a paradise for food lovers! This two-day event showcases over 200 food and drink exhibitors, offering everything from gourmet street food to artisanal treats.
Live cooking demonstrations by top chefs, food tasting sessions, and masterclasses make the experience even more special. Plus, there’s live music, family entertainment, and a kid's zone!
Godiva Festival - 5-7 July
Taking place in Coventry's War Memorial Park, you won’t want to miss Godiva Festival’s incredible line-up and electric atmosphere on this family-friendly festival's 10th anniversary!
This three-day event offers a diverse range of music acts across multiple stages, with headliners including the legendary Richard Ashcroft, Beverley Knight, and Paloma Faith, supported by Sam Ryder, Wes Nelson, and many more.
Beyond the music, the festival features loads of fun activities for little ones to enjoy and a wide range of food and drink vendors to get stuck into!
Birmingham Cocktail Festival, Summer Edition - 11-14 July
Shake up your summer plans with the Birmingham Cocktail Festival this July! With unique tasting experiences and mixology masterclasses, this fabulous festival running over 3 days celebrates all things cocktails, using the very best ingredients and techniques in the game. What says summer more than that?
This year marks their 10th anniversary, making it the perfect occasion to raise a glass and join the celebration!
Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul - 12-14 July
Looking for a soulful summer? Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul is a vibrant festival held in Moseley Park! Celebrating the best in jazz, funk, and soul music, the festival boasts a fantastic lineup of both legendary artists and rising stars including Leftfield, The Blackbyrds, and Kool & The Gang.
The stunning setting adds to the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere of the festival, with a variety of food and drink options available, including craft beer and gourmet street food, while grooving to the smooth sounds!
Birmingham Mela 2024, Smethwick - 13-14 July
Birmingham Mela is a colourful celebration of the sights, sounds, and smells of South Asian culture, held in Victoria Park, Smethwick. Welcoming an audience of over 50,000, the Mela is the UK’s biggest South Asian music festival and features an exciting lineup of live music and dance performances highlighting the richness of Asian heritage.
Visitors can indulge in a wide variety of delicious South Asian cuisine from a huge range of food stalls, enjoy a funfair, explore arts and crafts stalls, and interactive activities, making it a joyous event for families and friends alike.
The JQ Festival 2024, Jewellery Quarter - 20 July
Dive into the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at their FREE annual Summer Festival! Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere with live music and captivating performances, explore unique creations at independent makers markets, and enjoy hands-on demonstrations, arts, and heritage tours.
Experience a music festival and bustling market in St. Paul's Square, challenge friends to JQ-themed mini golf in the Golden Square, get your groove on at the dance hub on Vittoria Street, and get exploring with fascinating catacomb tours in the historic cemeteries. Plus, enjoy special events scattered throughout the Jewellery Quarter, including a dynamic music trail, engaging art workshops, stunning exhibitions, and exciting open days.
Solihull Summer Fest 2024 - 20-21 July
The ‘ultimate feel-good festival’, Solihull Summer Fest promises a weekend of fantastic live music and family-friendly entertainment! Held in Tudor Grange Park, this festival features an eclectic mix of artists spanning various genres, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy performances from Ronan Keating, Denise van Outen, The Wurzels, and Scouting for Girls, alongside a variety of food and drink options, a funfair, and dedicated kids' zones. That’s your next family day sorted!
The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival 2024 - 19-28 July
Let all your blues float away at The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, returning for its 40th year in 2024! Spanning ten days, the festival brings the West Midlands to life with soulful sounds across 87 different venues, including parks, shopping centres, parks, libraries, and even trains and trams!
You’ll find an impressive array of over 100 jazz and blues performances, as well as talks, workshops and film showings across the region - nearly all for free! From intimate club gigs to lively outdoor concerts, there's something for every jazz and blues lover at this wonderful celebration of the genre.
MADE Festival 2024, Digbeth - 3 August
MADE Festival is Birmingham's top urban music festival, taking over the lively streets of Digbeth for a day of high-energy performances in its 10th anniversary year!
Known for its stellar lineup of house, drum and bass, grime, and hip-hop artists, this festival attracts music enthusiasts from all over. This year, enjoy 200 fantastic artists across 10 unique stages, with headlines including Dizzee Rascal, Bru-C and Bou.
Besides the music, MADE Festival features a street food village with Digbeth Dining Club and live graffiti, making it the perfect way to celebrate a decade of this iconic party.
Moseley Folk and Arts Festival 2024 - 30 August - 1 September
Aaaand relax! Set in the picturesque Moseley Park, the Moseley Folk and Arts Festival blends a serene natural setting with an impressive lineup of folk, rock, and indie music. Over three days, attendees can enjoy performances from both renowned artists and emerging talents.
In addition to music, the festival celebrates the arts with craft workshops, poetry readings, and storytelling sessions. Local food vendors and craft beer stalls are on hand to fuel the fun, complementing the laid-back, creative vibe of the event.
From beats to eats, Birmingham's summer festivals offer something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to experience the city's rich culture and festivities this summer!
