So that's it, it's all over. Summer that is. Or is it? To be honest, it sure feels like summer out there. OK, so I have to bring a jumper with me when I venture outside and I have a pair of sunglasses in one pocket and an umbrella in the other but they sound like typical things to do during an Irish summer to me!

Anyway, the event calendar hasn't shown any signs of dwindling even though it's now September and there's loads of stuff to do during the weekend. There are festivals galore including The Sky Road TV and Film Festival in Clifden, the Westport Food Festival, the Taste of West Cork and the Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival starts on Friday and goes on till September 20th!

Let's hope the weather holds up because there's actually loads to do around the country this 'back to normality' weekend.

Friday, September 5

What? Music Festival: Harvest Time Blues Festival '14
Where? Monaghan Town Ireland
When? 5 - 7 September

The Harvest Time Blues Festival returns for the19th time! Over the years it has hosted some astounding stars of the Blues scene and this year is no exception. A highlight is the Blues Trail, where six pub venues host ten top blues acts including Crow Black Chicken, The Juke Joints, Joe Fury and the Hayride and The Hardchargers.

What? Concert: RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra's 2014-2015 Taster Concert
Where? National Concert Hall, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €10

Hear some of the 2014 - 2015 favourites again (or experience them for the first time) for a mere tenner! Masterpieces by Beethoven, Bartók, Schubert, Berlioz and Tchaikovsky are in store along with Sibelius’ Finlandia and Stravinsky’s Firebird.

Saturday, September 6

 

What? Theatre: How to Keep an Alien
Where? Project Arts Centre, Cube
What time? 8.30pm
How much? €15

How to Keep an Alien is but one of the brilliant presentations on the Tiger Dublin Fringe programme. Sonya Kelly tells the dramatic but hilarious story of securing an Irish visa for her Australian partner.

What? Theatre: Royal de Luxe, The Giant Grandmother’s Journey
Where? Streets of Limerick
When? Sept 5 - 7

Watch the City of Culture transform as Royal de Luxe's Giant Granny saunters through the streets. This three-day epic journey will transfix old, young and everyone in between.

Sunday, September 7

What? Film: Joe
Where? Triskel Christchurch, Cork
What time? 4.15pm / 8.45pm
How much? €5 - €8

Nicholas Cage was considered a great young actor, then he won a damn Oscar but he's better known for his duds like Ghost Rider, Season of the Witch and Drive Angry these days. Every so often, however, he crops up in a good film, showcasing his genuine acting talent. Joe is one of these films.

What? Exhibition: Jack Hickey - The Nocturnes
Where? The Doorway Gallery, 24 South Frederick St
When? September 5 - 25

There's nothing like perusing some art work to make you feel better about yourself on a Sunday. Jack Hickey's new collection The Nocturnes covers night owls and night-time events - it might just jog some nocturnal memories of your own!