10 Unmissable Events in Birmingham In 2023
As the second largest city in the UK, Birmingham is renowned for being one of the best places for unmissable events, with an exciting yearly programme of things to do to excite everyone.
This year is no different with a whole host of activity taking place in this West Midlands city, from the Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival to Birmingham Weekender to Moseley Folk & Arts Festival.
Need some inspiration to fill up your summer calendar? Our list of Birmingham events 2023 is an absolute must-read.
You’re sure to find something to get you and your besties talkin!
1. Full Moon Party @ Luna Springs
After plans which will actually make it out of the group chat? You need to get tickets to the Full Moon Party at Luna Springs.
Forget about going abroad, you can be transported to Thailand for the night at this full moon party.
Expect live house DJs spinning all the best feel good tunes, amazing production lasers and UV lights, acrobats, roaming entertainers, creative cocktails, craft beer as well as mouth-watering street food.
Taking place at Birmingham’s liveliest outdoor space on the 1st July, 27th August and 9th September, this is not one to shy away from!
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When: Numerous Dates
Where: Luna Springs
2. Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival
If you’re searching for mega music events taking place in Brum this summer, the Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival will have you set.
From the 7th until the 9th July, this diverse and vibrant music festival at Birmingham’s Moseley Park will host the likes of KC and the Sunshine Band, Ezra Collective, Goldie, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Incognito and many more names.
Aside from stellar performances, you can also feast on street food from award-winning foodies like Original Patty Men, Bonehead, English Indian and Good Food Cartel to name a few.
Keen to attend? Tickets are extremely limited so make sure to grab yours now!
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When: 7th-9th July
Where: Moseley Park
3. TILT Festival
Birmingham is playing host to a plethora of unmissable events for 2023, and TILT Festival is no exception.
TILT is a week-long festival of aerial circus and physical theatre for adults and young people, which is returning to Birmingham’s iconic cultural quarter for its 6th year.
Head here between the 10th to the 16th of July for masterclasses, seminars, networking, and performances from international artists and industry professionals.
For a full timetable of shows and classes, head to the official website.
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When: 10th-16th July
Where: West Midlands Circus & Creation Centre
4. The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival
For those searching for fun things to do this summer, you should definitely head to The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival.
The legendary jazz and blues festival is one of Europe’s free jazz parties and has taken place in Birmingham since 1985.
After a taste of what you can expect? From the 14th until the 23rd of July, there’ll be more than 100 jazz and blues performances taking place across 87 venues in the West Midlands.
That’s not all either, they’ll also be talks, workshops, and film showings, with almost all of the events being free to attend – who could turn that down?
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When: 14th-23rd July
Where: Multiple Venues
5. Moseley Folk & Arts Festival
Wondering what’s on in Birmingham this September? One of the best events is the Moseley Folk & Arts Festival.
Set in the stunning 11-acre green space that is Moseley Park, this independently run festival is back for its 17th year between the 1st until the 3rd of September.
Each year the line up features a mix of traditional, contemporary and experimental folk and acoustic music, with this year being no different.
Some of the exciting artists playing in 2023 include Squeeze, The Saw Doctors, Wilco, Graham Nash and The Proclaimers, amongst many more.
There will also be street food vendors, and a world-class arts programme featuring comedy performances, poetry readings, workshops, discussions and debates.
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When: 1st-3rd September
Where: Moseley Park
6. Sandwell and Birmingham Mela
We can’t talk about unmissable events without mentioning the Sandwell and Birmingham Mela.
Spotify Presents The Sandwell and Birmingham Mela is the biggest South Asian music festival in Europe, and is an absolute highlight on the UK’s cultural calendar.
Across two stages on the 22nd and 23rd July there will be performances from the best in pop, folk and classical music from across the world, as well as an Asian Food Hall, a funfair, arts village, shopping quarter, and fun-filled entertainment.
If you’re after an incredible weekend with your friends, be sure to purchase a ticket online or at the gate.
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When: 22nd-23rd July
Where: Victoria Park, Smethwick
7. Birmingham Indian Film Festival
July welcomes the return of the much-loved Birmingham Indian Film Festival – who’s excited?
A highlight of the West Midlands festival calendar, the Birmingham Indian Film Festival showcases the very best of independent South Asian feature films, Brit-Asian shorts programmes, and documentaries.
You can experience the magic of cinema from the 23rd of June until the 2nd of July, with some highlights including The Storyteller, Too Desi Too Queer, To Kill A Tiger and more.
For a full festival programme you can head to the official website.
Don’t miss out, snap up your tickets for this year now!
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When: 23rd June-2nd July
Where: Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham
8. Colmore Food Festival
Birmingham will be yet again welcoming the Colmore Food Festival in 2023, and boy is it a highlight of this year.
If you’re looking to quite literally try something new, the event will feature a variety of different stalls made up of local restaurants, coffee shops, bars and hotels offering a range of delicious mini dishes.
This year marks the 10th year of the free foodie festival, and not only is there plenty of mouth-watering selections on offer, there’s also price caps on each time so that it’s affordable for everyone.
So what are you doing on the 21st and 22nd July? We’ll be heading to St Philips Cathedral for this food and drink spectacular!
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When: 21-22nd July
Where: St Phillips Cathedral, Birmingham
9. Birmingham Weekender
In need of some cool plans for the summer? Grab your friends and head to Birmingham Weekender.
Birmingham Weekender is taking place on the August Bank Holiday, with performances from first-class artists from all around the West Midlands, pop-up street theatre shows, vibrant installations, interactive games and workshops.
This exciting outdoor festival is completely free to attend and will be held at the Bullring & Grand Central and Southside on the 26th and 27th August.
Add it to your calendar and see what it’s all about…
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When: 26th-27th August
Where: Birmingham City Centre
10. Birmingham Cocktail Weekend
When it comes down to the best events in 2023, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend simply has to be featured.
For the drink lovers out there, the Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is a summer stand-out, and is set to return for its 9th year from the 7th until the 9th of July.
This long weekend is your chance to experience the best of this city’s cocktail scene, with the best bars and venues across the city opening up their doors and dishing out signature tipples.
Tickets start at just £10 with a wristband which is valid for all three days, so you can dip into the event as much or as little as you’d like.
Let the good times roll by buying yours!
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When: 7th-9th July
Where: Multiple Venues Across Birmingham
And that’s a wrap on 10 unmissable events in Birmingham for 2023, it’s time to get those calendars filled up guys and girlies!
Don’t forget to tag us if you go to any of these events @universalstudentliving.