Happy summer lovely readers! By now, you’ll be strolling around parks and waterfronts in sandals and t-shirts, scoffing at the thought of ever having to wear scarves and three pairs of socks (even though that was realistically only a few weeks ago). There’s so much fun to be had around Dublin this long weekend, and it’s the preview of what’s shaping up to be an amazing summer. Happy Bank Holiday Weekend from IMAGE!

Friday: Think outside the box at Out Thinkers

Minorities working in STEM are gaining a lot more recognition lately, and Out Thinkers is aiming to add to that, with an evening to celebrate LGBT+ leaders in the field. Hosted at the Science Gallery by House of STEM and Pride of STEM, the free event will feature speakers from various areas of research to talk about their experiences of working in academia as LGBT+ individuals. Such an interesting subject and in a really cool venue too.

All Weekend: Be smooth at Bray Jazz Festival 

Now in its 19th year, the Bray Jazz Festival has been cited as one of the best small jazz festivals in Europe, and with 2018’s line-up, it won’t be giving up that title any time soon. Acts from the U.S, Senegal, Norway and Ireland are gathering together across the weekend for performances in some great venues and outside on the harbour. Strolling along the beachfront listening to jazz streaming out onto the water sounds like the perfect way to spend a sunny May bank holiday weekend.

All Weekend: Get some culture at Akram Khan’s GISELLE

Dublin Dance Festival kicked off two days ago and is running until the end of May, with tonnes of amazing events scheduled around the city. But one must-see show to tick off your list is Akram Khan’s GISELLE, a contemporary version of a classic ballet. The performance opened the festival on Wednesday and is running through until Sunday, and with costumes from Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip and a 40 dancer-strong cast, this is a gorgeous way to spend an evening this weekend.

Saturday: Interact at The Affirmation Booth

We all know the power of saying positive affirmations to ourselves, but to have them said to us from an outside source is something special. This art installation (a collaboration between Collective Dublin, Cüpl and H&G Creations), aims to flip the idea of a confession booth on its head and to offer love, acceptance and positivity to willing participants. From 12-6 on Saturday in the Fumbally Exchange, if you want to take part in the experiment.

Saturday: Go retro at Vinyl

Commemorating the days of seeking solace in the rhythm of vinyl records, Vinyl takes place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham this weekend to discuss the power and beauty of music, and has some unbelievable speakers. Christy Dignam, Cillian Murphy, Shane McGowan, Chrissie Hynde – once we pick our jaws up off the floor, we’ll race you for the tickets.

Wednesday: Get beauty inspired at the IMAGE Young Business Woman’s Forum 

Looking for some career inspiration to kickstart the summer months? The next IMAGE Young Businesswoman’s Forum takes place next Wednesday at 6pm at the Westbury and features Anita Murray, founder of Pink Beauty Group; Tara Anderson, make-up artist and influencer; and Tara O’Connor, PR & Event Manager, to speak on the evening. If you want advice and insight into being a businesswoman in the modern beauty industry, this event is unmissable – plus, there’s lots of treats too.

Wednesday – Drink, laugh and paint at PaINTCLUB

Switching off and letting the creativity flow is so important these days, so the guys at PaINTCLUB have come up with the perfect way to spend your evening. All around Dublin, they host evenings to have a couple of drinks, meet some cool people and sit down with a local artist to recreate a painting. In an informal setting, you’ll have the space to chat away and get advice about your work and eventually, take your own creation home with you. This is ideal if you’re looking to de-stress after heading back to work after the long weekend.