Have you been feeling the guilt when you're indoors devouring a box-set but it's still bright outside? I have. Sure, it's the middle of the night but...it's bright outside! I was actually relieved when it started raining on Sunday so I had an excuse not to be out making the most of the long days.

But I'm here to tell you right now that those days are numbered. June 21st is the summer solstice (or Day 2 of Body & Soul as some of you may know it) and after that date the days will get shorter and shorter and shorter and before we know it, we'll have sunk to the depths of Goddamn winter again.

Lookit, my point is, make the most of this delightful time - it comes but once a year! There are heaps of lovely festivals going on and since Monday (June 16th) is Bloomsday, there's bound to be some fun activities going on in your area. There's also the World Cup. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Moving on:

Friday, June 13th

What? Music: The Soulful
Where? The Village, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €12

How often do you come across a choir performing in one of Dublin's gig venues on a Friday? Not very often I'd say. Is it because when you think of choirs you think of school and hymns? Well, this groovy choir is no ordinary group of singers. Think The Commitments, think Sister Act, think unique takes on classics and modern tunes - think a friggin' good way to spend your Friday night!

What? Stand-up: Panti - High Heels in Low Places
Where? Vicar St, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €25

Dublin Gay Pride starts this weekend and national treasure Panti is kicking it off in style with her first ever stand-up show, a predictably warm and even more predictably wicked evening of outrageously fun tales. When was this ever not going to be a hilariously fantastic show?

What? Gig: Oliver Cole and guests The Shaker Hymn
Where? Briery Gap Arts Centre
What time? 9pm
How much? €10

County Meath man Oliver Cole first began to attract serious notice as the front man of Irish three piece Turn and his combination of true musicianship and consistently compelling song writing has earned him the respect of fellow artists and the enthusiastic support of audiences wherever he plays.

What? Festival: Taste of Dublin
Where? Iveagh Gardens, Dublin
What time? Fri - Sun: 12 - 4 and 5.30 - 9.30
How much? From €15

Taste of Dublin is the highlight of the Dublin foody annual calender, it's as plain and simple as that. This weekend, fine dining will be transported to Dublin's (almost) secret Iveagh Gardens for summer eating, drinking and entertainment. If that's not all, there's Mix@ - a cool new concept for unattached people to chill and MiX with singles at the the funkiest hang out - the Marquee - with covered inside and open outside seating areas.

Saturday, June 14th

What? Gig: Cathy Davey
Where? Cyprus Avenue, Cork
What time? 8.30pm
How much? €22.50

Cathy & co preview songs from her upcoming new album alongside old favourites in a very intimate concert. One of Ireland's best loved singers, the Meteor Ireland Music Award winner will put audiences in a lovely mood for a summer Saturday.

What? Film: IFI Open Day
Where? Irish Film Institute, Temple Bar, Dublin
What time? Free tickets available at 11am - first come, first serve!

The nice folk at the IFI are opening their doors for fans of the silver screen to enjoy a fantastic pick of film gems for the great sum of €0! Classics like Harold and Maude will play, as will lesser known - but equally as great - flicks like Irish comedy Snakes and Ladders. However, we're hoping to see a sneak preview of Richard Linklater's incredible sounding film project, Boyhood.

What? Festival: Doolin Folk Festival
Where? Hotel Doolin, Doolin, Co. Clare
How much? Friday single ticket €30, Saturday single ticket €35 Sunday single ticket €35, Weekend ticket €79

Damien Dempsey, Solas, Liam O’Flynn and Kíla are among the amazing artists set to take to the stage at the 2nd annual three-day Doolin Folk Festival in County Clare from June 13th to 15th in the Hotel Doolin Marquee. There'll also be delicious food, a craft fair and basically all things nice.

Sunday, June 15th

What? The Big Gay Sing
Where? Bord Gais Energy Theatre
What time? 8pm
How much? €20 - 125

This great big sing-a-long, hosted by none other than Panti Bliss, featuring club classics from the 70s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s, is the ONLY place to be on Sunday. With the acclaimed New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Dublin's Glória DLGC bringing down the roof with support from community choirs The Line-Up and The Soulful, The Big Gay Sing is the culmination of the Various Voices Festival, and a raucous occasion that's not to be missed.

What? Day Out: Bark in the Park
Where? Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin
What time? 3pm
How much? Donations for The Irish Blue Cross welcome

Bring your pup to Marlay Park this Sunday to this brilliant day out for all the family, both 2 and 4 legged! As well as the 4K walk, there will be goody-bags (sponsored by Maxi Zoo pet shop), a raffle, prizes for the dog with the Best Bark, Happiest Smile, Shiniest Coat and Waggiest Tail. Most importantly, all funds raised will go towards the work of The irish Blue Cross animal welfare charity. Woof!