24th Birmingham International Jazz Festival
With musicians and bands from the USA, Spain, France, South Korea, Hungary, Poland, Holland, Czech Republic and Venezuela, it's no surprise that thousands of tourists and music fans from around the UK make their way to Birmingham each July to indulge in a rich tapestry of Jazz music. Presenting over 180 concerts in ten days, almost each show is free to the public. This year sees the musical talents of Michael McQuaid's Red Hot Rhythmakers, the Bourbon Street Stompers, the Dixieland Crackerjacks and the Budapest Ragtime Band from Hungary.Venue: Various
Date: 4-13 July 2008
Website: www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

Birmingham International Carnival
A huge festival in the spirit of the Caribbean, the Birmingham International Carnival attracts thousands of revellers each year for a day of non-stop, music, fun and dancing, where all are welcome to celebrate Birmingham's diverse community. Market stalls proffering arts and arts, Caribbean cuisine and festival trinkets line the streets and a colourful parade of extravagant floats and larger-than-life costumes, makes its way down the procession route to the accompanying clamour of carnival music.Venue: Handsworth's Soho Road to Perry Barr Park
Date: 1-3 August 2008
ArtsFest
A weekend of music, dance, theatre, arts and crafts, the Birmingham ArtsFest is the UK's largest free arts festival. Organised by the Birmingham City Council, the festivities reflect the region's growing reputation for culture and the arts, with over 400 free events on offer. The hub of the event remains at Centenary Square supplemented by 25 other unique venues from art galleries and outdoor stages. Festival goers can try their hand at a variety of activities at the Do It! workshop tents, marvel at Birmingham's first Light Night with light installations and trails as well as diverse performances by hundreds of artists.Venue: Centenary Square
Date: 12-14 September 2008