May is finally here! The only month of the year with two bank holidays, expect lots to do across these long weekends. We know the weather’s not been great so far this year, but it’s time grab 2024 by the bullhorns and get stuck in. The city comes alive this May – with everything from returning festivals to new breweries So without further ado, here are all the best things to do this May in Birmingham.
1. Get running at your legs off
May starts with a bang as we get set, go for the Great Birmingham Run. Taking place Early May Bank Holiday weekend (Sunday, May 5), we’ll finally see if all those hard months of training will pay off. Spots are already sold out for the 10k race, but you might be able to squeeze in a quick half marathon…
If you’re not ready to run, then May’s a great time to start training for next year – it’s warmer, but not too warm, cool but not too cold. Why not have some fun with your next run? Join this Birmingham running tour. A blend of learning, socialising, and fitness, the 12km run through Birmingham’s top sights is full of rich history. Get your tickets for the Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour here.
2. Love yourself at Birmingham Pride
Thousands are expected to turn out to one of the biggest Pride events in the UK. Taking place across two days (Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26), none other than Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be headlining. The ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ singer will be joined by the likes of Beverley Knight, Natasha Bedingfield and Jamelia at this year’s event – plus, many more across Birmingham Pride‘s four stages. It’s not all about partying though! The Pride Parade will flow through Birmingham as a statement for equality and justice, as well as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s contribution to the city. It is expected to be enjoyed by more than 75,000 spectators too.
3. Unwind with a charming, flower-filled candlelight concert
Spring has sprung, and these Candlelight concerts are embracing the season. On top of beautiful locations, a string quartet serenading your favourite songs, all lit by gentle candlelight, Candlelight Spring sees several concerts this May bathed in a lush, floral display dedicated to spring. There’s a concert for everyone too. Choose between a tribute to Taylor Swift (May 25), the best of Hans Zimmer (May 4), or Vilvadi’s Four Seasons (May 25) and more. Discover all the Candlelight Spring Concerts in Birmingham here.
4. Grab a mango pale ale in the JQ
As part of Birmingham’s thriving craft beer scene, The Indian Brewery is expanding into the heart of the Jewellery Quarter this May – where the new location will double as a brewery and taproom. Distinct from the existing Snowhill location, it will feature extensive beer taps – including the Birmingham Lager, Juicy Mango pale ale, and Bombay Honey ale – a games area, a theatre kitchen, and a big screen for live sports (Euros, anyone?) We’re also excited about a new menu of innovative Indian street food. Welcome to your new JQ hangout.
5. Have a laugh at the Castle (or in Birmingham)
In need of a laugh this May? Head to Warwick Castle where the open-air comedy festival from Midlands-based comedy promoters Closeup Comedy, Comedy at the Castle. Some of the best British comedians will be cracking jokes at the three-day festival – including Simon Amstell, Rory Bremner, and Nina Conti – from May 24 to 26. A total of 13 comedians will take to the riverside stage, which also includes Angela Barnes, Janine Harouni, Matt Richardson, Maisie Adam, Eshaan Akbar, Spencer Jones, Gary Delaney, Matt Bragg and Stephen Bailey.
If you don’t fancy leaving Birmingham, don’t worry. You’ll find plenty of laughs in the city too. You can find Closeup Comedy regularly at Hockley Social Club and Herbert’s Yard with an evening of award-winning comedy. Another Brummie comedy highlight is the weekly, volunteer-run and free-to-enter, Fat Penguin Comedy Club in Moseley. To see the best comedy clubs in Birmingham head here.
6. Dine at Carters pop-up
Carters‘ pop-up at Eighteen comes to an end on May 31. We’ve loved having its ‘ultra-British seasonality’ in the heart of the city at the private members club on Colmore Row. At Eighteen, they have created a Chef’s Table experience in the boardroom – where guests can expect the UK’s highest-quality produce in a multi-course format with expertly paired drinks, complemented by breathtaking views of the city. And this could be the last time we see Brad and Holly until they get their new restaurant up and running.
7. Soak up breathtaking views of the city at these rooftop bars
Sunshine is (kind of) here, therefore a rooftop drink is definitely overdue. From luxurious restaurants to cosy pubs, Birmingham has some of the most incredible rooftop bars (and some are more hidden than others). Check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in Birmingham for you to book and take in insane views of the city with your family or friends this May.
