As usual there are LOADS of great things to keep you busy and out of trouble this weekend. Here are our recommendations…
Make your own Fanzine
The second Birmingham Zine Festival kicks off tomorrow with lots to take part in and loads of inspiration to gain. Exhibitions, drawing and badge making workshops, parties and picnics make up the weekend of fun activities. The Festival takes place at We Are Birmingham in Dale End but events are throughout the city.
Support the Independents
Saturday the 9th July may be the final day of Birmingham’s official celebration of Independents week – but we like to celebrate them ALL of the time. If you want to support the great retail outlets of the city you need to get hold of a copy of the current Area Culture Guide which is dedicated to all things indie. You can pick it up from Independent retailers in the city along with the Visitor Centres. You can also read it online here.
Check out the Balloonatic
This weekend sees the start of the fantastic Six Summer Saturdays. Check out the “playful buffoon with a giant balloon” at Hippodrome Piazza from 1.30pm & 6.30pm. There will also be events at Chamberlain Square and The Arcadian. Check the site for all the listings and see what surprises are in store – we promise whatever it is it will bring a VERY big smile to your face.
Go on an Art Trail
Join the Moseley Festival Art Trail this weekend, which is part of Moseley Festival, and takes place throughout the leafy suburb. Check out art on the railings at Moseley Dovecote or members from the West Midlands branch of the British Woodcarvers Association at Moseley Violins. Andre de Jong and Amanda Grist are installing Lightbox, a collaborative video installation exploring light in space into the front room of a local house, new work from Danny Howes first solo exhibition will be showcased at Reuben Colley Fine Arts on St Mary’s row and the peaceful enclave of Moseley’s beautiful Woodbridge Gallery will be the setting for a group show of artists work to include prints, portraits, landscapes and photography.
Celebrate the home of Heavy Metal
With exhibitions all over the West Midlands Home of Metal offers everything from memorabilia, stage costumes to contemporary visual art and installations.
Sit in a mock-up of Ozzy Osbourne’s old living room or try a few riffs at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. If you are around Walsall how about checking out ‘Be True to Your Oblivion’ – A major solo exhibition by former Turner Prize nominee Mark Titchner, whose work is influenced by Heavy Metal, which launched at the New Art Gallery Walsall on Thursday.
Full listings and events are here.
Have a game of Ping Pong
Feeling sporty? Like a challenge? Then make sure you seek out one of the Ping Pong Tables that have sprung up around the city. Take on a stranger and share your Pong skills indoors or out.
Become an Artist
Anti Curate at mac is inviting people to show their art at an open day. This is your chance to get your work displayed in an exhibition at mac’s first floor gallery. On Saturday 9th July the venue will be transformed into an Antique Road Show style space where you can bring your art and pitch to a panel of anticurators. mac birmingham. Open Day – Sat 9 Jul 2011, 11am – 6pm
Have a Sunday Lunch at the all new Rose Villa Tavern
Opened just over a week ago the Tavern sits in the heart of Birmingham’s beautiful Jewellery Quarter and offers a selection of great pub grub. Check it out before it gets too busy like it’s sister venue Bodega!
Area Culture Guide 