Watch, learn, read and argue – all this weekend with What’s On

There’s been a lot going on this week in the world, and whether you want to learn about it, argue about it or escape from it, we’ve got you covered. This weekend sees a lot of festivals taking place across the city, which means plenty of events and plenty of ways to do them. Hope you find something you like – happy weekend from IMAGE!

All weekend: Be immersed at the IFI French Film Festival

The Irish Film Institute’s annual IFI French Film Festival is Ireland’s biggest French cultural event. Showcasing the best of new and classic French cinema, including some of the biggest film’s from this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the festival is running all weekend in their Temple Bar venue. Highlights include comedy Place Publique, drama Little Tickles, and period drama Memoir of War, France’s entry for the 2019 Oscars. The IFI Café Bar will also be serving a delicious French menu throughout the Festival. Tickets available from www.ifi.ie/frenchfest

On Saturday: Experience a Dutch and Asian brunch fusion at Ketel One X Opium

Want brunch with a difference this weekend? Head to Opium on Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm to take part in a very unique cocktail-making masterclass. Guests will get the opportunity to make a Ketel One Thai Mary (a twist on the Bloody variety), while learning about the heritage, craft and creation of Ketel One and using different Asian inspired flavours with a range of local, natural ingredients. The masterclass is followed by a pan-Asian cuisine brunch (just wait til you see the menu). Tickets €33.30.

All weekend: Finish off Science Week in the city

You may have heard that this week is Science Week and across the country, everyone is taking the time to learn and discover. With many major Irish cities having their own individual festivals, there’s fun to be found everywhere: from the Observatory Open Night in Blackrock Castle in Cork to a talk on ‘Humanology’ (how humans were created, exist and die, all in 1 hour) with Professor Luke O’Neill in Wexford. Check out all the events at each city’s website.

All weekend: Get lost in Dublin Book Festival

Our little country is known for having a huge presence of literary brilliance, so a Book Festival should be packed full of events. And it is – on everything from poetry to the business of publishing to book art to the history of our literature. There are some amazing speakers and workshops lined up here, so we can’t imagine tickets hanging around for long.

All weekend: Argue at the Festival of Politics

Okay, so maybe listening to people arguing about politics isn’t exactly how you pictured your relaxing weekend. But hear us out – this might actually be a cool way to spend the next few days. It’s been a hectic week/month/year in the world of politics, and there is no shortage of things to talk (and argue) about. The Festival of Politics brings voices on both sides together to hash it out in a space “without fear or favour”. #MeToo, Trump, the EU, class systems, motherhood and everything in between will be discussed by the likes of Emmet Kirwan (actor and playwright of Dublin Old School), Ella Whelan (author of What Women Want: Fun, Freedom and an End to Feminism), Senator Lynn Ruane and former Trump Campaign Manager Robert Swope. Prepare for battle.