Never mind the April showers, it’s the weekend and that solves all kinds of ills.  A weekend spent in the rain can be fun (with the right clothes, of course), but if you’d prefer ideas that keep you dry, I’ve scooped up some of the best inside activities happening this weekend for you to enjoy.

As always, there’s also my  Weekend Directory to visit for extra weekend inspiration. Have a great weekend – I’ll be back next week.

Comedy: Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John | York Barbican

Sat 6th April | 8pm 

After a six-year break from doing stand-up, Rhod Gilbert is hitting the road in 2019 with a huge new tour, The Book of John. If you don’t know Rhod, buckle up. He’s a Welsh comedian who’s raw, brutal and honest – I bloody love him. 

A lot has happened to Rhod in the six years since he last toured.  Apparently, almost all of it is s**t. And just when he thought he’d hit rock bottom, he met a bloke…called John. This show sees Rhod as funny as ever, but like never before.  

Book tickets

Exhibition: Jeff Koons | Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

Until 9th June | From 10:00am

Jeff Koons has been called the world’s most famous, controversial and subversive living artist, and now he’s coming to the world’s oldest public museum.

Curated with Koons himself, the show features 17 major works, from the 1980s to today, 14 of which have never been to the UK before.

They include some of his most well-known series such as Equilibrium, Banality, Antiquity and his recent Gazing Ball paintings and sculptures. It’s worth booking tickets in advance – this is one popular exhibition.

Book Tickets

Event: Meditate For Your Dog and Animals | Bournemouth & Poole

Sun 7th April | 2pm – 4pm

Run by an dog behaviourist and animal reiki healer, Nicky, this special group holds various sessions and training courses to help you and your pet become more chilled out.

This coming Sunday, Nicky is running a training session called ‘Is it me or is it my dog?’ – perfect for animal lovers and pet owners who want a deeper understand of their pets and transformation in their own lives.

It’s the first of 6 sessions exploring the human-dog relationship looking at the way dogs mirror their humans and what they show you about yourself. Pay as you go (£15) or book all 6 sessions (£78). 

Book tickets

Music: Art Garfunkel | Brighton Dome, Brighton

Sun 7th April | 7:00pm

The American singer, actor and poet is best known as half of the 60s folk duo Simon and Garfunkel.
Having parted ways in 1970, Garfunkel embarked on a successful solo career securing two British number ones. 

While Garfunkel hasn’t released a solo album since 2007’s ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, the singer-songwriter legend will be returning to the UK starting this month to play songs from throughout his celebrated career.

If you miss him in Brighton, he’ll be also stopping at Oxford, Cambridge, Southend, Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, York and Gateshead.

Book tickets

Comedy: Swindon Fringe Festival | Various Venues 

Friday 5th April – 14th April | Various times

A packed programme of performances, plays, songs and stories kick off in Swindon this weekend for 10 days, across 8 venues, to satisfy whatever your comedy tastebuds want. 

First up, on the 7th, is a fast-paced and humorous offering from award-winning Quirky Bird Theatre, ‘Heartbreak Beautiful’ – a tongue-in-cheek look at youth culture.

Next, character comedy takes centre stage with ‘Harvery Greenfield is Running Late’, performed by 2018 winner Best Comedy Performance, Paul Richard. 

Expect more laughs as the week unfolds with performances by the very best local talent.  

Discover more