Award-winning children's author and illustrator Freya Blackwood will discuss her her new book, The Boy and the Elephant, about the world we live in and our ability to change it. It will be followed by a free activity for children. Open to all ages. Saturday, January 22. 10.30am. Bathurst library. Bookings are essential on 6333 6281.

Come and hear some live performances at The Victoria Hotel, including: Andy Baylor, Sunday January 23 from 2pm; Matt Boylan Smith, Saturday, January 29 at 5pm and 10pm; Ash Grunwald, Sunday January 30, from 2pm; and Imogen Clarke (Classic Album Night - Blue, by Joni Mitchell), Friday February 4, from 5pm.

Bathurst Thoroughbred Race Track will host a fun day out with real "horse power". Friday, January 28. Gates open at noon. Bathurst Harness Racing Club has been racing extensively during January and will round out the month with its iconic Oberon Night. Friday, January 28. From 6pm.

After an absence of more than 20 years, Dale Burridge returns to the stage with a funny, moving, heartfelt exploration of the highs and lows of a life spent on - and off - the boards. A personal and intimate piece that is a tale of survival and an exploration of the many twists and turns of a life spent in "the biz" from one of Australia's true leading men. Friday, January 28. 8pm. BMEC. $32 to $56.

The Sydney Symphony is in town for one special night, performing Tchaikovsky. The evening will carry listeners down Vienna's cobbled streets as the orchestra brings to life music from the city's past, before launching into the composers famous Fifth Symphony. Friday, February 4. BMEC. $30 to $60.

Archie Roach is one of Australia's finest singer songwriters. Tell Me Why is the title of his award winning memoir and companion album, as well as this tour. It is an intimate, moving and often confronting account of his resilience and strength of spirit, and also of a great love story. It's an extraordinary odyssey of love and heartbreak, family and community, survival and renewal - and the healing power of music. Tuesday, February 8. 7.30pm. BMEC. $65.

Local business owners can gather, network and get inspired at next year's BizMonth business lunch, while at the same time having a laugh courtesy of comedian Shane Jacobson, who will be guest speaker. February 10. $75. Tickets from www.bathurstbusinesshub.com.au.

After being cancelled last year due to COVID, the Bathurst Street and Custom Motorcycle Show is back for 2022. See some of the best bike from across the region on show (but don't touch!). To display your bike, just turn up on the day and pay the $10 entry fee. Saturday, February 12. 10am to 2pm. Russell Street, along Kings Parade, Bathurst. Visit www.bathurstbikeshow.com.

Two exhibitions that highlight the artistry in drawing. Brett Whitely: Drawing is Everything explores the central place drawing played in the renowned artists practice. Anastasia Parmson: I Drew A Line & Called It Home creates site-specific installations that extends drawing beyond a conventional 2D format. The galleries ceramic gallery has been transformed into a fictional (drawn) living room. Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. Until February 6.

Described as "a hell of a play in a holy place", The Silver Tunnel confronts the difficult topic of suicide by celebrating life, with lots of laughs along the way. The play will act as a promotion for The Rev Bill Crews Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that supports poor, homeless and disadvantaged people across the country. April 8, 8pm. April 9, 4pm and 8pm. Bathurst Uniting Church. Free. Visit www.thesilvertunnel.org.

The 2022 Elvis Festival in Parkes has been launched. Moved from its usual January time due to COVID, the festival returns April 20 to 24 and is jam-packed with a king-sized program of more than 200 events in a rock 'n' roll and Speedway theme (after the 1968 film of the same name), including free entertainment on the stage at Cooke Park. For information visit parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

Ok, it may not be held until October 29, but general admission tickets are now on sale for the anticipated Wildflowers Festival in Mudgee. The festival will feature a who's who of Australian female musical talent. One stop on a wider tour kicking off in March, the Mudgee event at Craigmoor Wines features Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers, Kate Miller-Heidke, Sarah Blasko, Deborah Conway, Alice Skye and Georgia June. Tickets to Wildflowers are on sale at wildflowerfestivalaustralia.com.au.