Something for the weekend: Five things you need to check out (19 – 21 July)

The perfect time for a family weekend.

Should the weather hold, the weekend activities below are sure to provide entertainment for all who attend. A compilation of food, music, art, and science have this weekend's lineup full with excitement.

Festival of Curiosity

The Festival of Curiosity is all about engaging people in science, art, design, and technology. This three-day event takes place over 14 venues in Dublin city centre and should appeal to people of all ages. Each year, the festival attracts more than 45,000 people who are drawn in to experience various activities like multiple family shows, stargazing, a sensory garden trail, treasure hunts and more. Some events are free, while others require tickets for entry, so be sure to book ahead if there’s an event you want to attend.

Wings Food Fest/ Bray/ Wicklow

If you have a profound love for chicken wings, the Wings Food Fest is definitely the place to be this weekend. Three days full of music, competition, street food, craft markets and yes, most importantly, chicken wings. The weekend festival includes two types of competitions: a wing eating contest, and a Wing-off competition in which participants will be cooking their best chicken wing recipes in the hope of becoming Ireland’s favourite wing. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of chicken wings, the event has alternative food options like barbeque from BBQ pitmaster demos and street food, and the seafood funfair close by. Entry is free but there are charges to buy the food and crafts available.

Dublin Maker’s Festival

This year, the Dublin Maker’s Festival will accompany the Festival of Curiosity at Merrion Square for one full day, showcasing the best talent in the area. Presented as a “show and tell”, the makers will be displaying their inventions, crafts, and exhibits. The festival supports local talent ranging from all ages and hopes to inspire curiosity in the arts, technology, and creativity for the makers of the future. There will be loads of interactive booths where you can see the makers create personalised items to take home.

The Folly

The Folly festival is Ireland’s first music and comedy weekend festival to feature a balance between male and female acts. Taking place near Cullohill Castle in Co. Laois, the weekend will have a scenic backdrop to accompany the live acts. In addition to the performances by artists and groups like Hermitage Green and Wyvern Lingo, there will also be a mountain walk up Cullohill Mountain, an adventure race and an artisan food market. The goal of the event is to promote gender equality in the entertainment industry and all proceeds are invested back into community development.

Boyle Arts Festival

The Boyle Arts Festival features a wide range of performing and visual arts from artists all across the country. In an effort to promote the arts and make it more accessible to the public, the festival presents a culturally enriching experience for all who attend. From visual arts, music, literature, drama and family events, this festival has it all. There will also be a variety of workshops to assist patrons in the development of their own craft.