Summer has arrived, and Birmingham and the West Midlands are buzzing with festivals.

From major music events and food festivals to cultural celebrations and family-friendly days out, there's plenty happening across the region. Whether you're discovering something new in the city centre or exploring events further afield, here's nine festivals not to miss this season.
 

 

1. Colmore Food Festival

WHERE: Victoria Square, Birmingham

WHEN: July 3-4

A summer favourite in Birmingham city centre. Colmore Food Festival brings together many of the district's beloved restaurants, bars, and cafés for a weekend of street food, tasting plates and live entertainment. It's a great way to sample the city's diverse food scene in one place.

2. Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival

WHERE: Moseley Park & Pool, Birmingham

WHEN: July 10-12

Held in the beautiful surroundings of Moseley Park, this much-loved festival combines live music, street food and a relaxed atmosphere. Across the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy an eclectic mix of jazz, funk, soul and contemporary artists including Fabio & Grooverider, Jordan Rakei, Jalen Ngonda, Soul II Soul, Hot Chip and Cymande, alongside a host of emerging talents, making for a vibrant and diverse weekend programme. 

3. Solihull Summer Fest

WHERE: Tudor Grange Park, Solihull

WHEN: July 18-19

Returning to Tudor Grange Park for its 10th anniversary, Solihull Summer Fest promises a weekend of live music, great food and feel-good festival vibes. The 2026 line-up includes Craig David, Gabrielle, Fleur East and Sigala, alongside Culture Club, JLS and The Wailers, making it one of the region’s biggest summer live events.

4. The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival

WHERE: Various West Midlands locations

WHEN: July 24 - 2 August

One of the UK's longest-running music festivals, Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival fills venues across the city and beyond with 175 live performances across 97 venues.  Many events are free, making it an accessible celebration of jazz and blues for all.

5. Simmer Down Festival

WHERE: Handsworth Park, Birmingham

WHEN: July 26

Taking place in Handsworth Park, Simmer Down Festival celebrates Birmingham's cultural diversity through music, food and family-friendly entertainment. The festival is particularly known for its reggae, roots and world music line-up, this year features performances from Mr Vegas, Lady Leshurr and Tarrus Riley.

6. Birmingham Mela 2026 

WHERE: Victoria Park, Smethwick

WHEN: July 26

Birmingham Mela is a vibrant celebration of South Asian culture, featuring dance performances, live music from well-known artists such as Sunanda Sharma, Harshdeep Kaur and Yasir Hussain, street food and cultural activities. It's the UK’s biggest South Asian music festival and one of the city's most colourful summer events. 

7. Birmingham Restaurant Festival

WHERE: Various city centre locations 

WHEN: August 1-31

This city-wide dining event celebrates Birmingham’s vibrant food scene, bringing together exclusive menus and special offers across participating restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new venues or rediscover local favourites.

This year features a record 60 restaurants - the highest number in the event’s history. Highlights include Michelin-starred Adams and The Wilderness, alongside acclaimed venues such as Restaurant Folium and Plates by Purnell’s, all offering specially curated festival menus.

8. Birmingham Weekender

WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome 

WHEN: August 29-31

This is the event that transforms the city centre with free performances, outdoor installations and interactive experiences. The festival brings creativity to the streets, offering entertainment for visitors of all ages. 

9. Moseley Folk & Arts Festival

WHERE: Moseley Park & Pool, Birmingham

WHEN: September 4-6

Set in Moseley Park, this popular festival combines folk, indie and roots music with arts, crafts and family activities. Headliners this year include Kingfishr, The DeadSouth, Super Furry Animals, Frank Turner, The Wonder Stuff and Johnny & Lillie Flynn.  Its friendly atmosphere and scenic setting make it a highlight of the summer festival season. 

 

With such a diverse range of festivals taking place throughout the summer, there's never been a better time to explore Birmingham and the West Midlands. Whether you're visiting for a headline music event, sampling local flavours at a food festival or celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage, these events offer a fantastic way to experience everything the destination has to offer. Gather your friends and family, mark your calendar and make this a summer to remember.

Discover more things to do this summer.