What's on: 9 things to look forward to in the Southern Highlands this week

There will be Italian nibbles, live music and festive drinks at this Christmas party. People will have the chance to try Merrigangs gins and vodkas and taste DiVino's wines. Enjoy it all on Thursday, November 23 from 5pm to 8pm at Merrigangs. It is $20 per person, which includes nibbles and drink tastings. Book a spot through Eventbrite. Email hello@divino.com.au for more information.

The first folk festival in Bundanoon will host more than 60 live music, song and spoken word performances, along with creative and instrumental workshops and singing. The line-up of artists includes greats such as the Stiff Gins, We Mavericks, and more. Most of the acts will perform twice to give everyone the chance to see them. Discover it all in Bundanoon from Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26. Ticket prices vary and can be bought through bundanoonfolkfestival.com.au.

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Wander through the picturesque gardens while you explore a market full of products made in the Highlands. Enjoy it all at Peppers Manor House on Saturday, November 25 from 9am to 1pm.

The Bong Bong Races are making a big comeback after a three year hiatus. There will be fashions on the field, live music, tasty treats, and people can bring their own picnics, but no alcohol. It will take place from 10am on Friday, November 24. All the marquees and boot picnic spaces are sold out but race day passes for members and their invited guests are still available. People can become members by contacting the club by emailing racing@bongbongprc.com.au or visiting bongbongprc.com.au. Passes will not be available for purchase on the day and can be picked up until November 23.

Kids up to the age of 14 can get groovy with their friends. Children can have fun on Saturday, November 25 at Mittagong RSL from 4pm to 6pm. Entry: $5 dollars per child, with funds going back to kids in the community. Call 0412 321 555 for more information. It is a cash only and no-alcohol event.

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Find crafts, stalls, tasty treats, and more at Berrima Public School on Sunday, November 26 from 9am to 2pm.

This documentary focuses on a program that is designed to ease traumatised ex-racehorses and military veterans back into everyday life. Shot in the Kangaroo Valley, former NSW Police senior constable and professional horseman Scott Brodie aims to bring them together to heal. Watch it at empire cinema on Sunday, November 26 at 4.30pm with a Q and A session. Tickets are $25 through good.film/thehealing.

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Explore 20 gardens on 2.5 hectares of land, full of unique plants, lakes and flowers. The Red Cow Farm in Sutton Forest is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Adults can enter for $15, seniors for $10 and $5 for children aged four to 14, via cash or card. There are no public toilets on site, and no picnics and animals are allowed. There is parking in the adjacent laneway.

The White Cottage Gallery has been restyled in tribute to the late James Fairfax, and there will be sculptures and other artworks to admire. Artists of the Round Yard is made up of painters, sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists, multimedia and installation artists. See it every Thursday to Sunday at Retford Park. The exhibition is free but fees apply to enter Retford Park, with tickets available to buy through Eventbrite.

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