Festival season is getting underway this weekend and The Black Madonna is in town.

Beginning today on Sherkin Island is the Open Ear festival, who are doing things a bit differently. Worth checking out are Ed Devane, ELLLL, wherethetimegoes and School Tour.

In the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham the Forbidden Fruit fest kicks off. Octave One, Âme, Skepta and Kerri Chandler all feature there.

The festival proper finishes early enough but with the ticket you can pay into nights around the city with a selection of the DJs playing late, we’d recommend Gerd Hanson in Wigwam.

Up in Belfast, AVA is back for its second year with a stellar lineup. Optimo, Juan Atkins, Sunil Sharpe, Shanti Celeste and House of Disco are the highlights for us.

However, if you’re not packing up your sun cream and flower headbands this weekend, Carl Craig and The Black Madonna in the Opium Rooms is the place to be.

If we missed anything let us know in the comments.