Summer time is so over (according to some people. According to me.) God, all of those long, hot days spent lounging around your back garden - or your local The Barge-type establishment - eating ice-creams and barbequed food were so tiresome. Hurrah for September and the new-start feeling that comes with it.

Yeah, yeah, I know it's not going back to school time just yet but there is that feeling of transition in the air. I bet people in your office are 'coming down with something', aren't they? The summer sales are over and coats, gloves and sensible shoes are IN! Yes, change is certainly afoot.

August is the month of 'lost weekends'. You know what I'm talking about; you've had something on every weekend of summer but all of a sudden you realise that - wait a minute - this one is free! It's a great feeling. You don't have to travel, you can lie in, you can stay in your jammies all day long if you like. Take our advice though, and don't stay in. There's still a load to do - some events are even indoors! - you'll be glad you went out and about by the time Monday morning comes about.

Friday, August 22

What? Music: Beck's Rhythm Series presents Roy Ayres Ubiquity
Where? The Sugar Club
What time? 8pm
How much? €20

The Godfather of Neo-soul is coming back to the Sugar Club after his hugely successful appearance in December 2013. This icon of music is still in great demand; his music has been sampled by music industry heavyweights including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, 50 Cent, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac, and Ice Cube.

What? Exhibition: Strange Weather
Where? The Science Gallery, TCD, Dublin

I hear that it has been unusually cool for this time of year (I wouldn't know myself, since I'm already in the autumn spirit, wearing woollies and putting down fires etc.) Anyway, this time of year the weather is particularly cray cray so it's a great time to check out this unsurprisingly brilliant exhibition at Dublin's coolest gallery The Science Gallery.

Saturday, August 23

What? Special Screening: Doctor Who: Deep Breath
Where? Cinemas Nationwide
What time? Around 7pm

People forget that Dr. Who used to be a kids' show with rickedy sets and over the top acting. So the acting still is OTT but the show has become such a Big Deal over the past few years not only has the huge budget ensured that sets are top-notch, the first episode with Peter Capaldi as The Doctor is set to be screened in participating cinemas all over the country! I predict a lot of fun.

What? Festival: Sugar Beat
Where? Tuam, Co. Galway
How much? €25

Galway's newest festival is starting out with a one-day run. The line-up is full of brilliant local and much-loved national acts including headliner Damien Dempsey and Mundy with his full band. It's set to be a jolly affair and with tickets being a mere €25, sure why wouldn't you check out this brand new musical extravaganza?

What? Music: Jeff Buckley Tribute Night
Where? Whelan's, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €20

Jeff Buckley played Whelan's 20 years ago to the day this concert is taking place. Not only that, the night he played was the same day his iconic debut album Grace was released worldwide. Whelan's pay tribute in the only way they can - by presenting a cracking show with Dave McGuinness (formerly of Lir) and band and very special guests.

Sunday, August 24

What? Festival: Limerick Pride
Where? Limerick
When? 24 - 31 August

Woo! It's time to get that rainbow flag out again for this Sunday marks the start of the City of Culture 2014's LGBTQ Pride Festival! There'll be plenty of fun to be had throughout the week-long festival but a highlight is on Sunday with Pride in the (People's) Park.