This summer, we’re all raring to go and luckily there are plenty of fantastic things on the horizon this June to start the season with a bang. Fancy getting your calendar jam-packed again? From candlelight concerts to tasty food and drink offerings, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to getting your dose of good grub and culture. Check out our guide to some of the best things to do this June in Birmingham.
1. Soak up the sights of the city from The Library of Birmingham’s secret garden
It still surprises us that so few people know about The Library of Birmingham’s secret garden. Climb to the seventh level to witness unbeatable views of the city. Ideal in this gorgeous weather we’re having, and a fantastic way to rekindle your love for the city. It’s not all about the sights either.
As beautiful greenery, the surrounding modern architecture and winding pathways make it an escape from the hustle and bustle below. Just borrow a book from the library and settle down in the sunshine! (The secret garden is surprisingly quiet and peaceful.)
2. Hear your favourite songs under the gentle glow of candlelight
There’s nothing else like a Candlelight Concert. Unwind this June to your favourite tunes in Birmingham’s most unique venues – all performed by an incredible string quartet, under the gentle glow of candlelight. And whether you’re a fan of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay or Hans Zimmer, Bruno Mars or Queen, there’s a concert for everyone this June. To see all candlelight concerts in Birmingham head here.
3. Escape the city with a trip to the seaside
Birmingham has a lot to offer in June, but the one thing it doesn’t have is beaches. Summer is upon us, and we all need some seaside sights, smells and sounds in our lives. Luckil,y there are some cracking coastal towns near Birmingham that you must visit this summer. From Weston-super-Mare in the South West to Rhyl in North Wales, start packing the car for a day trip this June.
4. Visit the gardening and cookery combo event
Green thumbed? A dab hand in the kitchen? BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the Good Food Show Summer arrive at the NEC in Birmingham in June. The two-for-one event offers four days (June 12 – 15) of gardening displays and cookery demonstrations. From inspirational, expert advice from renowned gardening gurus and Michelin-trained chefs to shopping for all the latest food trends and garden must-haves, there’s no end to the excitement.
This year’s highly anticipated headline attraction has to be Adam Frost’s Tasting Table – a unique, interactive and exclusive experience that brings flavours from the garden to life with culinary experts and guest chefs. To learn more head here.
5. Catch the Peaky Blinders on the stage
After sell-out performances in 2022/23, the leading British dance company Rambert returns to Birmingham Hippodrome with Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby from June 11 to 14. Written for the stage by Steven Knight, this dance theatre stage adaptation combines dazzling, athletic dance with the hard-hitting storytelling you know and love. The production features the full Rambert company with a live band, specially commissioned music and iconic Peaky track. You can learn more here.
6. Tuck into tea at these quirky houses carved out of rock
If you thought people stopped living in caves millennia ago, you might be surprised to learn about Kinver Edge. Home to a series of houses carved out of red sandstone, people lived here as recently as the 1950s. Today these restored houses serve as a unique tourist attraction near Birmingham.
Tuck into everything from sandwiches to soup, cakes to coffee, at the unique rock-cut café. While The Book Nook must be the only cave-dwelling, secondhand bookshop in the world! The Rock House walking trail is the best way to take in all the surroundings, however. It takes you through a heathland abuzz with wildlife, children’s play areas, two explorable areas of rock houses and atop the Iron Age hill fort.
7. Unwind at this annual rum extravaganza
Birmingham Rum Festival is looking to bring a slice of paradise to Moseley for its 10th anniversary this summer (Saturday, June 28) – with exotic cocktails, Carribean and Latin American-inspired street food, and live reggae beats. This year’s festival will transform The Cuban Embassy into a vision of Havana. This is a holiday to Cuba without leaving Birmingham.
8. Catch the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Birmingham
West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome on its first ever UK & Ireland tour. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits – including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, and River Deep, Mountain High – experience the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s inspiring story from humble beginnings in Tennessee into a multi-award-winning global superstar. You can learn more here.
9. Create a racket at the Birmingham Open
The Lexus Birmingham Open has been won 10 times by Wimbledon Champions since its inception in 1982. That’s why it’s become a bucket list tournament for all British tennis fans, as some of the world’s biggest men’s and women’s tennis stars are expected in Birmingham this June. And, for the first time, a combined tournament will see men and women competing in the same week at the Edgbaston Priory Club (May 31 – June 8). You can learn more here.
10. Head to one of these brilliant beer gardens in Birmingham to enjoy the sunshine
If summer isn’t about enjoying the sunshine, then we don’t know what it’s about. So head to one of Birmingham’s beer gardens, order a refreshing drink and unwind in the company of friends. There’s no better way to enjoy June than with time spent in a pub garden.
What we’re looking for is lots of space to sit everyone, pretty surroundings that glisten in the sun and a great pub attached serving a good range of beverages. But somewhere that’s good value too, doesn’t hurt. The Plough in Harborne was recently named the second-best value beer garden in the UK – which we wouldn’t describe as a ‘cheap and cheerful boozer’, but offers a balance of quality and good value.
11. Celebrate Jane Austen’s birthday with an outdoor performance
For Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, Illyria Theatre’s critically-acclaimed production of Pride and Prejudice heads to Winterbourne House and Garden. You know the story of Lizzy Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy well, maybe too well, but you’ve likely never experienced it like this! This lively adaptation (on June 20) is perfect for this picnic weather and stunning setting. You can learn more here.
12. Celebrate the University’s birthday with a community festival
The beautifulUniversity of Birmingham turns 125 and is celebrating with a special celebration weekend. There’s a fantastic lineup of free events – including talks, campus tours, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Check out iconic spots like The Lapworth Museum of Geology and Winterbourne House and Garden, or relax with a picnic in its many green spaces. Visit the University of Birmingham Community Festival from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, June 21.
13. Check out these colourful confetti flower fields that’s only open for 10 days
Have you ever wondered where they grow all that biodegradable flower confetti you find at weddings? Head to the village of Wick in Worcestershire, where you’ll find acres and acres of flourishing flowers – mostly delphiniums – before they’re harvested. The Wyke Manor Estate reopens its Confetti Flower Field to the public at the end of the month – and you’ll only have 10 days to visit. Don’t walk through or pick the flowers, please, but enjoy the tranquillity of the psychedelic fields.
14. Show your pride!
The annual parade and party may have slipped in at the end of May, but Pride month takes place in June, and there are plenty of ways to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. From dumplings to drag, coffee to comedy, it’s never a drab moment in Birmingham’s Gay Village! You can also get reading from our list of the most enlightening books to read during Pride Month, which you may be able to buy when you…