It’s taken its time, but summer has finally arrived. Whether you’re a shade-seeker or looking to soak up every ray of sunshine, you’ll want to break out of your hibernation this July. From fun music festivals to canal boat rides to trips to flower fields and breathtaking theatre shows, here’s our guide to the best things to do this July in Birmingham.
If you’re looking for a cool, indoor escape from the July heat, take a 90-minute immersive journey into Ancient Egypt at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Blending virtual reality, immersive storytelling and authentic artefacts, the Tutankhamun exhibition (endorsed by the Grand Egyptian Museum) features recreated tombs, interactive rooms and an AI photobooth.
Picture this: A four-string quartet performing your favourite songs in Birmingham’s most beautiful buildings, all under the gentle glow of candlelight. Doesn’t that sound special? And there’s something for every type of music fan. Catch a tribute to iconic Disney songs, while fans of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay have something to love, too!
You can see the breadth of Colmore’s food scene all in one place this summer, with the return of the Colmore Food Festival. The 13th edition of one of Birmingham’s most popular free events takes over Victoria Square with affordability and accessibility. Tuck into a 30-piece trader line-up, which includes Glynn Purnell’s Trillium, the modern Greek restaurant Cylla, and ever‑changing tasting menus of Six by Nico. Plus, the Demonstration Kitchen on Chamberlain Square sees local chefs, mixologists and bakers share signature dishes and new techniques.
Joe Lycett is holding his first major solo exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. EVERY THING MUST GO explores the theme of ‘things that are no longer with us’ and is inspired by objects from the city of Birmingham’s collection. The ambitious new mixed media exhibition will include subjects such as deceased celebrities, discontinued chocolate bars, extinct animals and destroyed buildings.
It’s festival season, and the mighty Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival returns to Birmingham’s Moseley Park & Pool. As always, the line-up looks to bring the sunshine with legends like the undisputed godfathers of drum’n’bass, Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra; the much-anticipated return of festival favourite, Jalen Ngonda; and soul, jazz, and hip-hop multi-instrumentalist and singer-producer, Jordan Rakei.
The Hundred has turned world-class cricket into blockbuster entertainment. And the countdown is now on for Birmingham Phoeix‘s first double-header home match on Friday, July 24, against rivals Trent Rockets. Birmingham Phoenix’s home fixtures are then against Welsh Fire (Saturday, August 1), Sunrisers Leeds (Friday, August 7), and MI London (Wednesday, August 12).
Simmer down in Handsworth Park with reggae and ska
Simmer Down is one of the largest and most diverse festivals in Birmingham. If you love roots reggae and its fantastic history, this one’s for you. Taking place in the beautiful Handsworth Park on July 26, this family festival celebrates Birmingham’s rich cultural diversity. Headlining this year are Tarrus Riley, Lady Leshurr and Mr. Vegas, alongside an array of local artists, musicians, and DJs.
The family-run Hill Barn Farm, home to the legendary Cotswold Lavender, has been growing lavender here for over two decades. Every summer, they open just 20 acres to the public before harvesting, which will end up in everything from bath soaps to scent diffusers and candles. You can lose hours walking, relaxing, and picnicking in the lavender fields, while children can follow the shaded Beechwood Trail and learn all about the extraction process in the Distillery.
The largest South Asian music festival in Europe returns. Tens of thousands will head to Victoria Park in Smethwick for pop, folk and classical music from across the globe, British Asian urban acts, dance, visual arts, arts and crafts, as well as exhibitions, food and a shopping bazaar. There’s going to be something for every generation at Sandwell & Birmingham Mela.
The Jewellery Quarter transforms into a full-day celebration of independent makers, music and heritage. One for anyone looking to soak up some local culture this July: the 11th annual Jewellery Quarter Festival takes over Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter with live music, an artisan market, guided heritage tours, creative workshops and family activities.
Grab a cocktail for just £6
The Summer Edition of the legendary Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is almost back. Countless cocktail bars and other hospitality venues around Birmingham will be serving up £6 signature cocktails and £5 mocktails to be crowned this year’s winner. Plus, with tickets starting for just £10, get your hands on complimentary samples, exclusive food offers, one-off events, and more!
Birmingham’s canals are legendary, but the West Midlands’ unique boat trip is actually in Dudley. Dudley Canal & Caverns offers an award-winning exploration of the region’s Industrial Revolution-era underground canal routes. The daily, 45-minute trip delves deep into the region’s past of handmade tunnels and ancient limestone caverns.
Grab a brew at the Birmingham craft beer festival
The UK’s touring craft beer festival is back in Birmingham at the Bond. Birmingham Craft Brew Festival is on a mission to rid the UK of boring beer festivals and replace them with five hours of full-throttle, all-in, party-mode madness with bottomless craft beer, cider, wine, non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks and prosecco. Your ticket promises more than 50 craft drinks to try, a live party band, confetti cannons, giveaways and more.
Bop along to one of Europe’s biggest free jazz parties
The Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival has been running since 1985, making it England’s longest-established jazz and blues festival. The free, citywide jazz party will feature more than 150 performances everywhere from shopping centres to art galleries, railway stations to canal boats, and sometimes even on buses! Plus, expect workshops, talks, exhibitions and masterclasses, too.
If you fancy a big night of theatre in the middle of Birmingham’s July lineup, see Matilda the Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome this summer — its first visit to the theatre. The production stars Richard Hurst, Tessa Kadler, Adam Stafford and Rebecca Thornhill — and the show will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026.
Check out Birmingham’s only disability-led, citywide celebration
Birmingham Disability Festival is a free event that showcases a wide range of disabled talent through performances, sport, interactive games and disabled business owners. This includes The Inclusive Walk around Aston University Lake, alongside live performances, inclusive sports and games, workshops, a dedicated marketplace and more.
