When:  Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm.

Where: St Patrick’s College,  1431 Sturt Street, Ballarat.

Details: Eighty-six outstanding works on show including the work of Marcus Wills, a former winner of Australia’s most acclaimed art award, the Archibald Prize in 2006. Also view the works of the winner of the 2014 Flanagan Art Prize, Federation University Emerging Artist Prize and the Best Affordable Artwork (under $500). The exhibition will also be open to the public again next weekend. For more details, phone 5331 1688.

Mushroom exhibition

When:  Today, through to August  31, open Thursday-Sunday, 12 – 4pm.

Where:  Backspace Gallery, Huyghue House, 15 Camp Street at Alfred Deakin Place and Police Lane.

Details: Featuring  four local artists Tonya Blizzard, Maggie Dannat, Jane Kelly and Anna Placidi, who are inspired by the fertile ground of their lives and their surroundings in this exhibition. For more details, email Deborah Klein  at deborahklein@ballarat.vic.gov.au

Royal South Street Herald Sun Aria

When: Saturday, 7pm.

Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 17 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat.

Details: The world renowned Herald Sun Aria semi final will again take place as part of the Royal South Street Competitions. The winner will receive a $22,000 scholarship for overseas tuition and travel. In 2014 the Herald Sun Aria celebrates 90 years of launching the international careers of many well-known singers, including: Dame Malvina Major (1964) Dame Kiri Te Kanawa 1965), Jonathon Summers (1973), Judith Henley (1976), Roger Lemke (1985), Jason Wasley (1993), and Rachelle Durkin (2000). Various costs, refer to website. For more details, visit www.royalsouthstreet.com.au

Festival of Slow Music

When: Saturday, various times, through to Thursday, August 31.

Where: Various locations, refer to website.

Details: Nourish the soul with nine days of acoustic music performance, collaboration, enjoyment and discovery in unusual and intimate venues throughout the city of Ballarat. Various costs, refer to website. For more details, visit www.festivalofslowmusic.com

Melbourne Writers Festival comes to M.A.D.E

When: Saturday, various times.

Where: M.A.D.E, 102 Stawell Street South, Ballarat

Details: Meet and hear Australia’s leading writers, historians and thinkers at M.A.D.E. Rebellion, protest and activism are highlighted during this weekend program. Various costs. For more details, phone 1800 287 113 or visit www.made.org

The Sat’day Arvo Club Swinging 60s

When: Saturday, 1.30-3.15pm.

Where: McCallum Disability Services function room, corner of Learmonth and Leopold streets, Ballarat.

Details: Dance to the classic rock and roll of the 1960s with songs made famous by Dusty Springfield, Herman’s Hermits, Petula Clark, Cliff Richard and the Merseybeat Bands. Played live by Noel and Tracy and The Rascals band. $10 entry (no charge for carers or staff). For more details, phone 5334 1921.

GIG GUIDE

SATURDAY

Irish Murphy's, Ballarat: Urban Myth, 9.45pm

The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine: Mikelangelo with support from Pork Chop Party, $20, doors 8.30pm

The Eastern, Humffray: Pork Chop Party, Mightiest of Guns and The Yard Apes from 8pm

The George Hotel: Live music from Vincent, 9.30pm in The Cider Bar, free. DJs in The Lounge 11.30pm to late, free

Babushka Lounge: Aimee Francis and Steve Saxxon with Rachel Lawrey, 8pm, free

Peter Lalor Hotel, Mair Street: Chasing MOJO in The Stables and karaoke in The Bar, $5 (Lalor VIPs free entry), 8.30pm

Old Hepburn Hotel: Gabe Atkinson 'Under The Covers' $5, 9pm

The Grapes Hotel: Universal Free Bar and Tessa Marshall, free, 9pm

SUNDAY

Irish Murphy's, Ballarat: The Whisky Gypsies

The Western Hotel, Sturt Street: The Beattie Boys, 4pm to 7pm, free.

Battlers Inn, Victoria Street: Highway Eight, 4pm, gold coin donation

The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine: Bellwethers, two sets, free entry, 4pm to 6pm. Stolen Violin, $12 (pre sale) $15 (on the door), doors 8.30pm

Babushka Lounge, Humffray Street North: Aimee Francis and Steve Saxxon with Rachel Lawrey, 8pm, free

Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs: Speed Orange supported by Roostar, $10, 4pm

The Eastern, Humffray Street North: Free live music from 3pm

WEDNESDAY

Peter Lalor Hotel, Mair Street: Wednesday night karaoke, Free entry, 9pm

To have your entertainment event included in the Gig Guide call Alicia Thomas on 5320 1631 or email features@thecourier.com.au before 4pm on Monday.