Birmingham and the West Midlands are set for an unforgettable 2025, with a packed calendar of fantastic festivals, cultural highlights, sports spectacles, exciting new openings, milestone anniversaries and everything in between!

 

Whether you’re into delicious eats, thrilling matches, or vibrant celebrations, there are plenty of events for you in the region. Explore our guide to all the fantastic events happening in Birmingham and the West Midlands this year!

 


For food and drink lovers


Colmore Food Festival

Where: Victoria Square, Birmingham
When: 4–5 July 2025

Get ready for a two-day celebration of the city’s culinary brilliance at Birmingham’s iconic Colmore Food Festival, an event which attracts over 30,000 visitors! Expect taster dishes, refreshing drinks, and more from the city’s top restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Society Birmingham - New opening

Where: One Colmore Square, Birmingham
When: February 2025

This new independent food and drink hub will feature top local vendors, craft beers, cocktails, and a coffee shop. Perfect for casual meetups, the space is set to become a foodie hotspot.

 

Great British Beer Festival 2025

Where: NEC Birmingham
When: 5-9 August 2025

Beer lovers, rejoice! Sample hundreds of ales, ciders, and international brews at this iconic event. Interactive tastings and live music will keep the fun flowing.

 

BOXPARK Birmingham - New opening

Where: Digbeth, Birmingham
When: Spring 2025

A vibrant food hall and events space spanning 17,000 sq. ft, set to be the perfect spot for dining, events, and al fresco fun.
 


For music and arts enthusiasts


Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival

Where: Various venues, Birmingham
When: 18–27 July 2025

Enjoy over 200 performances across the city, featuring local and international talent. From bars and parks to trams and shopping centres, this 10-day event is a true celebration of jazz and blues, turning every space into a stage.

Flatpack Festival

Where: Various venues, Birmingham
When: 9–17 May 2025

Dive into a world of creative and thought-provoking films. From screenings to interactive experiences, this festival is a must-attend for film lovers.

 

The Women Who Made Shakespeare 

Where: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Stratford-upon-Avon
When: Throughout 2025

This exhibition focuses on Shakespeare’s iconic female characters and their roles in his legacy. Explore authentic voices and new perspectives on the Bard’s work with this fascinating programme.

 

Serendipity Arts Festival

Where: Birmingham City University and various venues, Birmingham
When: 23 May–1 June 2025

Making its debut in Birmingham, Serendipity Arts Festival celebrates creativity and connection with inspiring art and performances hosted by Birmingham City University.

 

Peaky Blinders: The Ballet

Where: Birmingham Hippodrome
When: 11-14 June 2025

Experience the Shelby family’s story through athletic dance, live music, and dazzling performances—a must-see for fans of the TV series and ballet lovers alike.


For sports fans


The West Midlands' 2025 sporting calendar promises a year packed with world-class fixtures and thrilling action across courts, pitches, and arenas. Here are some highlights:

Super League Basketball Trophy Finals

Where: Utilita Arena, Birmingham
When: 26 January 2025

Catch the UK’s top basketball teams compete in this high-energy event that combines sport, music, and entertainment.

England v India Test Match

Where: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
When: 2–6 July 2025

Two cricketing giants face off in this thrilling five-day fixture. Be part of the electric atmosphere.

PaddyPower Kabaddi World Cup

Where: Various venues in the West Midlands
When: 17–23 March 2025

This fast-paced, ancient sport is making its debut outside Asia—an exciting chance to witness history in the making.

Discover more sporting events you won’t want to miss across the region in 2025.
 


Looking for amazing festivals and shows?


Godiva Festival

Where: War Memorial Park, Coventry
When: 4–6 July 2025

An eclectic mix of music, comedy, and family-friendly activities. With local talent and world-renowned headliner acts, this festival has something for everyone.

Birmingham Pride

Where: LGBTQ+ Village, Birmingham
When: Dates TBA

Join the celebration of love, equality, and diversity at one of the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ festivals! Expect a vibrant parade, stellar performances, and a whole lot of colour.

Jewellery Quarter Festival

Where: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
When: Dates TBA

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this festival showcases live music, makers' markets, and a mini-golf course inspired by the Jewellery Quarter.

Birmingham Light Festival

Where: Birmingham City Centre
When: 19–22 February 2025

Explore dazzling light installations across the city, transforming familiar spaces into glowing art pieces.

Midlands Air Festival

Where: Ragley Hall, Alcester
When: 30 May–1 June 2025

Witness stunning hot air balloons, air displays, and family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful countryside setting.
 


Unmissable cultural celebrations


Birmingham Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year

Where: Chinatown and Hippodrome Square, Birmingham
When: 2 February 2025 (Lunar), and 1-2 February 2025 (Chinese)

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Birmingham’s Chinatown on 2 February with vibrant performances, street food, and fireworks. Meanwhile, Hippodrome Square marks Chinese New Year all weekend with traditional festivities and cultural showcases!
 

Sandwell and Birmingham Mela

Where: Victoria Park, Smethwick
When: 19–20 July 2025

Europe’s largest South Asian music festival, featuring performances, food, and arts. A celebration of South Asian culture not to be missed.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Where: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham
When: November–December 2025

Indulge in festive food and shop for handmade gifts at the UK’s largest German Christmas market.

Diwali

Where: Across the region
When: Autumn (October–November)

Diwali, the five-day festival of lights, fills the region with vibrant celebrations later in the year. Don’t miss Birmingham's Diwali Mela, the largest in the UK, featuring colourful performances, festive treats, and a breathtaking fireworks display.
 


2025 in Birmingham and the West Midlands promises an unforgettable year. Keep an eye on our what’s on page for even more events and activities in the region throughout the 2025.