Hip hangouts: Irish Village and more

The Big Weekend at the Irish Village

Have you ever had a bad night at the Irish Village? Well, now you can spend a weekend at one of Dubai’s liveliest venues. The 4th Annual Big Weekend is full of food, drink and merriment – a recipe for fun.

There will be live music throughout the weekend from Dubai-based rock and indie band, The Maplejacks; and their regular DJ, Marky Mark, will be guaranteeing a lively atmos.

A selection of your favourite drinks will cost just Dh21, and it’s free on the door, so this is a fun-packed weekend that won’t break the bank.

Where The Irish Village, Garhoud
When From 6pm, Thursday May 10 & Friday May 11
Visit theirishvillage.ae

Splash at Yas

The first Splash at Yas event is taking place this weekend at Yas Marina, and you’ll be able to try out plenty of watersports, including stand-up paddleboarding and wakeboarding. There will also be wakeboarding clinics from 8am-12pm, held by Scotty Broome, an Australian Tigé Boat pro-rider, who also happens to be very easy on the eye. There will be demonstrations from the pros – which will inspire you to head out into the wide blue yonder – trick competitions and even a Seawings flying demo at 1.30pm.

To chill out afterwards head up to Stars ’n’ Bars to enjoy music from the resident band and the prize-giving ceremony scheduled for 6.30pm.

Where Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When From 8am, Friday May 4
Call 800 6274627

Maifest at Hofbräuhaus

What do you do when there’s still six months to go until the ultimate Bavarian beer festival that is Oktoberfest? You celebrate the megafest’s little sister, Maifest of course, meaning it’ll require little convincing to head down to the JW Marriott Hotel’s Hofbräuhaus restaurant for a celebration of all things German.

Every Thursday and Friday throughout May you can enjoy an all-inclusive authentic Bavarian buffet (how about onion and liver paté to get you started?), proper German entertainment in the form of the Fresh Alpin duo, plus a few glasses of Maibock, the seasonal brew, or a sample of the delicious traditional May Punch.

Cost Dh230
Where Hofbräuhaus, JW Marriott Hotel, Deira, Dubai
When 7pm-11pm daily, May 3-31
Call 04 607 7977

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Comedy lovers need to get their hands on some tickets to the live version of the British improvised comedy classic Whose Line Is It Anyway? Some of the biggest names in British comedy, including Comedy Store regulars, Andy Smart and Gordon MacKenzie, will be on stage for an evening of improv, guaranteed to be absolutely hilarious and increasingly ridiculous.

The over-18s two-hour-long show will be packed full of sketches, gags, songs and some physical comedy, and there’s a bar in the lobby to keep you refreshed throughout.

Cost Dh185
Where The First Group Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah 
When 8pm, Thursday May 10 to Saturday May 12 
Call 04 366 6546

Eve at Cavali Club

American rap star Eve is jetting in to headline another glamorous night at Cavalli Club. The Who’s That Girl singer will be entertaining the crowds with the biggest hits from throughout her career, and we’re hoping to hear her Gwen Stefani collaboration Let me Blow Your Mind. After her performance, spend the evening rubbing shoulders with the stylish clientele, as the club will be pumping into the wee hours.

Cost Dh250
Where Cavalli Club Restaurant & Lounge
When From 8pm-3am, Friday May 4
Call 04 332 9260

Serani Live At Chi

Jamaican rapper Serani is jetting into Dubai for an exclusive concert at Chi’s Garden venue. The dancehall artist rose to fame after working with Sean Paul on his album Trinity, but he’s also well known for his singles Doh, No Games and She Loves Me. Head down for chilled out tunes, a great atmos and, if you opt for the VVIP ticket, all-inclusive drinks all night.

Cost Regular entry Dh125, VIP250, VVIP950
Where Chi@The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland 
When 9pm-3am, Thursday May 3
Call 04 337 9470