Live music, the Potato Festival, movies and more: your go-to list of what's happening in the Southern Highlands this week

You can watch two new films and a play at the cinemas this week. See the much-anticipated Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG) and The Good Boss (M) from Thursday, April 28 at the Empire Cinema. General movie tickets are $13 each for adults and concession holders, and $48 for two adults and two children. They can be purchased on the cinema's website or in-person. You can also watch the screening of the fantastical play The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage (CTC), performed by the National Theatre Live on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 at 1pm. Tickets are $25 per person and $20 for concessions.

Grab some seasonal produce harvested by local growers this week. Attendees have the opportunity to meet the growers at the market. Those interested can call Elissa Thomson on 0450 276 320 for more information. Go to the corners of Railway Street and Spring Street in Moss Vale on Thursday, April 28 from 3pm to 5.30pm to check it all out.

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See a collection of artworks that put potatoes and the village of Robertson proudly on display. Paintings and drawings throughout the exhibition have been awarded different prizes like highly commended and People's Choice. You can see the pieces from Thursday, April 28, to Sunday, May 1 at CTC Robertson. It is a free exhibition. The centre is open from 10am to 4pm from every Thursday to Friday, 9am to 1pm every Saturday and 10am to 4pm on May 1.

Fifteen talented printmakers tutored by Tony Deigan will feature their masterpieces in a unique exhibition. The biannual exhibition showcases the work of beginner and experienced artists who use block printing and etching techniques in their works. Colourful handmade glass beads and jewellery will also be on display by Judy Dyson. The exhibition runs from Thursday, April 28 to Tuesday, May 3 at the Bowral Art Gallery with the official opening on Saturday, April 30. The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm daily.

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Potatoes will be the talk of the region at this festival next month. You can buy local potatoes, strut on a catwalk in a potato sack and even enter a mash eating competition. There will also be live music, a talent competition and more. You can go to the Robertson Showground on Saturday, April 30 from 9am to 7pm and 9am to 5pm on Sunday, May 1 for this unique event. A free shuttle bus to and from the festival will run from Bowral, Moss Bale and Burrawang. More information about departure times and locations can be found on the festival site. There is limited parking on site on both days. There is currently an early bird ticket sale. General admission tickets for adults are $20 for one day and $35 for a weekend pass. Family passes for two adults and two children are $50 for one day and $80 for a weekend pass. Tickets can be purchased on potatofestival.com.au.

Ease into the weekend with some music from three former musicians from Sydney. Phil and the band will perform blues on Saturday, April 30 at the Robertson Bowling Club from 6pm. The event is free for members and guests.

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Come and explore the gardens, or have a picnic at this historical mansion in Berrima. Attendees are advised to secure a ticket for a timed entry in advance. The property is open on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1. National Trust house and individual members can enter for free. A booking for two adults and two children is $26.99, adults can enter for $11.39 each and it is $9.31 for children over five. Children under five can enter for free. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.

The Highlands Theatre Group will bring Melanie Tait's successful play The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race to life. It depicts the annual potato race at the Robertson Show. It will make its debut in the Highlands during the Potato Festival. You can laugh out loud at this play from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1 at the Robertson School of Arts. There will be matinee and evening performances. Tickets can be purchased through TryBooking or over the phone or in-person at the Destination Southern Highlands centre (DSH). Tickets for adults are $35 each and $38 if they book via DSH. Concession holders (children under 16, pensioners and students) can purchase tickets for $30 each or $33 through DSH. Groups with 10 or more people can watch for $30 per person, or for $33 each through DSH.

Andrew brings themes from his childhood, and unique urban and Australian landscapes to this exhibition. You can see the collection of artworks at the Milk Factory Gallery until Sunday, May 1. The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm from Thursday to Monday.

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