From signature cocktails and exclusive taster menus through to wall to wall arts and culture, summer in Birmingham is not to be missed. So raise your glasses, invite your mates and head into the city for our three favourite festivals.

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BIRMINGHAM COCKTAIL WEEKEND: JULY 7-9

Now in its ninth year, this ever-popular three-day event showcases the best of Birmingham’s cocktail scene. It officially kicks off when the first venue opens on Friday July 7 and runs right through until the last one closes on Sunday July 9.

It’s easy to sign up; simply book your e-ticket online in advance here then head to The Highland Park Hub at Hotel du Vin (opening hours here) to swap it for your wristband and to pick up your guidebook. Then you can head off around the city sampling £5 signature cocktails (non-alcohol alternatives at selected venues for £4 each) as you go (drinking responsibly, obvs). There’s also exclusive food offers and special events to complete your #BCW2023 experience.

Signature cocktails … Shaken or stirred, long or short; just show your wristband at more than 40 participating venues and you’ll get exclusive access to their £5 signature cocktail (yes, they really are just £5 each!). For the first time in festival history, wristband wearers will also be able to sip on £4 mocktails available at selected venues.

New venues … Digbeth makes its debut for 2023, which includes retro arcade bar NQ64 and Passing Fancies, which features in the Top 50 UK Cocktail Bars. Another Top 50 city centre venue, serving world class cocktails is Fox & Chance – alongside stylish Orelle and The Cocktail Club.

Last year’s Best Cocktail of BCW winner Bar Ikigai is also returning to the line-up. This popular Stirchley cocktail bar has teamed up with Hendrick’s Gin for a pop-up in the unique surroundings of The Coffin Works.

Enjoy a feast … Make the most of your BCW wristband throughout the festival weekend and enjoy tempting offers at a range of restaurants and bars. Highlights include an exclusive pizza at Smoke & Ash (featuring pork marinated in Highland Park whisky), a £5 mini cheeseboard at Grain & Glass and 20% discounts on your food bill at selected venues.

Upgrade Your Weekend … Fancy learning more about your cocktail of choice or trying a new tipple? Lots of venues will be hosting special #BCW2023 events, including a luxury dining afternoon with Wildjac, a Build Your Own Bloody Mary brunch and a whisky, sherry and cheese masterclass.

Your wristband is valid for the whole weekend, so you can dip in for just one evening or enjoy all three days exploring exclusive drinks created especially for the festival. Our advice is grab yours now!

For more information click here

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BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL 2023: JULY 28-AUGUST 6

Birmingham Festival 23 kicks off its 10-day celebration to mark the one year anniversary of the city’s amazing Commonwealth Games. Expect a party atmosphere in Centenary Square as it welcomes the artists and special guests who made Summer ‘22 so special.

Opening event … One City, A Thousand Memories features house DJ Echo Juliet and BBC Asian Network’s Bobby Friction from 6pm, followed by an evening hosted by award-winning BBC presenter Ayo Akinwolere and DJ and Radio 1Xtra presenter Kaylee Goldingas. The Festival site will feature a big screen showing newly-commissioned short films, B2022 highlights and messages from a few familiar faces.

A special appearance from Perry … The much-loved B2022 mascot will be there with his favourite Bhangra group the Dhol Blasters.

Sporting heroes … A collaboration with Team England brings a parade of Birmingham 2022 medal-winning athletes, followed by a performance from Birmingham Conservatoire-trained mezzo-soprano Samantha Oxborough and The Choir with No Name.

All events are free … Across ten days and nine evenings, Birmingham Festival 23 will welcome an estimated 190,000 in audiences, artists, local communities and volunteers to reflect the wonderful diversity of our city.

You can check what’s on here

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BIRMINGHAM RESTAURANT FESTIVAL: JULY 28-AUGUST 27

Taste buds at the ready! #BRF2023 is a month-long celebration of the city’s fantastic restaurants. Birmingham has certainly made a name for itself as one of the country’s leading foodie destinations, boasting an exciting and vibrant dining scene. This celebration is the perfect opportunity to experience  some of the city’s best restaurants as they each serve up great value menus and exciting dining experiences!

Exceptional value set menus … Nearly 40 venues are taking part, each one offering specially curated menus that are sure to get your mouth watering. If you’re looking to try something new, to discover a new restaurant or to find some great value dining experiences – look no further. Head to the festival website here, to peruse the venues and menus.

Family friendly or romantic meal à deux … A number of restaurants are offering specially created children’s menu to keep even the pickiest little eaters happy. Check our Chapter, The Oyster Club, Recess and more. Or book a babysitter and dine in style at the likes of Orelle, Qavalli and Tattu.

Flavours from around the world … Whether you’re tempted with Thai, love your Friday night curry (we’re thinking Lasan’s notable mention in the 2022 British Curry Awards) or fancy tucking in to tasty Korean dishes, #BRF2023 has it covered.

Book onto special festival events … Alongside the fantastic menus, there are selected dining events too. The team at Birmingham Museums host an afternoon of painting, pizza and Prosecco at Sarehole Mill; there’s a taste of Handsworth walking tour celebrating South Asian Heritage Month; The Wine Events Company will be popping up at Zindiya; while Le Petit Bois offers an evening of seafood and summer vibes perfectly paired with Laphroaig.

For more information click here