Weekend of Baroque and roll in store

Folk, baroque and jazz feature on the musical menu this weekend as the warm and humid weather experienced in some parts of the country over the past week is set to continue.

However, Met Éireann predicts it will be somewhat cooler in the west and northwest than in other regions over the coming days but that most areas can expect to see some rain, drizzle and mist.

Heavy and possibly thundery rain is likely over the western half of the country today, and this will spread eastwards as the day continues. Temperatures of between 16 to 18 degrees are expected in most regions, but these could reach up to 21 degrees along the east coast.

Rain is expected tomorrow in eastern parts of the country, but it will be mainly dry in the northwest with the possibility of some sunshine. Sunday is expected to be a little brighter with mist and patches of drizzle clearing early on but a lot of cloud remaining. Some warm sunshine will develop in some parts. Highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees are forecast.

For those prepared to brave the elements there's plenty of activities on around the country including a large number of festivals and sporting events.

The Dublin Theatre Festival, which got under way yesterday, includes 28 shows in 25 venues across the capital with highlights including Rough Magic's take on Ibsen's Peer Gynt at Belvedere College, Colm Tóibín's Testament at the Project Arts Centre and Juno and the Paycock at the Abbey Theatre.

The Dingle Peninsula Food and Wine Festival will be the place to go for foodies over the weekend, while the Westport Arts Festival includes drive-in movies, poetry performances, theatre, children's shows and concerts from Cathy Davey, Ham Sandwich and Glen Hansard

The 32nd Cork Folk Festival is on this weekend with a full programme which includes a Gala concert featuring the Kilfenora Céilí Band on Grand Parade on Sunday.

Now in its 7th year the Galway Jazz Festival continues with headliners the Rick Margitza Quartet playing on Sunday night. Elsewhere in Co Galway, the Ballinasloe October Fair is also on.

The Sligo Festival of Baroque Music includes the Italian/Irish duo Arparla, while the East Cork Early Music Festival will include performances from soprano Emma Kirkby and a Hibernian Muse programme at Fota House..

Back in the capital, Batman Live is on at the Grand Canal Theatre until tomorrow evening while comedian David O'Doherty is at Vicar Street. Dublin Contemporary continues at various venues.

R&B star Rihanna is at the Belfast Odyssey tomorrow evening ahead of a sell-out show at the O2 in Dublin on Monday. Support is from Calvin Harris. The Answer play at Whelans in Dublin tomorrow, while Jape are at the Button Factory.

On the sporting front, there's racing at Gowran Park and Tipperary while the Galway Bay half marathon and 10k race takes place tomorrow. Claddagh Quay, Grattan Rd, Seapoint Promenade, Salthill Rd and Upper Salthill will be closed to westbound traffic while the event is on.

Elsewhere, Leinster take on Aironi in the Pro 12 at the RDS at 6pm tomorrow, and delays can be expected through Ballsbridge and Sandymount.