10 Magnificent Things To Do In Birmingham This May
Your calendar can start to fill up with more events in store this month.
May is here which means more fun in store! The novelty of going out hasn’t worn off yet (and we don’t think it will any time soon) and with these events and activities happening this month, it proves that in April we were only just getting started. So without further ado, here are all the best things to do in Birmingham this May.
1. Escape to a new dimension at this stunning virtual reality bar
One of the UK’s most popular high street virtual reality metaverse, OTHERWORLD, has opened a new location in Birmingham, featuring 18 multi-sensory immersion pods and a 16-tap self-serve drinks wall. Already a favourite of celebrities in London with visits from Adele, Skepta, Jonathan Ross, KSI and Judge Rinder, the arrival of OTHERWORLD in Birmingham gives guests the chance to try the latest virtual reality experiences with their friends – all in scintillatingly sci-fi surroundings. While other VR venues might overlook the space beyond the headset, at OTHERWORLD you’ll be able to enjoy cocktails and craft beer in-between trips into parallel dimensions, promising happy days for players and companions alike.
2. Discover a land before time at Dino Kingdom, a magical outdoor dinosaur experience
Take a trip back in time to explore a world of dinosaurs, no DeLorean, green screen or wormholes required. Dino Kingdom invites you on an adventure into a prehistoric wilderness, where you’ll find life-size animatronic dinosaurs, 9D virtual reality pods, thrilling fairground rides and even a giant fossil tunnel. The dino-mite experience will be taking over Leicester’s Abbey Park from May 27 and promises an unforgettable family day out. Grab your tickets to visit this wondrous world of dinosaurs here.
3. Dance the night away at this strictly ‘no men allowed’ club night
Following years of success hosting ‘girls only’ nights in London, Lick Events is taking the club night on a nationwide tour – providing a safe space for women and transgender people to drink, dance and party the night away. Coming to The Mill in Birmingham on May 6th, the strictly ‘no men allowed’ event will feature DJs Just Soriah, Janelle Wynter and Miller Black – who’ll be bringing the good vibes from 10pm til 3am. The fun event encourages women to come together for the evening, with Lick even hosting a meet-up group on Instagram where attendees can make friends with others ahead of the party.
4. Sip on a wide selection of gin and rum at this drinks festival just a short drive or train ride away
Whether you’re thirsty for knowledge or you just want to party the night away, this gin and rum festival in Derby on May 21 is for you. Treat yourself and let your hair down with your friends at the themed bars with tasty street food and a buzzing party atmosphere. There will be talks, master classes, free samples, great live entertainment and an award-winning resident DJ that will keep you entertained with music from all genres, so get ready for a Rumbelievable festival! Plus you can take home a complimentary Gin & Rum Festival Copa glass. Book tickets here.
5. Tuck into bao buns, sushi and dumplings at this Tokyo-inspired restaurant in Solihull
Bringing a taste of Tokyo to the West Midlands, a brand new Japanese restaurant has opened its fourth branch in Solihull. KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar, which also has restaurants in Bristol, Cheltenham and London, has branched out to the area located south-east of Birmingham to bring sensational sushi dishes, beautiful bao buns and more. KIBOU has introduced Solihull to a banging menu centred around their signature sushi rolls, such as their volcano roll- salmon, avocado and tobiko futomaki, tempura fried and served with KIBOU house sauce. The menu also includes an ample selection of classic and contemporary Japanese dishes like steaming bowls of ramen, made with pork, chicken or vegan broth; freshly prepared katsu curry; and crisp tempura, including softshell crab.
6. Head to The Old Library for a charming candlelight tribute concert to Fleetwood Mac
The Rumours are true: a Candlelight tribute to rock band Fleetwood Mac is coming to Birmingham. On May 26, the rock band’s iconic tunes will be given a classical twist, as they are performed by a pianist and violinist duo at The Old Library in Digbeth. Expect to hear Gypsy, Dreams and Gold Dust Women – to name just a few – in a brand-new way. There will be two, 60-minute performances on each evening, one at 7pm and another at 9pm – some might say, you can Go Your Own Way when it comes to picking the time that suits you best. Tickets are available here.
7. Soak up breathtaking views of the city at these rooftop bars
British Summer time is 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. Watch the newest Marvel film ‘Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ at an ODEON cinema near you
Marvel Studio’s highly-anticipated new chapter in the tale of Doctor Strange is in cinemas from May 5 and you can head to an ODEON near you to catch all the action. Journey into the unknown with the Doctor, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, will traverse the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary. With a star-studded cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen and Rachel McAdams, enter a new dimension of strange in Marvel’s latest blockbuster creation. Book your ODEON cinema tickets here.
9. Visit Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for a new series of pop-up displays
For the first time since October 2020, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has partially reopened to reveal a series of pop-up displays and live events that aim to bring a different feel to the historic building. To mark the occasion, the galleries are being handed over to some of the city’s most exciting creatives who have responded to the theme of ‘This Is Birmingham’. Plus, visitors will also be able to enjoy the city’s first major art exhibition since the pandemic when Gas Hall reopens on May 14, with an Arts Council Collection exhibition curated by Turner Prize-winning and internationally-renowned artist, Lubaina Himid CBE.
10. Cruise down Birmingham’s canals on board this self-driving, eco-friendly boating experience
The weather this month is set to improve so why not hop aboard an eco-friendly, electric boat and cruise down the quaint canals of Birmingham? Having launched a brand new Birmingham location this spring, eco-friendly, electric boat company GoBoat gives Brummies the chance to see the city from an entirely new perspective by allowing you and your pals to be the captain and cruise leisurely around the city’s famed canal network. You can even bring a picnic along for the occasion! So get onboard and book your GoBoat self-drive boating experience here.