A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near Packwood

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Packwood, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Packwood

community1

Morning Explorers

at Sarehole Mill

Morning Explorers is an accessibility program for autistic people and those with similar disabilities. Running on the second Saturday of each month, it offers some accessible adaptions to the museum experience, plus an optional Autism Friendly planetarium show. On these mornings we offer early entrance into the museum at 9am, before the museum opens to the public at 10am. This allows you to explore the museum at a quieter time. To reduce the noise level, we will mute the majority of sound making exhibits until 11am. Ear defenders and sensory maps will be available on entrance, and access to quiet spaces may be arranged on request.This event is suitable for autistic adults, autistic children, and any friends, family, and personal assistants who would like to join.Pre-booking is essential for admission.Members - Free entry for Members but you will need to pre-book at ticket. (Planetarium shows £3). We also offer a range of accessible resources, including social stories, sensory maps and picture and symbol cards. See our Accessibility Information for more details.

7.4 milesSat 11 Jul10:00£3
Local gemSee the details→
Community
festivals-events2

JQ Festival: Explore Smith & Pepper

at Sarehole Mill

Enjoy a self guided visit to the offices and factory of Smith and Pepper. Explore the space in your own time with friendly guides who can share stories and demonstrate the machinery used in jewellery manufacture. Journey through the business' 90 years of operation to see how jewellery was made, learn how the trade functioned, and hear about some of the people who lived and worked in the quarter.You can also explore our gallery 'Story of the Jewellery Quarter' to see historic and contemporary examples of metalwork made only a stone's throw away.After your visit, you can head next door for a coffee, organic wine or craft beer at our brand new cafe bar, Craft & Culture before heading out and seeing what the rest of the Jewellery Quarter has in store.Places are limited, pre-booking recommended.

7.4 milesSat 11 Jul11:30
Local gemSee the details→
Festivals & Events

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community3

Hidden Spaces Roof and Basement Tours

at Sarehole Mill

Step beyond the gallery walls and into the hidden heart of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Our 'Hidden Spaces Tours' offer a rare opportunity to explore areas of the building that are usually closed to the public — including storerooms, tucked-away corridors, and architectural gems often overlooked.Join our expert guides as you:Wander through off-limits spacesSoak in the incredible Victorian architecture from a new perspectiveHear about recent and upcoming renovation projectsEncounter a few collection superstars along the wayEnjoy quirky tales from Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery's colourful past, from mysterious goings-on to hidden passagewaysThe building itself is one of our most fascinating artefacts, come and experience it in a whole new light.

7.4 milesSat 11 Jul12:00
Local gemSee the details→
Community
A Tango Night at the Museum4

A Tango Night at the Museum

at Sarehole Mill

Step into an unforgettable evening of passion, music and movement as Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery transforms into a vibrant Buenos Aires-inspired dance hall. The drama and romance of Argentine tango come alive beneath the museum’s grand architecture that immerses you in the mood of the dance.Enjoy a drinks reception with live music from 6pm and exclusive after-hours access to the museum. Surrounded by the rich history of Birmingham, guests can take in the elegance of the Edwardian Tea Rooms and dance under the dome of the iconic Round Room around the much-loved bronze statue Lucifer by Jacob Epstein — a striking and memorable setting for a night of tango.From 7pm to 12am, non-stop tango music curated by a renowned tango DJ, complete with fabulous cortinas, will create a rich and captivating soundscape throughout the evening. Whether you are an experienced dancer or simply curious to watch and soak in the atmosphere, this event welcomes everyone.Why not embrace the style of an earlier era — think Peaky Blinder–inspired elegance or just go all out with your tango bests for this atmospheric evening.Doors open at 6pm for a drinks reception, including a complementary drink with live musicFrom 7pm – 12am we'll be dancing the night away!This promises to be a truly unique cultural experience — a celebration of tango music, dance and community in the heart of Birmingham.

7.4 milesSat 11 Jul19:00
Local gemSee the details→
History & Heritage
The Fastest Bicycle + Q&A5

The Fastest Bicycle + Q&A

at mac

The Fastest Bicycle follows a London team of cyclists on a mission to 'go fast' and their journey to the 'World Human Powered Speed Challenge' on Route 305 in Nevada. There they discover an international community of speed freaks like no other. The Fastest Bicycle is a story of perseverance, as the team tackle a missing bike, high speed crashes, serious design flaws and injury. It’s also an exploration of community, as they discover that their competitors can also be their greatest allies. The screening will be followed by a live onstage Q&A with Sky Sports' regular contributor Raees Mahmood and 'The Fastest Bicycle' editor James Watson.

9.6 milesSun 12 Jul18:30£10.45
Local gemSee the details→
Talks & Lectures
religion-spirituality6

Evensong

at St Michael Church

Evensong Occurring Sunday 12 July 2026, Sunday 09 August 2026 at for 45 mins Venue St Michael's Baddesley Clinton Address Off Hay Wood Lane, Baddesley Clinton Baddesley Clinton Birmingham, B93 0DG, United Kingdom Service of Evensong according to the Book of Common Prayer with three hymns, sung canticles and sermon. Lasts about 50 minutes Book of Common Prayer Hymns

2.1 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Religion & Spirituality
Northern Soul: Still Burning7

Northern Soul: Still Burning

at mac

Leap onto the dancefloor and discover the enduring legacy of the cultural phenomenon that is Northern Soul. Ignited in the working class communities of the North and the Midlands in the late 60s and 70s, this underground scene brought together youth culture and rare, overlooked uptempo American soul music in a rush of exhilaration and high-energy dancing.

9.6 milesSat 11 Jul£11.95
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music
Northern Soul: Still Burning8

Northern Soul: Still Burning

at mac

Leap onto the dancefloor and discover the enduring legacy of the cultural phenomenon that is Northern Soul. Ignited in the working class communities of the North and the Midlands in the late 60s and 70s, this underground scene brought together youth culture and rare, overlooked uptempo American soul music in a rush of exhilaration and high-energy dancing.

9.6 milesSat 11 Jul18:00£11.95
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music
Brown's Dance Company 2026 Annual Showcase9

Brown's Dance Company 2026 Annual Showcase

at mac

Brown’s Dance Company proudly presents our 2026 Annual Showcase, a performance celebrating passion and artistry. From powerful contemporary pieces to high-energy commercial numbers and timeless lyrical performances, the showcase highlights the dedication and hard work of every performer involved. Join us for a spectacular show as our dancers light up the stage with confidence, talent, and teamwork. The 2026 Annual Showcase includes all new routines and we can’t wait to share them with you!

9.6 milesSun 12 JulAll tickets £13.50 (plus £1.95 fee)
Local gemSee the details→
Dance
BIFF 2026: Anmol + Q&A10

BIFF 2026: Anmol + Q&A

at mac

A newlywed couple’s happiness with their newborn is soon overshadowed by a revelation that changes everything. As they struggle to accept their child’s unique identity and changing circumstances, they must decide if societal patriarchal pressures and fear will tear their young family apart, or acceptance and love will make them stronger.

9.6 milesSun 12 Jul£10.45
Local gemSee the details→
Talks & Lectures

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.