Jewellery Quarter Festival 
Now in its third year the wonderful JQ Festival is the perfect opportunity for curious adventurer’s to go and explore one of Birmingham’s most thriving districts. The weekend is alive with music, comedy, art and exquisite street food lined up by the ever expanding Digbeth Dining Club. Read our full preview here.
Fri 28 Jul to Sun 30 Jul at various venues jewelleryquarter.net

Catwalk Villains at The Blue Piano
Moseley’s finest exponents of big dirty blues land are popping up all over the city. This time join them in the Blue Piano’s beasutiful garden for a riotous evening of mile high riffs and powerhouse noise. The garden will become a swamp of deep south rumbling as The Villains career through a set of covers and original material. Fantastic live band with an energy that ignites any venue. See you there.
Fri 28 Jul 7pm at The Blue Piano, 26 Harborne Rd, Birmingham B15 3AA www.thebluepiano.co.uk

Ghostbusters at Birmingham Cathedral
Who ya gonna call? A mini outdoor film festival in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral sounds wonderful. The space there is always a hive of activity and bustling energy anyway. Throw in live bands, top quality street food, high quality cinema and it will be one heaven (sorry) of a party. Fantastic pick for an outdoor screening is the original Ghostbusters, the wise cracking Bill Murray stands endless repeated viewings and just imagine how huge the Marshmallow Man will be on the big screen? Coming soon are The Goonies and Star Wars The Force Awakens.
Fri 28 Jul 8pm at Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB www.birminghamcathedral.com

House of Jealous Lovers Day Rave at The Old Crown
If you’ve ever wondered whether glow sticks work in the sunshine well now’s your chance. The Old Crown gets old school with a day rave in Birmingham’s premier outdoor party space. The usual residents will be filling your eardrums with an eclectic mix of musical groove gravy with an inspired choice of special guests in Mosco Disco duo and Enid Blight On legends Lucie Hall and Ollie Humpidge. The event is free but tickets must be booked in advance.
Sat 29 Jul 3pm at The Old Crown, 188 High Street, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LD www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Taste & Liquor at Sarehole Mill
A cracking array of super charged gastro street food will be available amidst the grounds of the beautiful Sarehole Mill this Sunday including The Smokin’ Joint; Mrs Patel, Momma Bears and Wings and Tings, and pudding specialists Blue Bell. With the theme being Summertime The Taste and Liquor bar will be serving imaginative fruity cocktails and mocktails or just have a cold beer. Have a wander around the vintage market and send the kids on the busy bee trail, Sarehole Mill in the sunshine is one of the best places in Birmingham to be.
Sun 30 Jul 11am at Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Rd, Birmingham B13 0BD www.facebook.com

Reggae Caribbean Cookout at Hawker Yard
Ok, so it’s technically not free as there’s a one pound admission fee. We recommend digging down the back of the sofa for some loose change. It’ll be worth it to savour the delicious West Indian soul food served up by the sensational Mr Jerk. Throughout the afternoon the vibe levels will be set to hyper chilled as DJ’s spin the best reggae, ska and rock steady vinyl as you chow down, there’s even vegan options available.
Sun 30 Jul 12pm at Hawker Yard, 62-70 Pershore St, Birmingham B5 4RU www.facebook.com

Sunday Xpress at Centrala
Those funky cultural agit-propsters Sunday Xpress return with another high quality no cost art happening bulging with music, spoken word, art and feel good energy. The Dollcanoes are your headliners, belting out great gushing blasts of jet powered indie pop so powerful it will leave your hair in a mess, the grrrl band from Birmingham are a joyous riot live. Throw in The Light Programme, Tim Holehouse and the Krautrock infused Lucifer and Gabriel and that’s one hell of a free gig. But it’s not just about the music; expect poetry, art, film, visuals and surprises.
Sun 30 Jul 5pm at Centrala, 158 Fazeley Street, Birmingham, Digbeth B5 5RS www.facebook.com

Steve Ajao & the Blues Giants at The Gunmakers Arms
Mention the blues and Birmingham and you can guarantee the name of Steve Ajao will be mentioned. The Blues Giants are well named with Ajao’s jet propelled guitar energy taking live shows through the roof. The boys power through swamp classics and rock anthems from Muddy Waters to Hendrix at breakneck speed. Live legends. Hold onto your hats.
Sun 30 Jul 5pm at The Gunmakers Arms, 93 Bath St, Birmingham B4 6HG www.facebook.com