Weekend in Birmingham
This weekend in Birmingham is set to be a dynamic blend of music, culture, and unique local experiences. Major highlights include the vibrant Birmingham Weekender, the exciting Páirc Summer Series, and the immersive Gravity Show at the NEC. Food enthusiasts can indulge in the city-wide Birmingham Restaurant Festival, while art and history lovers will find engaging exhibitions across key museums. Expect a bustling atmosphere with plenty of free and ticketed events catering to diverse interests.
Friday Evening - Culinary & Community Fun
Friday, August 22Pub Choir Singalong
Pub Choir August 2025 invites you to a chaotic yet harmonious evening of group singing.
Guided by Astrid Jorgensen, strangers come together to learn a song in three-part harmony, promising a low-stress and fun musical experience for everyone, regardless of singing ability.
This unique event is perfect for those looking for a laid-back yet engaging start to the weekend. It's an inclusive and joyful experience that transforms a crowd into a temporary choir. Doors open at 7:00 PM for a two-hour session.
O2 Academy2 Birmingham is located in the city centre, a short walk from Birmingham New Street Station. Numerous local bus services also stop nearby.
Restaurant Festival Dinner
Kick off your weekend with a special dining experience as part of the Birmingham Restaurant Festival, running throughout August. This festival showcases the city's diverse culinary scene, with participating restaurants offering exclusive, great-value set menus for lunch and dinner.
A fantastic opportunity to try new venues or revisit favourites with unique festival menus. Michelin-starred restaurants like Adam's and Simpsons are among the 50 venues participating. Advance booking is crucial to secure your spot and access the special menus.
Locations vary, but most participating restaurants are centrally located and easily accessible by walking or a short taxi/bus ride from the O2 Academy area.
Saturday - Festivals & Automotive Thrills
Saturday, August 23Birmingham Weekender
Immerse yourself in the Birmingham Weekender 2025, a free and vibrant festival returning to the Bullring and Grand Central.
This event, produced by Birmingham Hippodrome and Bullring, features a diverse programme of performances, interactive activities, dance, music, and theatre celebrating local talent and cultural diversity.
A perfect start to your Saturday, offering a wide array of free entertainment suitable for all ages. Explore street performances, interactive installations, and cultural showcases. The festival is designed to be accessible, making it a key weekend highlight for locals.
Located in the city centre, directly above Birmingham New Street Station. Easily accessible by train, bus, or walking from anywhere in the city centre.
Gravity Car Show
Experience the UK's largest modified and supercar event, Gravity Show 2025, at the NEC.
This full-throttle event brings together hundreds of the finest vehicles from around the world, including supercars, custom builds, classics, drift, and race cars. It also features live entertainment, interactive displays, and industry personalities.
A must-visit for car enthusiasts and families, offering a spectacular display of automotive culture and thrilling live-action drifting. Allow plenty of time to explore the vast exhibition halls.
Take a train from Birmingham New Street Station to Birmingham International (approx. 10-15 mins). From Birmingham International, the NEC halls are a short, signposted walk.
Páirc Summer Series
Dive into the vibrant Páirc Summer Series, a major celebration of Irish culture, Birmingham heritage, and world-class performances. This festival offers live music, traditional food, and a lively atmosphere, appealing to both the local Irish community and a wider audience.
This event promises an immersive cultural experience with a diverse line-up. It's an excellent opportunity to enjoy traditional Irish music and hospitality right here in Birmingham.
From Birmingham city centre, take a bus towards Kings Heath. Routes 35, 45, and 47 are common for this area.
Disney Bongo's Bingo
Get ready for a unique and energetic night out with Bongo's Bingo - Disney's Theme.
This event combines traditional bingo with rave intervals, dance-offs, and hilarious prizes, all set to a beloved Disney soundtrack for a truly magical and wild experience.
A highly popular event known for its unpredictable fun and lively crowd. Perfect for groups looking for a memorable and alternative Saturday night. The evening session is strictly for over 18s.
Located conveniently in the city centre, just a short walk from Birmingham New Street Station. Regular bus services are available.
Sunday - Artistic Exploration & Cultural Farewell
Sunday, August 24Museum Art Workshops
Start your Sunday with a creative flourish at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery's Marvellous Maker Sessions.
These weekly, hands-on creative workshops cater to all ages, offering a buzzing creative space with different activities each Sunday.
An excellent activity for families and anyone keen to unleash their artistic side. This can be combined with exploring the museum's other ongoing exhibitions, such as 'Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero', which is free to enter and showcases the rock icon's achievements.
The museum is centrally located in Chamberlain Square, easily accessible by walking from Birmingham New Street Station or Grand Central. Various bus routes serve the area.
Páirc Festival Finale
Return to the Páirc Summer Series for its concluding day.
Continue to enjoy the lively atmosphere, world-class performances, and rich celebration of Irish culture that has filled the weekend.
This is your last chance to experience the full scope of the Páirc Summer Series for 2025. Expect continued live music, cultural displays, and a festive mood as the event winds down.
Accessible by bus routes from Birmingham city centre towards Kings Heath. Check local bus schedules.
Universum Exhibition
Conclude your weekend with a visit to Universum Birmingham at the NEC, an exhibition or attraction that runs until August 24.
While specific details of 'Universum Birmingham' are limited, its presence at the NEC suggests a large-scale, engaging experience, potentially interactive or themed.
As this is the final day of Universum Birmingham, it's a unique opportunity to catch this event before it closes. The NEC campus offers various dining options to grab a bite before or after your visit.
Take a train from Birmingham New Street Station to Birmingham International, then follow signs to the NEC halls.
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