ENJOY the dramatic voices at the 68th Wexford Festival Opera from now until 3 November. There’s something for everyone with National Opera House tours and lunchtime recitals. You can even treat yourself to a champagne and canapés interval reception every night during the festival for €25 each. One of the operas preformed during the festival is La Cucina/Adina which is set on the wedding day of young Adina and middle-aged Caliph. The story is told with themes of love, betrayal and jealousy, sung in Italian. For more information and tickets see www.wexfordopera.com.

EXPLORE the wonders of the Mayo Dark Sky Festival from 1-3 November. This is a three-day experience of astronomy, cultural heritage and biodiversity in a mix of events on the Wild Atlantic Way. The programme celebrates the natural nightscapes of Co Mayo with stargazing and observing sessions, workshops, educational talks and activities for all the family to enjoy. During the day there will be talks and workshops on environmental matters, astrophysics, science shows and rocket workshops. Evening events will explore local heritage and will include stargazing walks and observations, storytelling, magic and music. For more information see www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie.

Irish Record Fairs will be at the Dún Laoghaire Vinyl Festival on 2 and 3 November.

APPRECIATE all things vinyl at the Dún Laoghaire Vinyl Festival from 1-3 November. The festival includes a collection of talks and discussions relating to all aspects of vinyl recordings and will look at the importance and significance of vinyl records in today’s culture. Highlights of the festival are a live gig from Johnny, Barry and Jim of Horslips and Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan will be discussing the band’s eighth and final album. Irish Record Fairs will be on site on Saturday and Sunday if you fancy some crate digging. Tickets start at €10 and for more information see www.vinylfestival.ie.

VISIT Ireland’s Family Pet Expo at the National Show Centre Dublin on 2-3 November. The main aim for the show is to promote responsible pet ownership and to encourage adoption of the growing number of rescue dogs in Ireland. This year’s expo includes the Jungle Bus, Breed Parade, Ireland’s Next Top Madra Final, Little Hill Animal Sanctuary, over 30 breed stands with expert breeders advice and more. Amy and Izzy, the Dancing Beagle from Ireland’s Got Talent, will also be there. Tickets start at €5 and dogs go free. For more information see www.petexpo.ie.

EXPERIENCE a parent-teacher meeting gone wrong in Class, a new play about learning difficulties; in school and in life. The show will be on stage in Waterford’s Theatre Royal on 5 November. According to his teacher, Brian and Donna’s nine-year-old son is struggling and believes he should see a psychologist. Brian and Donna, recently separated, never liked school and never liked teachers so will they trust this one, and should they? Funny and heart breaking, Class is an explosive triple-confrontation in a classroom. Tickets start €17 and the show starts at 8pm. For more information see www.theatreroyal.ie.