Explore Things to do in Birmingham

Birmingham’s character unfolds through its varied rhythms , from the steady pulse of local markets in Edgbaston to the layered sounds drifting from jazz sessions near Bullring, especially during the annual Mostly Jazz Festival held across parks in summer. These moments are anchored by longstanding institutions: Centenary Square hosts civic events and cultural gatherings linked to Birmingham City Council’s activities; nearby, the University of Birmingham contributes academic energy through initiatives like the NIHR INSIGHT Webinar Series, which introduces students to research careers on a monthly basis. In Handsworth, community-led efforts such as Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) deliver training for underrepresented groups in key growth sectors. These activities are supported by robust infrastructure: Birmingham New Street Station remains central to regional connectivity via National Rail and the Grand Junction Railway; public transport links extend across suburbs including Moseley and Sutton Park, with clean air zones helping manage congestion along routes like the Inner Ring Road. Green spaces provide consistent respite , Cannon Hill Park offers interactive play areas ideal for families, while Lickey Hills Country Park extends through Warwickshire into rural landscapes offering walking paths that echo historical footpaths used by local residents since at least the 19th century. Even within urban cores such as Bordesley Green or Selly Oak, where community hubs and public libraries serve daily needs, these elements combine to reflect a city grounded in both industrial legacy , including its role during the Industrial Revolution through metalworking and rail production , and sustained civic renewal across neighbourhoods like Small Heath and Gun Quarter. Events are updated regularly with honesty: nothing is presented as exceptional without evidence of current activity or relevance.