INTO the middle of August now and summer is beginning to wind down.
All the more reason to make the most of the last remaining days of summer by enjoying an event near you this week, or taking a trip to sample everything the north has to offer.
This week gives you the chance to enjoy some great music, sample food and beer or indulge your love for wakeboarding, motorcycle racing or flying kites.
Co Antrim
Pintsized Cabaret
Boundary Brewing Cooperative, Belfast
Thursday August 11
Pintsized Cabaret will feature a great selection of short scenes using the unique Boundary Brewery as the performance venue and source and inspiration.
Audiences will be getting a flavour of some of the famous bits of poetry and prose that have focussed on drink and craic, with a nod to the pubs of East Belfast.
International Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix
Lisburn
Monday August 8 – Saturday August 13
This thrilling week, organised by Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club, is one of the highlights in the Northern Ireland Motorcycling Road Racing Calendar, attracting many of the world's top road racers as well as thousands of spectators to the Dundrod circuit, the fastest road racing circuit in the world.
Jailhouse Rock 'Live at The Crum'
Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast
Saturday August 13
Crumlin Road Gaol proudly presents 'Jailhouse Rock' with Elvis and his band.
Watch an extraordinary tribute performance to one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century in a concert brilliantly capturing the musical life of The King of Rock n Roll.
Co Armagh
7 Hills Blues Fest
Various locations, Co. Armagh
Thursday August 11 – Sunday August 14
This four day festival will see many of Armagh City’s eateries, public houses and open spaces showcasing the best of blues bands from across Ireland and the UK.
Rest your head during the #7hillsblues fest! Have a look at our accommodation guide https://t.co/he2WwSHABI pic.twitter.com/Nd7I2yipMB
— 7 Hills Blues Fest (@7hillsbluesfest) July 4, 2016
With workshops, classes, exhibitions and live music there will be fun and games for all the family during the festival.
Co Derry
Stendhal Festival
Limavady
Friday August 12 – Saturday August 13
Set in the picturesque surrounds of Ballymully Cottage Farm, Stendhal Festival of Art brings an all-encompassing artistic experience to the Roe Valley.
All hail Dave Boyd, N Irish A&R legend behind #HutRecords now working w/ @Stendhalireland:https://t.co/pjfCcFKR28 … pic.twitter.com/SjGmjttYMm
— David Roy (@droyirishnews) July 29, 2016
Stendhal has something for everyone from kids to adults, day or night, art, music, classes, workshops, activities, various food outlets and a brilliant atmosphere!
Riverfest
Coleraine
Monday August 8 – Saturday August 13
This year’s Waterways Ireland Riverfest is hosting The European Boat Wakeboard Championships attracting over 150 competitors from across Europe and Africa.
#Coleraine RiverFest https://t.co/sBpFxX0toQ
— Brian Cunningham (@BC_Tweeting) August 2, 2016
Looks dry 5-8th so far @barrabest ?@RNLI @waterwaysirelan pic.twitter.com/UvIvRNYDIp
During the week other attractions planned include vintage vehicle and motorcycle shows, bouncy castles and play area, boat and outdoor recreation displays, trade areas and a local food market.
Kite Festival
Downhill Demesne
Sunday August 14
This high-flying spectacle will offer fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes fly over the stunning coastal estate.
To add to the festive atmosphere there will be a kids craft area, inflatables, Quad-Pod rides, Segways, Craft and food stalls and much more.
Co Down
Rock Pool Extravaganza
Kearney Village
Saturday August 13
Organised by the National Trust and promising to be a great day out for all the family, young wildlife enthusiasts will love this day out at magical Kearney village on the Outer Ards Peninsula.
Discover the amazing creatures lurking beneath the seaweed and slithering through the pools.
Co Fermanagh
Banquet by the Lake
Castle Archdale Caravan Park
Saturday August 13
To mark the Love NI Meat theme as part of the NI Year of Food and Drink, dine in style in a marquee at Castle Archdale overlooking beautiful Lower Lough Erne.
Prepared by Saddlers of Enniskillen the five-course banquet will be mouth-wateringly exquisite.
Co Tyrone
Musical Theatre Open Night
Alley Theatre, Strabane
Saturday August 13
Join some of the North West’s best musical theatre performers as they take to the stage for this popular open mic event with singalong tunes and stunning performances suitable for all the family.
Singing songs from classics such as ‘Calamity Jane’ and ‘Oklahoma’ and more recent hits such as ‘Ghost the Musical’ and many more the performers will be accompanied by a live house band.