As we inch closer and closer to two glorious bank holidays that are happening very closely together - that's Easter and May, hurray! Hurray! - we may be too delirious with excitement to remember that they are but a couple of long weekends.

Yes, they're rare and of course, they're brilliant but - don't leave the majority of the year out. Other weekends are cool too, you know.

People have a weird notion that there has to be some sort of occasion to plan fun things to do. Nonsense! There is no good reason why a random weekend shouldn't be the best weekend - you know they're the days when you end up having the best time ever.

There's loads happening around the country this particular random weekend of April 11th - 13th - here are some suggestions for what you might get up to.

Friday, April 11th

What? Music: Join Me At The Pines
Where? Unitarian Church, Dublin
What time? 8.30pm
How much? €15

If I wasn't doing something else very important (ahem, going home to Mammy) I would be at this gig, in this gorgeous venue with bells on. But I wouldn't dare shake those bells and ruin the lovely music. Join Me in the Pines is David Geraghty of Bell X1's new solo project. It will be a really special night, that's handily suitable for all ages and no alcohol allowed! Start the weekend a magical way.

What? Music: Palma Violets
Where? Cyprus Avenue, Cork
What time? 9pm
How much? €12.50

In Cork tonight? Why not make like Django Django and Savages and hang out with Londoners Palma Violets at their (very reasonably priced) show in Cyprus Avenue? Not that you would need convincing but, Zane Lowe awarded them with Hottest Record in the World for their first single Best of Friends and he knows what he's talking about.

What? Clubbing: The Space Lady
Where? Pacino's Restaurant & Venue (Basement), Suffolk St
What time? 10.30pm
How much? €10

Some of you sensible people may want to ease into the weekend with a nice gig like Meet Me At The Pines and then there are those of you who want to burst into it like Animal from the Muppets. Rock out to the Space Lady - one of the most fascinating figures in outsider music, who is embarking on her first world tour over 35 years after she first confused and enthralled San Franciscan passers-by. Sound intriguing? That's because she is. And Friday nights at Pacino's go on All. Night. Long.

Saturday, April 12th

What? Play: Lambo
Where? Bewley's Cafe Theatre, Dublin
What time? 1pm
How much? €12

Theatre at lunchtime? How peculiar! Not really though, Bewley's have been doing it for years. Anyway, if you haven't been before (or even if you have) this is one fantastic show that will have you feeling glad you spent your Saturday lunch hour doing something a bit more, say, cultural, than scrolling through your phone. Lambo is 'a story about a national scandal of suspected murder and one man’s desire to entertain. That man is Gerry Ryan.'

What? Screening: Film Fatale presents: Swing Time
Where? The Sugar Club, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €15/€16

Now this is a good alternative to going on the lash. Don your most glamourous frock/suit and get in the mood for a vintage themed nice of fun and frolics. Be transported to the 1930s with a screening of the classic rom-com musical Swing Time followed by a night of fashion, retro music, classic cocktails and good old-fashioned fun.

What? Comedy: Ruby Wax
Where? An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
What time? 8pm
How much? €17.50/€20

I was as surprised as you were to find out that Ruby Wax is appearing in Donegal tonight but there you have it, she is! In this show - Brave New World - Ruby will help her audience how our brains work. She can, she got an MA from Oxford in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy. I'm guessing there's nothing else like this particular show out there. So take the opportunity and go!

Sunday, April 13th

What? Festival: Cúirt International Festival of Literature/ Féile Idirnáisiúnta Litríochta
Where? Galway

It's the last day of Galway's Festival of Literature so if you haven't already checked out the events (and atmosphere) now's the day to do it.

What? Music: The Revelator Orchestra
Where? The Workman's Club, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €10

Can't say goodbye to the weekend just yet? Then go to this gig that starts at 8pm on a Sunday night. This is the Orchestra's first ever headline show and the lucky audience will also be privy to the first look at the video for new track 'Isaac Miller.'