If one thing can be said about Birmingham, it’s that there is never a shortage of places to go and things to do. After two years of postponed parties and cancelled celebrations, this August promises to be full of life. And now that school is out, the days are long, and summer is here, it is the perfect time to get outside and explore all that the city has to offer.
Take In A Movie
Summer nights don’t need to be reserved for clubs and parties! Sometimes all you crave is a relaxing night at the movies. And in the heat of August, what could be better than watching a cinema classic under the stars? Outdoor film screenings can be found all around Birmingham, and are a perfect date idea or group night out.
One-off screenings can be found at the MAC in Cannon Hill Park and at Moseley Cricket Club, but Luna Springs in Digbeth holds their Moonlight Cinema multiple evenings a week. They also have tickets that include popcorn, ice cream and drinks. And you can even bring your pup along too!
Make The Most Of The Sun
Despite its reputation as an industrial city, Birmingham is one of the greenest cities in the UK. With over 8000 acres of green space, including almost 600 parks, you will never be short of places to take a stroll and soak in that summer sunshine.
There are parks spread over hundreds of acres, such as Woodgate Valley and the Lickey Hills, which are perfect for long walks in the sun. For those who just want a quick half an hour in nature, there are many smaller parks dotted around the city, such as Moseley Bog and Eastside City Park. And if you’re looking for a good place to bring the family, the Botanical Gardens and Winterbourne have wonderful flower displays, tearooms, and various events.
Get In The Sporting Mood
In Summer 2022, Birmingham will be the host of the Commonwealth Games. From 28th July to 8th August, there will be sporting events held all around the city, including Arena Birmingham, the NEC, and the University of Birmingham.
But if you’re not that interested in the actual sports side of the festivities, the Games are also the inspiration for the Birmingham 2022 Festival. This is a celebration of all things West Midlands, with culture, creativity, and community being brought front and centre. It is impossible to detail all of the many events that are happening, so you’ll have to check it out for yourself!
Stay on Track
As nice as a good walk and summer sports can be, sometimes all you want is to sit back, relax, and have the views come to you. That is exactly what you will get from the Shakespeare Express. An old steam locomotive that travels from Birmingham to Stratford-Upon-Avon is certainly what you would call travelling in style.
And as if a round trip to Stratford on a vintage train wasn’t luxurious enough, the Shakespeare Express also offers both breakfast and afternoon tea journeys, so you can indulge in tea and cakes, or a full English breakfast whilst you chuff through the countryside.
Go To a Public Cook-Out
Everyone knows that summer is for barbecues, but who wants to spend a hot afternoon over an even hotter grill, only to get a burnt sausage wrapped in a slice of bread? Hockley Social Club has the solution. From Thursdays to Sundays every week, the team behind Digbeth Dining Club hosts a street food dining hall, so you know you’re in good hands.
In addition to the great food, there is also a beer garden, a number of bars, a coffee shop, and a record store, all in one space. Not only that, but they also host many live music artists and DJs, to really add to that barbeque vibe.
Learn to Fly
Who among us hasn’t dreamt about running away and joining the circus? With Tilt Festival, that dream can come true without having to leave the city. Running from the 1st to the 12th of August, Tilt offers a number of aerial acrobatic classes for all ages, including children and over 55s.
If you would prefer to simply watch the magic happen, there are also number of performances, including the Titled Circus Night, which showcases circus and physical theatre performers from around the world. Also, this year will introduce the all-new “Tilt Online” for those who aren’t able to make the classes in person.
Celebrate Culture
There is a fantastic amount of cultural diversity in Birmingham, and this August is host to three festivals that celebrate this. The Jerk Festival, a celebration of Jamaican Independence, will bring carnival vibes, reggae DJs, and Caribbean street food to Digbeth on the 20th August. The weekend after, on the 27th and 28th, presents two more festivals. The Pairc Festival in Kings Heath will celebrate Irish music and culture, including a bagpipe or two, of course. A few miles away in Victoria Park, Smethwick will be the Sandwell & Birmingham Mela: the biggest South Asian music festival in the UK. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, there will be a fun fair, food stalls, and even a shopping bazaar! These are definitely not ones to miss.
Have A Drink Along The Cut
One of the best things about summer are those moments when you just go out for a beer with your buds in the afternoon sun or the evening warmth. And since Birmingham does in fact have more canals than Venice, where could be better to down a few pints than at one of the many canalside bars?
For the music fans, The Flapper has great views, great food, and many nights of live music. If you prefer something a little more cosy, the Canalside Bar has a wonderful rustic vibe to it. It is certainly worth taking a walk along the water to find the perfect place for you to rest after a hot summers day.