8. Embark on a grandiose dinosaur tour
Once upon a time, giant monsters roamed our planet. Now, they’re coming back to life at The Lost Kingdoms, as the UK’s largest dinosaur experience heads to Birmingham this May. The massive outdoor tour lands from May 19 to June 2, where you can come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs, Ice Age animals like mammoths and more. Providing a 90-minute immersive experience, discover over 50 true-to-size animatronics of beasts like T-Rex and sabretooth tigers; become a palaeontologist for a day and uncover fossils; and explore the parklands, its trails and all that the area has to offer.
9. Stay at the world’s first Bluey-themed hotel room
Do you love Bluey as much as your little ones? You and your family can stay in theworld’s first Bluey-themed hotel room from the end of May. Set to launch at the CBeebies Land Hotel within the Alton Towers Resort, the ‘Bluey Room’ (or ‘Suite’) is the perfect space for fans of the Heeler family, with bright and playful rooms featuring recognisable elements from the award-winning series. Priced at £77 per person, rooms sleep up to five guests (2 adults and 3 children) and include bed and breakfast.
10. Head to this 100% halal food festival
Birmingham has to be one of the most halal-friendly cities in the UK. Which makes it the perfect place to host this completely halal food festival. The Halal Food Festival returns to Birmingham’s NEC on Spring Bank Holiday weekend. This two-day event expects to see over 20,000 attendees across May 25 & 26, sampling halal cuisine – offering tasty treats as diverse as Islam itself.
Showcasing the global breadth of halal food, last year’s street food vendors included: Afrikana, Malaysian Street Food, Myos Japanese Fusion, The Dutch Fishmen, Cleopatra from the Middle East, artisan hot dogs by Malik Butchers and Birmingham’s very own ‘Home of the Smash’, Phat Jo’s. With over 150+ exhibitors and outdoor street food vendors, as well as an indoor exhibition with Muslim lifestyle stalls and entertainment, it’s going to be a jam-packed weekend. A must for all Muslims looking for things to do this May in Birmingham.
11. Go camping in the wild
Birmingham’s got some incredible cinemas, and Flatpack Festival is taking full advantage this May – plus, even more of the city’s incredible locations. The 10-day festival (May 10 – 19) is putting on 80 shows and events at venues throughout the city. From a high school prom-style screening of Carrie at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens to a Rik Mayall retrospective at Pan-Pan.
Other highlights of Birmingham’s international film festival include the BAFTA-qualifying short film competition; The Library of Babel by People Like Us, which is described as “an adventure through cinema and sound, using audiovisual collage to reimagine familiar stories”; and the world premiere of Birmingham-produced bittersweet comedy Booty at Mockingbird. To see the full line up head here.
13. Visit Birmingham’s top hidden gem
According to a recent study, Birmingham is one of the top cities in the country to discover hidden gems. The likes of Soho House, Barber Institute of Fine Arts and Birmingham Back to Backs were all namechecked. But Birmingham’s top hidden gem is the Lapworth Museum of Geology. The free museum contains one of the UK’s most extensive geological collections and is home to hundreds of rocks, fossils, minerals and dinosaurs. So there’s no excuse not to check it out next time you’ve got some free time on your hands.
14. Play with millions of LEGO bricks
Brick Fest Live make its UK debut at the NEC from May 25 to 27. Described as “the world’s largest hands-on brick event of its kind”, it’ll have over a million LEGO bricks to play with. Plus, life-size models, a Guinness world-record-breaking floor mosaic, 35’ long derby ramps for your brick-built cars and so much more. The all-day event offers all sorts of activities and exhibits that both kids and big kids can enjoy. To learn more head here.
15. Discover the best of Digbeth
Everyone loves Digbeth, so why not spend a little bit more time there this May? The Digbeth Challenge is underway and you could be winning a boatload of prizes. What? Why? How? Just be the first person to visit 45 venues for food and drink in the area and you could win a £300 bar tap at The Ruin. There are a lot of other prizes for the runner-ups, as well as one-off prizes every week for those taking part. To learn more head here.