Birmingham Super Weekend is almost here and the city is expecting an influx of people – here’s what they need to know
Kirsty is a Black Country bab in Birmingham, a freelance contributor with a particular interest in food and drink, music, leisure, fun and adventure. She was a former Women in Local News Best What’s On Journalist and she’s particularly interested in hearing about new openings and brilliant things to do in the region. Get in touch: Kirsty.Bosley@reachplc.com.
The Birmingham canal network in the city centre(Image: Kirsty Bosley)
On the weekend beginning Friday, July 4, Birmingham will see an influx of visitors for what is being dubbed a ‘ Super Weekend ‘.
It’s estimated that around 200,000 people will visit the city to enjoy some really big cultural moments in the worlds of sport, music and food and drink and there’s some things we want them (or you, if you’re counting yourself in that number) to know.
We’ll pop them all below for your consideration, but first it’s worth mentioning why so many people are heading our way.
Read more: Birmingham to host 200,000 people as five major events fall on same weekend
Read more: Birmingham ‘Super Weekend’ approaches with world class music, sport and food
The biggest event on the docket is Black Sabbath’s final ever gig round at Villa Park Stadium, a 40,000-capacity venue in which Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward reunite to say goodbye to their fans for a final time.
The concert is called Back To The Beginning, because Aston is the neighbourhood where the founding members were raised, but it’s not just this corner of the city that will see thousands of visitors.
Over at Edgbaston, England will take on India in test cricket while up on the canalside at the Utilita Arena, Jeff Lynne’s ELO will be hosting two farewell shows as they step away from the stage for good too.
Down at the BP Pulse Live Arena, otherwise known to locals as just “the NEC”, Billy Ocean will be playing his hits for fans who prefer pop and RnB vibes to the guitar-driven rockers set to perform that same night.
Meanwhile, in the city centre, some 30,000 people are expected to head to Victoria Square for the Colmore Food Festival, dining on morsels from some of the best restaurants in town.
With so many people heading towards our great city, we wanted to share with them a few things they need to know before the fun kicks off. Share with anyone you know coming to Brum!
You’re going to eat really well
We’re the best city in England outside of the capital when it comes to restaurants, did you know? You can try dishes from some of them if you’re going to the free-to-visit Colmore Food Festival in Victoria Square on Friday, July 4 or Saturday, July 5.
There’s 18 Birmingham restaurants in the Michelin Guide, including two Indian restaurants, one of which has two Michelin Stars (that’s Opheem) and another – the famous Asha’s – that hosts celebrities every time they come to town.
And just because we mention Michelin doesn’t mean it’s all fancy fare that we’re known for.
We do street food just as well as anywhere, with the best of the best tending to trade down at Hockley Social Club, at Herbert’s Yard in Longbridge and at Dining Club pop-up events throughout the city.
There are hidden spots you’ll love too. In fact, here’s a list of 25 we suggested readers try in 2025 and we stand by them!
You’ll drink well, too
Birmingham has some truly special breweries (shout-outs in particular to Attic Brew Co, GlassHouse and Birmingham Brewing Co, all in Stirchley) as well as cocktail joints that are considered among the best in Britain (Google Maps search Fox and Chance, Couch or Lucky 7 and let the pours do the talking).
Pair that with excellent city centre boozers (The Wolf is great for food, the underground Bacchus looks like something out of Harry Potter and it doesn’t get more traditional than the historic Craven Arms) and you’re well away.
Special shout-out, if you’re in town for Black Sabbath, to the rock venues if sticky floors and pints is more your vibe – here’s a guide.
We have some special little shopping nooks
The Bullring is the most obvious place to go shopping in Birmingham but take a little stroll round to Great Western Arcade and you’ll find some excellent little independents.
It includes Ignite, a well-stocked independent record store (say ‘hi’ to Rich from us if you go), as well as spots to get wine, excellent sandwiches, burritos, games, hats and all sorts of other things.
Great Western Arcade in Birmingham(Image: Kirsty Bosley)
Meanwhile, down in Digbeth, the Red Brick Market is comprised of loads of little unusual stalls to explore – pick what you want and pay all at once at the end.
If record stores are your thing, The Diskery is the country’s oldest independent. Find them down on Bristol Street (then pop into the Wellington and eat at Indian Cafe Racer, the restaurant hidden behind the curtain out back).
And some truly spectacular sights to photograph
Great Western Arcade is, in itself, beautifully snappable, but take a stroll on to Chamberlain Square and tell us it’s not a world-class vision, begging to be photographed.
The Museum and its pediment, with sculptures telling stories of Birmingham creativity, is one of the most resplendent spots and the Town Hall looks like it was lifted straight out of the Roman Forum.
The fountain, the steps, a stroll from Victoria Square and all of its beauty, the Floozie in the Jacuzzi, the Council House, Iron Man and Queen Victoria. It’s stunning.
And then you’ve got our canals…!
If you’d prefer something more modern, Digbeth is painted in colourful graffiti, the Green Man looming large over the Custard Factory, and our LGBTQ+ village has a giant rainbow and twinkling light ceiling around our Hippodrome Theatre.
Talking of that ceiling of lights, we’ve got three legacy installations that remind us of our inaugural Light Festival – here’s where to find them.
There’s wonders to be discovered, you’ll see.
Chamberlain Square(Image: Kirsty Bosley)It’s not all inner-city buzz
Though there’s plenty of that. Birmingham isn’t a concrete jungle, we’ve got stunning green spaces in which to sit, pause and reflect if you want to take time out of the throng in the city centre.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is enjoying a popularity boost while the beautifully colourful Winterbourne remains one of the most underrated spots in town. There’s even a wildlife park a short hop down the road.
The parks that are free-to-visit are really special too. Here’s some of the very best – you’ll love them.
We can’t wait to show you what we’re made of
Birmingham is a wonderfully vibrant city, a melting pot of culture and creativity (a UNESCO-affiliated body named one of our ‘quarters’ among the most creative in the world).
We’re not always great at shouting about it, a lot of the brilliance is understated and we’re not ones for harping on (well, our journalists are, just look at our What’s On section).
On the whole, Birmingham is a city that plugs away, adapting and adjusting and excelling, quietly and surely.
That’s our city motto, you know? FORWARD. And we’re really chuffed you’re joining us.