Birmingham festivals and events through the year

Birmingham's calendar is full of festivals and events, celebrating everything from music and food to faith and community. Whatever time of year you visit, there is usually something happening. Here is a guide to the city's festival year.

Spring

St Patrick's Day. Birmingham's St Patrick's Day parade in Digbeth is one of the largest in Britain, celebrating the city's long connection with Ireland. It usually takes place on the Sunday nearest 17 March, with floats, music and crowds dressed in green.

Vaisakhi. In April, thousands of people gather in Handsworth Park to celebrate the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi, following a colourful procession through the streets. It is one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the country, and everyone is welcome.

Summer

Birmingham Pride. Held over a weekend in late spring or early summer, Birmingham Pride is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Britain, with a parade through the city centre and a festival in the Gay Village around Hurst Street.

Summer festivals. The city's parks host music festivals, food festivals and family events throughout the summer. Cannon Hill Park, Sutton Park and Handsworth Park are regular venues.

Birmingham Weekender and cultural events. The city has hosted large arts festivals bringing performances into streets and squares, and many smaller community festivals take place in neighbourhoods across Birmingham.

City of Colours. This street art festival brings artists from around the world to paint murals in Digbeth.

Autumn

Birmingham Literature Festival. Each autumn, writers, poets and thinkers come to the city for talks, readings and workshops.

Diwali. The Hindu, Sikh and Jain festival of light is celebrated across the city, with lights, fireworks and events, particularly in areas such as Soho Road in Handsworth.

Bonfire Night. Fireworks displays are held in parks across the city around 5 November.

Winter

Frankfurt Christmas Market. From November to December, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market fills New Street and Victoria Square with wooden chalets selling German food, drink and gifts. It is one of the largest German Christmas markets outside Germany and Austria, and a highlight of the city's year.

Ice skating. An ice rink is often set up in the city centre over the festive season.

Pantomime. The Birmingham Hippodrome's Christmas pantomime is one of the biggest in the country and a long-standing family tradition.

New Year. Celebrations take place across the city, and Chinese New Year is marked with events in the Chinese Quarter around Hurst Street.

Faith festivals

Birmingham's diverse communities celebrate festivals throughout the year, including Eid, when Small Heath Park has hosted one of the largest Eid gatherings in Europe, as well as Christmas, Hanukkah and many others.

Sport

Sporting events such as the Great Birmingham Run and Test matches at Edgbaston bring crowds and a festival atmosphere to the city.

Plan ahead

Dates change from year to year, so check the organisers' websites before travelling. Many festivals are free to attend, making them a great way to experience the city's culture.