Make the most of summer in the city with these exciting things to do.
July has been pretty damn good- major sporting, cultural and music events taking place, further easing of restrictions and some fun in the sun (or hiding from the heatwave). However, the summery month of August has got plenty in store to keep you entertained. From bottomless brunches to brand new events and openings for you and your mates to explore, August isn’t short of things to do in the city and it seems Birmingham is gradually getting back to normality!
1. Discover the UK’s first truly immersive 4D virtual reality experience
Hidden in the depths of Digbeth, a brand new multi-sensory VR experience which combines mind blowing technology with a physical sensation overload is about to change up your summer for the better. A new venue known as In A Box, In A Box, In A Box offers a world where gaming, VR, theatre and film collide with the latest technology to create a truly immersive 4D virtual reality experience. Located on Floodgate Street, the Digbeth site, which is open from August 5, is starting with a Chernobyl-inspired experience. Find out more here.
2. Sip on prosecco and enjoy the sounds of Prince in a brand new way
Redefining everything you thought you knew about classical music, Luna Springs presents: The Untold Orchestra. A collective of musicians who are tearing up the orchestral rule-book and bringing you the freshest symphonies Digbeth’s ever heard. Fronted by a 13-piece orchestra, Luna Springs be bringing you the sounds of one of the world’s hottest musical icons, Prince, in a totally wild new way during the month of August. Some might say they’ve pulled some strings and managed to put together the perfect blend of outrageous partying, tasty tracks and incredible vibes. Grab your tickets to this summer music event here.
3. Shake up a storm at Birmingham Cocktail Weekend
Taking place on August 6-8, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend will see 33 fantastic venues in the city serve up a signature cocktail as part of the three-day festival. The final venue list features Jewellery Quarter favourites; Grain & Glass and Saint Paul’s House, long term BCW hotel partners, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, and some great new openings including Ikigai at 1000 Trades, Medicine Mailbox and The Pineapple Club. Get ready for one boozy weekend!
4. Listen to drum and bass tunes at this bottomless brunch
Summer is well and truly here and we’re entering post-lockdown territory, which calls for one thing…bottomless brunch. One brunch worth adding to your calendar and an excuse to get your mates together for (not that we need one) is none other than the DNB bottomless brunch. Combining top drum and bass tunes, bottomless cocktails and mouthwatering fried chicken, the weekends just got fun again.
5. Head to the theatre
Lockdown has been hard on all of us, however the entertainment industry, including theatres, has been hit pretty hard by the pandemic, but things appear to be on the up. Closed for almost 500 days, Birmingham theatre The Alexandra has announced that its doors are now open once more. The Alexandra, which was built back in 1901, has got a star-studded programme of sensational shows are in the pipeline as it celebrates its 120th birthday. Find out what the theatre has lined up here.
6. Sing along to acoustic anthems at Luna Spring’s bottomless Sunday brunch
Down in Digbeth, Luna Springs is hosting an epic new Sunday brunch event known as Luna Live. With the nation gagging for a gig and craving a concert, Luna Springs is here to deliver an unrivalled brunch experience that’s sure to fill that live music shaped hole in your life. Bringing your favourite festival vibes all in one place, you can also sip on bottomless prosecco or cocktails and tuck into delicious burgers as the music plays. Book your Sunday brunch here.
7. Visit this amazing art installation in Chamberlain Square
A spectacular public art installation to thank NHS staff and all key workers for their ongoing courage and dedication is coming to Birmingham on August 20. The art installation named Gratitude will bring together 51 uniquely-designed human form sculptures by artists from the UK’s nations and regions to Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square for 10 days. Each sculpture is created to reflect the stories and contributions of this unprecedented year through beautiful art and audio. The inspiration for this art installation is based on the image of key workers standing together, but apart. Tickets are free but must booked- so don’t miss out!
8. Catch the Havana spiced cream van
This summer, an amazing Havana Club Spiced Cream Van is touring the UK, delighting Brits with delicious spiced rum ice cream, Havana Club merch, cocktails and more! The Havana Club Spiced Cream Van will start it’s epic quest across the UK and arriving in Birmingham on August 20 and will be parked up for you to grab a scoop until August 25.
9. Watch movie classics at the Midland Arts Centre
Cinema has finally made a return. Whilst it might be cosy curled up on the sofa on a cold, wintery night watching a film on the TV screen, there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a cinema. But what about the atmosphere of an amphitheatre? The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) has announced that it will be showing screenings of some cult and romantic classics as part of their Sundown Cinema programme during the month of August, including Moulin Rouge, Trainspotting and The Big Lebowski.
10. Listen to music by jazz legends at this candlelight concert
Celebrating some of the greatest songs by icons such as Nat King Cole and Ray Charles, one of this month’s Candlelight Tribute events will see a highly talented jazz ensemble honour the beloved jazz musicians, under the roof of The Mill. The Digbeth venue will be completely bathed in candlelight, providing an unbeatable atmosphere that’ll have you feeling on Cloud 9. Expect to hear covers of their rhythm and blues tracks, plus jazz and gospel-style hits which you may struggle to resist swaying in your seat to. Tickets are on sale now here.
11. Experience a taste of China at this brand new elegant Birmingham restaurant
Combining modern Oriental cuisine and the European chic of cocktail culture, new restaurant Lulu Wild is replacing the old Carluccio’s at Brindleyplace which closed last year. Opening on August 18, the bar and restaurant will span two floors and provide an epic bottomless brunch experience featuring decadent and mouth-watering cocktails. Boasting neon lighting and an atmosphere reminiscent of China’s downtown streets, Lulu Wild promises to embody the refinery and elegance of modern Chinese culture with the adventurous spirit of Birmingham. Plus, all their visionary and delectable cocktails paired with modern Chinese cuisine, will be served up alongside an R&B soundtrack.
12. Reminisce the noughties at this sassy Britney brunch at Tonight Josephine
Oops, they did it again with another brunch! Tonight Josephine has also launched a Britney-themed brunch that will have your reminiscing the noughties. Expect a boozy brunch filled with intoxicating bubbles, a scandalous game of bingo and a vocal showdown that will leave you begging to hit it baby one more time. Iconic, sassy, and full of throwbacks. Is this the brunch of your wildest dream? Of course it is, IT’S BRITNEY B*TCH. Tickets are on sale here.
13. Visit newly reopened The Flapper
Renowned for its canal side location, live music and events, The Flapper was a well-loved Birmingham independent until it closed in January 2020 – seemingly for good. With plans to turn the space into flats, the pub was destined to be bulldozed before being brought back from the brink. Thankfully, the iconic, 52-year-old pub and alternative music venue has reopened its doors after being saved from demolition thanks to public support and Birmingham City Council. So hop on down, order a pint and dance the night away!
14. Go on a day trip to one of these fantastic flower farms
We’re so lucky in England to have such varied landscapes, from meadows to forests, and rolling hills to sandy beaches. This varied terrain provides the perfect place for so many different kinds of flowers and foliage to grow and bloom, and there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting by a stunning field of flowers. With so many of us opting to holiday in the UK this year, there’s no better time to visit these gorgeous flower fields, so we’ve compiled a list of our favourite flowery spots in the UK at which you can take some time out and enjoy the natural world.