May is finally here! The only month of the year with two bank holidays, expect lots to do across the long weekends. We know the weather’s not been great so far this year, but things are looking brighter, so it’s time to grab 2026 by the bullhorns and get stuck in. The city truly comes alive this May, with everything from returning festivals to new food markets. So without further ado, here are all the best things to do this May in Birmingham.
May starts with a bang as we get set to go for the Great Birmingham Run. Taking place during the Early May Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3), 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 race-ready, 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.
Love yourself at Birmingham Pride
Thousands are expected to turn out to one of the biggest Pride events in the UK. Across two days, none other than Katy B, Sigala, Girls Aloud’s Nadine, ABBA cover band Björn Again, Boney M., and Danny Beard will be performing, alongside many more across Birmingham Pride’s four stages, as well as the ever-popular Street Party. The legendary Pride Parade will also flow through the streets as a statement for equality and justice, as well as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s contribution to the city.
Spring has sprung, and Candlelight is embracing the season. Expect a string quartet serenading your favourite songs and Birmingham’s most beautiful locations, lit by thousands of candles. There’s a concert for everyone, too. From rock fans to pop heads and film buffs, discover all the Candlelight Concerts in Birmingham here.
The original UK Gladiators TV show was filmed in Birmingham at the then National Indoor Arena (aka the Utilita Arena). 30 years later, Brummies can finally step into the Gladiators Arena themselves—with the arrival of the Gladiators Experience. Test your balance and grip on Hang Tough, face off in Duel, tackle The Wall, and complete the legendary Eliminator.
But the Gladiators Experience will not only offer exhilarating physical challenges, but also behind-the-scenes attractions too. The Vault will deliver an unmissable look behind the scenes of the nation’s favourite TV show, the Gladiator Training Facility will sharpen the skillset needed to be a true Gladiator, and a huge superstore will offer exclusive merchandise.
Celebrate The Alexandra’s 125th with free backstage tours, archives and family activities on the May Bank Holiday weekend. If you’ve ever wanted to see what goes on beyond the stage, the historic theatre is hosting a free, family-friendly Anniversary Open Day. Visitors can enjoy backstage tours, view historic archives, take part in craft sessions, and watch technical demonstrations in flying, lighting and sound.
The Birmingham sky will become a storybook this May—with this endearing new addition to the DroneArt Show series. A luminescent spectacle of music, art and technology, Space Chase will transport you out of this world with its tender tale of Freddie the alien and his wondrous adventures through space, told using over 1,200 drones that work in incredible synchronicity to create cinematic light formations.
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.
If you’re after a big night of street food and music to add to your diary, the Digbeth Dining Club Summer Tour ’26 kicks off this April—marking the start of a 25-date tour across the West Midlands. With an 11-strong trader line-up, DJs and craft bars, you will find it everywhere from Blakesley Hall to Lightwoods Park to Highbury Hall and beyond this May.
With the UK warming up, there’s no better time to start open water swimming. Midlands Open Water, outside of Tamworth, is ideal whether you’re dipping your toes or training for a triathlon. It’s also completely natural and uses no added chemicals. Alternatively, it’s only a stone’s throw away from the family-friendly water park, Cliff Lakes, if you fancy a fun splash with water slides, climbing walls, and bouncy obstacles.
Do you want to be part of a high-stakes trial that could forever change the future of the justice system? After a self-driving car causes a fatal accident, it’s up to you to decide who’s responsible in The Jury Experience. Throughout the live theatre courtroom drama, you’ll have to answer complex questions, analyse witness testimonies and forensic evidence, and cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused.
The 20th Flatpack Festival brings premieres, special guests and a celebration of Birmingham stories. If you’re looking to add something a little different to your May plans, Flatpack returns to Birmingham this spring with screenings, performances, walks and installations across the city, featuring local and international cinema, including Carmen Chaplin’s gala screening of ‘Spirit of the Tramp’.
See Aardman’s characters brought to life with a live orchestra. Adding a cinematic twist to your May plans, Bristol animation studio Aardman celebrates 50 years with ‘Aardman in Concert’, a live orchestral show featuring a specially created montage of Aardman favourites and a full screening of Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death.
Blast off with Peppa Pig Space Adventure at the NEC this spring—a gentle, interactive walk-through made for preschoolers. This brand-new experience offers photo opportunities, hands-on activities, and playful discovery. But hurry, it’s only on for a limited seasonal run.
RHS Malvern Spring Festival returns to Three Counties Showground with a four-day showcase. As the first RHS Flower Show of the season, it has built a strong reputation for setting gardening trends and for hosting the country’s best-known expert horticulturalists and TV gardening personalities. You will also find the crowning of the very first RHS award-winning show gardens of the year, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities and fun family activities.
Go camping in the wild
Unlike our Scottish friends, England and Wales are a bit stuck when it comes to wild camping. There is only one place in England where you can go, and it’s not exactly near Birmingham—and that’s Dartmoor National Park. With these long weekends coming up, you’ll want to be thinking of day trips out of the city though… For somewhere more realistically reachable, consider camping in Wales, where we’ve heard that Brecon Beacons Visitor Centres carry a secret list of landowners that happily host wild campers.
Like a summerified German Christmas Market, New Street Eats food festival returns to Birmingham’s shopping district in a series of delicious dates across the summer. A “celebration of global flavours with a community atmosphere”, enjoy homemade gifts and local crafts, on top of excellent food and drink.
