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 to grab 2025 by the bullhorns and get stuck in. The city comes alive this May, with everything from returning festivals to new food halls. So without further ado, here are all the best things to do this May in Birmingham.
1. Get running around Birmingham
May starts with a bang as we get set, go for the Great Birmingham Run. Taking place Early May Bank Holiday weekend (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 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 24 and Sunday, May 25), none other than Cascada, known for hits like ‘Everytime We Touch’ and ‘Evacuate the Dancefloor’, and Vengaboys will be headlining. They’ll be joined by The Saturdays’ Una Healey and Steps’ Claire Richards, plus many more across Birmingham Pride‘s four stages, as well as the ever-popular Street Party. The Pride Parade will also flow through Birmingham as a statement for equality and justice, as well as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s contribution to the city.
3. Unwind with a charming candlelight concert/
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 hip hop heads to Bollywood buffs and fantasy geeks, discover all the Candlelight Concerts in Birmingham here.
4. Grab a bite at this brand-new food hall
Having found success in Manchester, Society Birmingham is taking over a 9,000 sq ft unit with room for over 350 guests at One Colmore Square in May. It’ll host a mix of local street food talents and a regular line-up of DJs. On top of that, the bar will feature one of “the largest selection of beers in the city” with thirty-six lines of the world’s best craft beer, including local breweries like Attic and Glasshouse. Plus, the bar will be serving low-intervention and natural wines, alongside a mix of classic and in–house cocktails. Plus, there will be an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining on sunny days.
5. Party at MADE’s new music series
MADE is dropping the ‘Festival’ and has teamed up with Weird Science to kick off a brand-new summer gig series in Birmingham. The new format of festival-style daytime parties sees six massive shows lined up from May to September. Kicking things off on May 31 is the viral DJ sensation – best known for playing clubland classics in his dressing gown on TikTok – Fish56Octagon.
6. Let loose in this ‘Goth’s Playground’
Birmingham’s alt community has been left without a home since the recent closure of The Oasis Market. Luckily, there’s a new “one stop shop for the weirdos in Birmingham to shop local, small and a bit creepy” coming. The Goth’s Playground is a brand new, alternative, independent space opening late May at Digbeth’s Zelling Building. It’ll sell everything from taxidermy to piercings, as well as one-of-a-kind clothing, fragrance, and jewellery. You can also find its pop-up market at The Flapper on Sunday, May 18.
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. Go for a swim in these tranquil waters
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.
9. Tuck into the ‘Japanese Restaurant Of The Year’
Worcester’s award-winning Maneki Ramen is opening a new location site in the Jewellery Quarter on Friday, May 2. Known for a stylish, laid-back environment, Maneki Ramen will offer a fusion of traditional Japanese flavours with modern techniques. With room for 70 guests in the 2,000 sqft site, just some of its popular dishes include Tebasaki Wings, Roast Duck Ramen, Katsu Curry, and Sesame Miso Shoyu.
10. Pick up a new shirt at the Aston Villa shop
While Blues fans can celebrate promotion to the Championship this May, the Villans are getting their own store at the Bullring. Aston Villa’s new shop will be situated next door to Selfridges and take inspiration from Villa Park, including a nod to the Holte End woven into the space, while also integrating a museum section. It will stock items like Villa’s home, away, and third kits, training wear, lifestyle collections, and exclusive limited-edition releases.
11. 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.
12. Catch a movie at Birmingham’s international film festival
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 9-day festival (May 9- 17) is showcasing many shows, events and screenings at venues throughout the city – including classics, UK premieres, shorts, Q&As, and so much more. To see the full line-up up head here.
13. Enjoy a glass or two of vino
