What’s on this July in Birmingham and the West Midlands

Birmingham and the West Midlands is buzzing with a huge variety of events this July, from unique festivals and world-class performances to incredible independent markets.

Here’s a guide to what’s happening and where you need to be!

Birmingham Indian Film Festival

Date: June 27 - July 7, 2024

Location: Midlands Arts Centre

Aaand action! Dive into the vibrant world of South Asian cinema at the Birmingham Indian Film Festival. This award-winning event showcases a diverse lineup of film screenings, as well as Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and special events, with a focus on women's stories, LGBTQIA+ and regional languages from across South Asia!

101 Dalmatians

Date: July 2 - July 6, 2024

Location: The Alexandra Theatre

Bring the whole family to enjoy the classic tale of 101 Dalmatians brought to life on stage! Expect a heartwarming and visually stunning performance that captures the magic of this beloved story.

Godiva Festival 2024

Date: July 5 - July 7, 2024

Location: War Memorial Park, Coventry

Godiva Festival is back and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Expect outstanding live performances by top artists and local talent, as well as special family entertainment.

This much-loved festival is set to be headlined by The Verve's Richard Ashcroft, pop phenomenon Paloma Faith, and West Midland’s icon Beverley Knight, along with other Main Stage artists including Eurovision's Sam Ryder, Love Island star-turned-musician Wes Nelson, and more!

Benjamin Zephaniah - A Brighter Flame

Date: July 5 - July 31, 2024

Location: Victoria Square, Birmingham

This summer, Birmingham is hosting a special FREE outdoor exhibition in the city centre celebrating the life of the poet, author, actor, and activist Professor Benjamin Zephaniah. With support from the Zephaniah family, 20 specially curated artworks will be displayed in Victoria Square. Additionally, flags designed in Zephaniah's memory will fly high on Colmore Row, the heart of Birmingham.

The Flying Dutchman (Der fliegende Holländer)

Date: July 10 - July 13, 2024

Location: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Experience Wagner’s haunting opera, The Flying Dutchman, at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire this month. Staged by the Artistic Director of the Commonwealth Games 2022 ceremony, Iqbal Khan, and featuring a diverse Commonwealth cast, this incredible German-language opera enchants audiences across the globe.

Birmingham Cocktail Weekend Summer Edition

Date: 11-14 July, 2024

Location: Venues across Birmingham

Get ready to celebrate the 10th Birmingham Cocktail Weekend Summer Edition this July! This exciting event returns to venues across the city, offering festival-goers exclusive access to signature cocktails, special deals on food, and exclusive events at all participating locations. Cheers to that!

Birmingham Craft Brew Festival 2024

Date: July 12 - July 13, 2024

Location: Custard Factory, Digbeth

Sample some of the finest craft beers at the Birmingham Craft Brew Festival in the heart of Digbeth! Enjoy live music, street food, and an electric atmosphere as you sip the weekend away.

Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival

Date: July 12 - July 14, 2024

Location: Moseley Park, Birmingham

Looking for a soulful summer? Celebrating the best in jazz, funk, and soul music, Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival boasts a fantastic lineup of legendary artists as well as rising stars including Leftfield, The Blackbyrds, and Kool & The Gang.

Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere in stunning surroundings, as well as a variety of food and drink options including craft beer and gourmet street food, while grooving to the smooth sounds!

Black Country Living Museum 1940s Weekend

Date: July 13-14, 2024

Location: Black Country Living Museum

Step back in time to the 1940s at the Black Country Living Museum’s much-loved 1940s event! Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of wartime Britain with vintage music, dancing, traditional food, and costumed characters bringing history to life from day to night. Don your best 1940s outfit and join the celebration!

Birmingham Mela 2024

Date: July 13 - July 14, 2024

Location: Victoria Park, Smethwick

Prepare to get colourful at Birmingham Mela this July! 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. Indulge in delicious South Asian cuisine, enjoy a funfair, explore arts and crafts stalls, and so much more!

Stratford Gin & Rum Festival

Date: July 14, 2024

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon

Calling all Gin and Rum lovers! Stratford Gin & Rum Festival is back and ready to raise the bar. Head to the 100-year-old Topiary Garden at Billesley Manor Hotel and try a variety of fantastic craft gins and rums as well as delicious locally sourced food. There will also be live music, making for the perfect chilled Sunday plans!

TILT Festival

Date: July 15 - July 16, 2024

Location: Various locations around Birmingham

Explore the world of aerial arts at the TILT Festival! Expect a celebration of aerial circus and physical theatre for adults and young people featuring masterclasses, seminars, networking, and performances from international artists and industry professionals in Birmingham's famous cultural quarter.

Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival

Date: July 19 - July 28, 2024

Location: Various locations across Birmingham and the West Midlands

Let your blues float away at The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, returning for its 40th year in 2024! Across 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!

Jewellery Quarter Festival

Date: July 20, 2024
Location: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham

Dive into the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at their FREE annual Summer Festival! Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere with live music and captivating performances, explore unique creations at the markets, and enjoy hands-on demonstrations, arts, heritage tours, and other special events. Check out the full festival programme.

FarGo Summer Makers Market 2024

Date: July 20 - July 21, 2024

Location: FarGo Village, Coventry

Get ready for a sun-soaked celebration of creativity and local talent at the Fargo Village Summer Makers Market in Coventry this July! You’ll find an array of talented artisans offering everything from handmade jewellery and unique home decor to delightful gourmet treats.

Solihull Summer Fest 2024