From multiple street food halls to more Michelin stars than any other UK city outside of London, and everything in between, Birmingham is a gastronomist’s playground. You can see the breadth of the city’s hunger all in one place this summer, with the return of the Colmore Food Festival in July.
The 13th edition of one of Birmingham’s most popular free events looks to take over Victoria Square on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2026. Last year’s festival saw record-breaking crowds, with 75,000 visitors across two days, tucking into everything from bao buns to gelato lollies to Argentinian steaks and more.
Curry houses, cocktail bars, Michelin restaurants. The festival celebrates the extraordinary depth and diversity of the hospitality scene from across Colmore Business District—featuring 31 traders from the area and beyond in 2025, the 2026 festival promises even more variety of traders.
On top of acclaimed restaurants and talented independents, Colmore Food Festival’s Demonstration Kitchen on Chamberlain Square is equally anticipated. Where local chefs, mixologists and bakers take to the stage to share signature dishes, showcase new techniques, and shine a spotlight on local talent.
“The Festival is a fantastic celebration of the creativity, quality, and diversity of our hospitality sector in Colmore,” said Alex Tross, Deputy Board Chair and Lead of Colmore Culture Working Group. “After welcoming 75,000 people in 2025, we’re excited to build on that success and create another unforgettable weekend.”
Colmore Food Festival will open all day (from 11am – 8pm) on both Friday and Saturday, and will continue to champion affordability and accessibility through capped pricing and taster‑sized portions, allowing all visitors to sample a wide range of flavours without breaking the bank.
Further details, including the full trader lineup, entertainment schedule, and Demo Kitchen programme, will be announced in the coming months.