It’s taken its time, but summer is finally here. Whether you’re a shade-seeker or the kind who likes to soak up every inch of sunlight while it’s around, you’ll want to break out of hibernation this July. From fun music festivals to canal boat rides to trips to flower fields and breathtaking exhibitions, here’s our guide to the best things to do this July in Birmingham.
1. Celebrate the life of poet Benjamin Zephaniah
A free, outdoor exhibition will celebrate the life of poet Benjamin Zephaniah in Birmingham City Centre this July. Born and raised in Handsworth, one of the greatest writers of modern British literature passed away in December last year. The Brighter Flame (July 5 – 31) in Victoria Square will feature more than 20 specially curated artworks – including large-scale black-and-white photos of Zephaniah, a series of poems from the project Handsworth 1985 Revisited, and stills from his conceptual film The Tiny Spark.
2. Unwind with an atmospheric Candlelight concert
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? There’s something for every type of music fan too! On July 6, experience classical renditions of nu metal legends Linkin Park, while pop fans can enjoy a Coldplay concert on July 13. If you want something more traditional, a pianist will perform Beethoven, Chopin and more at Worcester Cathedral on July 5.
3. Sip and paint in the neon glow
It’s the psychedelic painting workshop that everyone’s going mad for. Now, the adults-only, immersive Neon Brush heads to Birmingham from June 4 – 6. Grab your paintbrushes and a glass of wine (or beer or soft drink if you prefer), and create your masterpiece in this fluorescent neon-lit setting. There’s music, a free drink and all the painting materials you’ll need for this 90-minute artistic adventure. Just bring your creativity and some clothes you don’t mind dirtying! So rekindle your childlike wonder for art and get your tickets here.
4. Dance to mostly jazz, funk and soul
It’s festival season and the mighty Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival returns to Birmingham’s Moseley Park & Pool from July 12 to 14. As always, the line-up looks to bring the sunshine with legendary funksters Kool & The Gang, electronic music pioneers Leftfield, and man of the moment Yussef Daye all performing. Also playing are Blackbyrds, Nubiyan Twist, and Greentea Peng, plus DJ sets from Mr Scruff, Kurupt FM, James Lavelle, and Craig Charles. To see the full line-up and to get tickets head here.
5. Find your zen at this coffee festival
This year’s caffeine-packed Birmingham Coffee Festival (July 6 & 7) will be offering two days of top-notch coffee and treats from over 60 exhibitors at The New Bingley Hall. Plus, the highly-anticipated coffee competition, Extracted Development – where you interact with competitors, taste their coffee, and vote for your favourite – also returns. New this year, a Wellbeing Zone will let visitors try a variety of speciality teas, chocolates and healthcare products that turn coffee into a “total zen experience”. Also expect talks and panels, entertainment, competitions and a marketplace.
6. Simmer 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 28, this free family festival celebrates Birmingham’s rich cultural diversity. Headlining this year is Julian Marley, alongside an array of local artists, musicians, and DJs.
7. Visit these stunning flower fields
If you bloomin’ love flowers, like us, you’re in for a treat this July. For a small window of time (June 28 to July 7), The Wyke Manor Estate will reopen its Confetti Flower Field – mostly delphiniums – before they’re harvested. If you miss that, Cotswold Lavender will also offer a psychedelic display of colour this summer (until August 4) – where you’re allowed to walk, relax, and picnic.
8. Enjoy the largest South Asian music festival in Europe
The largest South Asian music festival in Europe returns this July 13 & 14. 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. To learn more head here.
9. Look after yourself at this innercity ‘wellbeing cafe’
After success in Selly Oak and Hall Green, a third ‘wellbeing cafe’ is opening in Birmingham. This time supporting locals in the Jewellery Quarter, grounded. St Paul’s will combine a café and wellbeing studio on the ground floor, with two floors of therapy rooms above.
10. Stay overnight with hippos and African wild dogs
West Midlands Safari Park’s Safari Lodges were recently recognised at Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024 – placing them among the top 10% of listings in the world. These luxury lodges are designed to give you an “up-close and immersive overnight wildlife experience like no other.” You can already stay with elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, red pandas, tigers and lions. But this July, West Midlands Safari Park is set to open eight lodges with views of hippos and African wild dogs.
11. Take the West Midlands’ most unique boat trip –
Birmingham’s canals are legendary, but the West Midlands’ most 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.
If you’re after something that lasts a little longer, the Two Tunnel Tour is a six-hour journey through mysterious tunnels and conservation areas. You’ll even take a 30-minute break – perfect for a picnic – at the hidden gem of Bumble Hole Nature Reserve and historical Cobbs Engine House. This month, the boat will set sail on July 6, 21 and 27 for only £28.50 per person.
12. Witness ‘the unsinkable ship’ sail into Birmingham
Since the Titanic’s maiden voyage ended in tragedy in 1912, ‘the unsinkable ship’ has sunk deep into the public’s imagination. The Titanic Exhibition will tell its sad story like never before when it comes to Birmingham this July. Sailing into the NEC (July 27 to August 25) the exhibition will use imagery, audio and real objects from the Titanic to convey life onboard the ship. Plus, props from the Titanic (1997) movie will also feature – including a life jacket, the Heart of the Ocean necklace, and Captain Smith’s teacup and a saucer.