Looking for things to do in Birmingham this weekend?
From Comic Con and interactive family experiences to outdoor Shakespeare, live music and some of Birmingham’s best restaurants, there’s plenty happening across the city from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August 2026.
Here are some of our picks for the weekend.
MCM Birmingham Comic Con
When: Friday 7 – Sunday 9 August
Where: NEC Birmingham
Anime, film, television and gaming fans can head to the NEC this weekend as MCM Birmingham Comic Con returns for three days.
The event brings together fans of pop culture from across the region, with plenty to explore across the weekend.
Friday runs from 12pm–6pm, Saturday from 11am–6pm and Sunday from 12pm–5pm, with earlier entry available for priority ticket holders.
View MCM Birmingham Comic Con details & tickets →
Birmingham Restaurant Festival
When: Throughout August
Where: Restaurants across Birmingham
Food lovers have another reason to head into Birmingham this weekend as Birmingham Restaurant Festival continues throughout August.
This year’s festival features 50 participating venues, with restaurants creating special festival menus for diners to try.
The organisers recommend booking in advance and following the individual booking instructions for each restaurant to ensure the festival menu is available.
Explore the participating restaurants & festival menus →
Gladiators Experience
When: This weekend – running until 31 August
Where: NEC Birmingham
Ever wondered how you’d fare on Gladiators?
The Gladiators Experience gives visitors the chance to step into the arena and take on challenges inspired by the television show, including Hang Tough, Duel, The Wall and the legendary Eliminator.
There’s also The Vault, a behind-the-scenes experience, and a Gladiator Training Zone. The experience is running at the NEC throughout August.
As You Like It at Winterbourne House and Garden
When: Saturday 8 August, 7pm–10pm
Where: Winterbourne House and Garden, Edgbaston
For something a little different on Saturday evening, award-winning outdoor theatre company Illyria is bringing Shakespeare’s As You Like It to Winterbourne House and Garden.
Visitors can bring a picnic and settle down for an evening of comedy and romance in the gardens. The performance is suitable for all ages, with refreshments also available from the Terrace Tea Room.
View event details & book tickets →
Peppa Pig Space Adventure
When: This weekend – limited summer run
Where: NEC Birmingham
Families with younger children can blast off with Peppa, George and their family at Peppa Pig Space Adventure.
Designed especially for pre-schoolers, this is a hands-on walk-through experience rather than a traditional stage show. Children can explore Peppa’s world, play and eventually journey all the way to the moon.
The experience is currently running at the NEC, with under-twos admitted free.
R&B ONLY LIVE
When: Saturday 8 August, 8pm
Where: O2 Institute Birmingham, Digbeth
For those looking for something later on Saturday, R&B ONLY LIVE comes to the O2 Institute Birmingham in Digbeth.
The event starts at 8pm on Saturday 8 August, making it one of this weekend’s options for music fans heading into Birmingham for the evening.
Looking for Something Free? Try NEC Lakeside
When: Daily throughout August
Where: NEC Birmingham
Not everything this weekend needs a ticket.
NEC Lakeside is a free outdoor family space running throughout the summer, with an outdoor cinema, children’s play area, activity trail, garden games and picnic seating.
There’s no booking or admission charge, so it could also be combined with one of the other NEC attractions taking place this weekend.
Worth the Short Trip: Lunt Roman Festival
When: Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August
Where: Lunt Roman Fort, Baginton
If you don’t mind travelling a little outside Birmingham, Lunt Roman Festival 2026 takes place this weekend.
Expect Roman combat displays, gladiators, a living history village, a Roman marketplace and, for the first time at the festival, historic birds of prey displays.
The festival runs from 10am on Saturday through to 4pm on Sunday.
Make a Weekend of It in Birmingham
There’s plenty to enjoy around Birmingham even if you aren’t attending a ticketed event.
Explore the canals around Gas Street Basin, discover the Jewellery Quarter, visit one of the city’s attractions, enjoy a meal during Birmingham Restaurant Festival or simply spend some time exploring the city centre.
Looking for more things to do in Birmingham?
Discover more upcoming events, attractions, restaurants and places to visit across Birmingham on What’s On In Birmingham.