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Not sure what things to do in Birmingham this weekend? Well, whatever the weather’s like, however, your mood is, we’ll always have you covered here at Secret Birmingham. Be it the best restaurants and gigs to cultural events or bottomless brunches, we’ve got your weekend sorted below.
What to watch this weekend
1. Paris 2024 Olympics
The ultimate sporting event of the summer starts on Friday (July 26 – August 11). Team GB is sending 327 athletes to compete in 24 different sports at Paris 2024 Olympics – and we’ll support them all this summer! That doesn’t mean we can watch them all, however, which is why we’ve checked out our hometown heroes at Paris 2024 – those hailing from Birmingham and the West Midlands. Whether it’s hockey, 400m dash or boxing, you can see who’s competing by heading here.
Free things to do in Birmingham this weekend
2. The Brighter Flame
If you pop down to Victoria Square from now until July 31, you’ll find a free, outdoor exhibition dedicated to the life of the legendary, Birmingham-born poet Benjamin Zephaniah. The Brighter Flame features more than 20 specially curated artworks – including large-scale black-and-white photos of Zephaniah by Birmingham artist, Pogus Caesar and a series of poems and photographs from their first large-scale project, Handsworth 1985 Revisited. In addition, flags designed in his memory will fly high on Colmore Row.
3. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Discover Bear-mingham this summer (until September 6) with the We’re Going on a Bear Hunt art trail – inspired by the award-winning animation and much-loved picture book by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. There are ten beautifully designed bears on display at Piccadilly Arcade, Great Western Arcade, Bullring, Mailbox, Corporation Street and other city centre spots. A special trail map to find all bears is available here.
Things to do with kids this weekend
4. Titanic Exhibition
You might think you know the tragic story of the Titanic. It sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg and more than 1,500 lives were lost in the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s since inspired radio plays, TV shows, movies, poems, books, songs and more, but the incredible ‘Titanic Exhibition’ tells the tale like you’ve never heard before. Sailing into the NEC Birmingham from July 27 to August 25, the exhibition uses imagery, audio and real objects from the Titanic to convey life onboard the ship. Trace the ocean liner’s journey from its construction in Belfast to its rediscovery at the bottom of the ocean in 1985. You’ll even see props from the 1997 blockbuster film.
Where to go out this weekend
5. The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival
It’s been running since 1985, which makes the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival the longest-established jazz and blues festival in England and one of Europe’s biggest free jazz parties. This year, the festival has over 230 performances lined up alongside workshops, talks, exhibitions and masterclasses, and almost all of it is free to attend. From July 19 to 28, celebrating its 40th year, you’ll find shows in some unusual venues too – from shopping centres and canal boats to art galleries and libraries! To learn more head here.
6. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Where were you in ’89? If you remember the heady early days of the Acid House movement, you might be interested in transporting back via this euphoric, interactive VR adventure, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats. Until September 1 at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, you’ll be able to relive everything from poster-strewn bedrooms to pirate radio stations, and police headquarters to secret warehouses, as you go in search of West Midlands rave culture. To learn more about In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats head here.