AFTER all those bank holidays, a two day weekend might seem abnormally short, especially when there is no much to cram in. Saturday in particular is jam packed but you can't be in two places at once, so choose wisely. 
The Isle of Wight's first university, Monkey University, will be open today with special talks from 11.30am. Monkey Haven, an award winning day out, will be demonstrating just how smart Macaques are and you can watch the wiley primate play Snap and even use a computer. Monkey Haven opens at 10am and there will be a quiz, raffle, activities and talks throughout the day. 
Sandown Hullabaloo takes place in Yaverland today (Saturday) from 10am until 10pm with a soapbox challenge, kite festival, and live music. 
On the Air Productions, a newly formed production group, will be performing their first ever play at Gurnard Pines Ballroom this evening at 7.30pm. In a an unusual twist, the production is presented as a radio play, complete with a full sound effects board.  
It was 75 years ago that Polish battleship Blyskawica defended the Isle of Wight from a Nazi bombing raid during the Second World War. There are celebrations and commemorations along with photo exhibitions running all weekend. 
There is a Blyskawica photographic exhibition in Cowes today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) from 10am until 4pm at Regatta House.
Moving over to East Cowes, a Blitz exhibition is running all weekend and beyond, open from 10am until 4pm at the Heritage Centre. 
In the town hall today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) from 10am until 4pm is an exhibition of paintings from youth groups and schools. 
At 10.30am there will be a walk from the Heritage Centre followed by a remembrance service at Kingston Cemetery. 
Wrapping up the day of commemoration is a 1940s dance at East Cowes town hall from 7pm until 11pm. 
Finally, tomorrow (Sunday) is the Cowes Parade Assembly from 1.30pm with speeches, a Polish Naval Band, and Cowes Royal British Legion Band. 
Tonight (Saturday) is perfect for those with an insatiable thirst for tearing up the dance floor, thanks to four foot-stomping evenings to choose from. 
Kashmir Fringe is returning to the Quay Arts once again this year, serving up a selection of real ales and Island musical talent from 6.30pm. 
If you're itching for some electro-funk, 1st Floor in Newport can provide with their new event, Thwomp! from 7pm. As their first ever event of this kind, it promises to be be unmissable. 
Of course, if you'd prefer some regular funk, head over to the Wight Rock Bar in Ryde from 8pm for the Greatest '80s Soul Weekender. 
Last but not least, garage duo Artful Dodger are at the Ventnor Winter Gardens from 8pm. Their musical credentials list them as having worked with Busta Rhymes, Calvin Harris, Wretch 32, N Dubz, Pro Green, and Taio Cruz. 
Tomorrow (Sunday) is a quieter affair on the Isle of Wight and it will be your last chance to catch some of the Blyskawica exhibitions.  
Pop into St Catherine's Church, Ventnor, for the first Sunday Tea Concert, featuring Sally Halsey and Joshua Lynch. Enjoy a programme of cello and piano sonatas plus a tea and cake interval. 
Finally, Quay Arts manager Paul Armfield will be interviewing Jon Woolcott from the Little Toller Press tomorrow (Sunday) at 7.30pm. They will discuss Jon's work reviving forgotten and classic books about the nature of rural life in the British Isles.