THIS WEEKEND IS set to be a scorcher (if the forecast is to be believed).

If you have no plans yet to get out and enjoy the good weather here’s what’s happening around the country.

Cruinniú na nÓg

There are a number of events taking place around the country today that encourage children and young people’s participation in culture and creativity.

All events are free, local and activity-based. Here are some of the highlights:

• Mandala making session in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare at 8pm
• Animation Screening and Workshop in Gorey, Co Wexford at 4.30pm
• Tour of the Granard Motte and Bailey Heritage Centre in Granard, Co Longford at 3.30pm
• The Great Harry Potter Treasure Hunt in Kells Co Meath at 2pm

For more information on the events above or to find out what’s happenings near you check out the Cruinniú na nÓg website. 

Brian Lawless Brian Lawless

Dublin

Michael D Higgins is expected to be the guest of honour at the Stoneybatter festival tomorrow.

The Dublin 7 festival is taking place across the weekend with a number of events on today and tomorrow.

Today is being referred to as open house day as museums, galleries and local business will open their doors with tours, talks and heritage events.

There will be tours of the Central Criminal Courts, St Michan’s Church and Crypts, an OPW tour of Aras An Uachtarain, and the graveyard of the 1916 leaders at Arbour Hill.

On Sunday Stoneybatter will close off to traffic for a family fun day. Highlights include a Ceilí Mór and the Great Batter Bake Off with Pauline McLynn (Mrs Doyle, Father Ted)

For more information on the free festival, check out the website.

The Irish International A Cappella Competition is taking place tomorrow night in the Royal Irish Academy of Music on Westland Row.

Eleven a cappella groups will compete for this year’s title, taking place at 7 pm with tickets starting at €15.

There is also a number of day events running on Sunday including a beatbox battle at 5 pm and a cappella big sing at 4 pm.

Find out more information about tickets and events here.

Old Fort Quarter Festival Barry Cronin Barry Cronin

Laois 

The Old Fort Quarter Festival which celebrates the heritage of the Old Fort of Maryborough is taking place in Portlaoise this weekend.

You can expect some Medieval heritage, two music stages, street theatre, a comic book convention and a food market.

Many of the events are free but spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis so organisers have advised to get down early

Find out more about the events over the weekend here.

shutterstock shutterstock

Cork

Four community choirs will come together at St Peter’s in Cork City for a free sing song concert tonight.

Choral ConFusion, Voices of Cork, High Hopes and The World will all perform as one choir at 7.30 pm.

Organisers say that they will be fundraising for the Irish Heart Foundation during the event, for more information check out the facebook event.

Colour Dash file photo Yui Mok Yui Mok

Limerick 

Thousands of walkers, joggers and runners are expected to take part in the 5k colour dash today at 12.30pm and there is still time to sign up.

Registration costs €30 and all of the money raised will go to the Irish Cancer Society.

The run is suitable for all ages and you can sign up here.

Got any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments.