Illustration of Zog, a bright orange dragon — © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Things to do in Coventry this May

Posted

Friday 8 May

From great films and entertaining music, comedy and celebrity speakers alongside a whole host of family friendly events, shows, exhibitions and activities, there's plenty to enjoy at Warwick Arts Centre this month.

June - Musical moments

June at Warwick Arts Centre delivers a diverse collection of musical performances. Macy Gray showcases her uniquely beautiful and unmistakable rasp and funky voice and Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra brings their exuberant live performance to the stage.

The sound of Scotland is brought alive by Peatbog Faeries as they deliver a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves that combines a number of influences from jigs and reels through to dance music, and jazz. If the recent popularity of K-pop is your musical earworm, then K-pop All-stars present an explosive live celebration of the music, the artists, and the culture of K-pop.

For fans of Spandau Ballet, Wham, Whitney, Madonna and many more, then The 80s Show promises a nostalgic evening of unforgettable hits that defined a generation.

Close up of Macy Gray looking out a steamy window with a blue light on her face

In the gallery

The Mead Gallery hosts Daiga Grantina’s first solo UK art gallery exhibition, Lilacs, throughout June.

Grantina's sculptures explore how materials meet and react to each other in ways that make us look again at their size, form and meaning. The exhibition also features Making Space, a place perfect for families to engage your senses and explore the exhibition in an immersive way.

Sculptures by Daigaa Grantina in a gallery space

Unique big screen experiences

You'll find a range of unique cinema this June with new movies, musical extravaganzas, theatre and film talks.

For comedy fans, Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas co-star in Power Ballad, a musical movie about a past-his-prime wedding singer and a fading boy-band star. If horror and sci-fi is more your thing, Backrooms is the latest film from A24 about a strange doorway that appears in the basement of a furniture showroom. Cactus Pears + Film Talk gives you a chance to see Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s award-winning debut, plus an in-person talk with the director following the film.

And if you like a little mystery, journey with us into the unknown at a Mystery Film + Free Poster screening, where you won’t know what you’re watching until the lights go down.

Enjoy cinema experiences across both music and theatre with Met Opera: El Último Sueño De Frida Y Diego and the National Theatre Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Celebrate the amazingly fast footwork of Riverdance - 25th Anniversary Show with an intimate and revealing production that really portrays the feelings and emotions of the show.

Two men sit together smiling at a piano.

More free family-friendly events

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, develop and showcase your musical and creative talents this month.

Jazz Fridays is a fantastic end to the week with free performances and an open jam session. Whatever your musical style, you can take to the stage at our friendly Open Mic session or develop your skills in a Songwriting Workshop. The end of the month Songwriting Summer Showcase gives songwriters a chance to do just that, as well as inspire future writing.

If you’re more into creativity and art, our June Creative Socials feature sessions on beading, building a camera obscura and animated worlds. All free and a great way to learn a new skill or simply unwind and immerse yourself in the creative process.

For our young visitors and families, Family Singing, Family Sundays, Musical Picnics and Mini Creatives will all be taking place giving you a chance to sing and be creative.