Get set for a thrilling season of great literary events.

For the first time ever, this year’s lineup will consist of an all-female panel as a platform to respond to the #MeToo movement. 

The festival will kick off with the launch of Book Towns by Alex Johnson, in which Bowral is a featured town.

It will conclude with a talk from Virginia Lloyd about her novel, Girls at the Piano, which explores the changing relationship between women and the piano.

Other talks will be hosted by Alexandra Springett, Michelle Scott Tucker, Tania Blanchard and Robyn Cadwallader.

Program and tickets: www.shwf.com.au

2 – NSW Siberian Express AFSS Black Hawk Sprint. July 20 to July 22 from 7am. Wingello State Forest, Gap Road, Wingello.

A family-fun event filled with plenty of action to see. Spectators are welcome and it is asked that dogs be kept on a leash. Riders will compete in bikejoring competitions where a push bike is used instead of a scooter. 

Call 0427 586 549 or visit www.siberianexpress.org for further information.

3 – Christmas in July lunch and dinner. Saturday, July 21. Peppers Craigeburn, Centennial Road, Bowral.

Tantalise your taste buds with a festive three-course menu that will include roasted spatchcock’s, beef fillets, eggnog and plum pudding. 

Call 4862 8013 to book.

4 – Midwinter Christmas. Sunday, July 22. The Loch. 581 Greenhills Road, Berrima.

Gather your friends and family and indulge in a festive three-course paddock-to-plate menu created by chef Brigid Kennedy. 

The feast will support Highlands’ producers.

Call 0422 482 435 to book.

5 – To market, to market.

- Mittagong Markets at Uniting Church Grounds, corner of Alice and Albert Streets from 8am to 2pm, on Saturday.

- Berrima Schoolyard Markets, Berrima Public School, Oxley Street, from 9am to 2pm on Sunday.