Colmore Food Festival Announces 2026 Return to Birmingham
The much-loved Colmore Food Festival will make its return to Birmingham in the summer of 2026, organisers have confirmed. This free-to-attend event is scheduled to take place in Victoria Square on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, marking its 13th annual edition.
Building on Past Success
Last year's festival attracted an impressive crowd of more than 75,000 visitors, forming a key part of Birmingham's Super Weekend. That event coincided with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's final concert in the city, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Festival organisers are now aiming to build on that momentum with an expanded programme for 2026.
Alex Tross, Deputy Board Chair and Lead of the Colmore Culture Working Group, expressed enthusiasm about the festival's return. "Colmore Food Festival has become a highlight in Birmingham’s summer calendar, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it back to Victoria Square for its 13th year," he said. "The Festival is a fantastic celebration of the creativity, quality, and diversity of our hospitality sector in Colmore."
What to Expect at the 2026 Festival
The festival will run from 11am to 8pm on both days, maintaining its commitment to accessibility and affordability. Organisers have confirmed that entry remains completely free, with capped pricing and taster-sized portions available to allow visitors to sample a wide variety of dishes without overspending.
This year's event promises to bring together talented independent producers, passionate food artisans, and acclaimed restaurants from the Colmore district and beyond. The aim is to showcase the very best of the area's culinary offerings, providing a true taste of Birmingham's vibrant food scene.
Expanded Programme and Activities
Building on last year's success, which featured 31 traders and a popular Demonstration Kitchen in Chamberlain Square, organisers are promising an even more comprehensive experience for 2026. The Demonstration Kitchen will return, offering visitors the chance to watch local chefs, mixologists, and bakers share their signature dishes and demonstrate new techniques.
Birmingham Colmore, the curators of Colmore Life magazine who organise the festival, have indicated that further details will be announced in the coming months. This will include:
- The complete trader line-up
- Entertainment schedule
- Demo Kitchen programme
- Special events and activities
Tross added: "After welcoming 75,000 people in 2025, we’re excited to build on that success and create another unforgettable weekend for the region’s residents, workers, and visitors."
The Colmore Food Festival continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of Birmingham's summer events calendar, celebrating both local culinary talent and the city's vibrant community spirit.
