When: Saturday, 6.30pm for 7pm start.

Where: Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek.

Details: Come one, come all for a dinner and theatre show of unrivalled hilarity as Queen Beatrix of Molvania (actress Genevieve Morris) and King Arlen of Kryal (TV star Geoff Paine) compete to see who shall be Monarch of the Castle. There will be toasts, boasts, duels, jewels, crowns and Crownies and much interplay between liege, lords and ladies during the evening of medieval merriment. Doors open at 6.30pm with the three-course royal feast starting at 7pm. Adults cost $79. For more details and bookings, phone 5334 8555.

Clunes Booktown festival

When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am-5pm.

Where: Town centre of Clunes in various locations.

Details: What better way to celebrate books than to browse more than 50 book shops and stalls that transform the township of Clunes over the festival weekend. The concentration of books - new, second-hand, collectable and out-of-print across all genres - surpasses any capital city in Australia. Also children's activities, talks and presentations & book signings. $5 weekend badge gains entry to all the program, buildings and sites. For more details, go to www.clunesbooktownfestival.com.au

Autism Awareness Expo

When: Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Where: Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.

Details: There will be information stalls from local service providers and disability agencies, Amaze Victoria, book sellers, sensory resources, cartoon workshop, lego activities, behaviour therapy consults, local artists exhibit, musicians, autism merchandise, visual supports and much more. There will also be speaker presentations throughout the day on a range of autism related topics. Gold coin entry. For more details, go to www.ballaratautism.com

The Doctor Blake Mysteries Costumes

When: Open today through to June 9, 10am & 5pm.

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

Details: Experience a slice of the 1950s Ballarat through the eyes of the highly acclaimed and much loved ABC drama series The Doctor Blake Mysteries. View costumes worn by the leading characters, accessories and historical images. Wheelchair access available. For more details, phone 1800 287 113 or go to www.made.org

BAD Ride

When: Tomorrow, 9am.

Where: Starts at Pleasant Street Primary School, Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree.

Details: The annual Ballarat Autumn Day Ride includes a 50km and 100m ride and a 25km ride starting regionally. Adults cost $30, children $20, families $50. For more details, phone 0487 284 736 or visit www.badride.com.au

Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally

When: Today & tomorrow, 10am-4pm.

Where: Lake Goldsmith, Carngham-Lake Goldsmith Road, Lake Goldsmith.

Details: Come and see the large collection of restored steam engines, traction engines, steam rollers, internal combustion engines, farm tractors and a restored farm cottage displaying old wares at the 103rd rally. Adults cost $15, children (5-16) $5, under 5 free. For more details, phone 0407 539 041 or go to www.lakegoldsmithsteamrally.org.au

Free Comic Book Day

When: Saturday, May 3, 10am-4pm.

Where: Heroes HQ store, 1 Shepperd Street, Ballarat.Details: This is the third year the Free Comic Book Day has been held in Ballarat and the event keeps getting bigger and bigger. This year there will have local and Melbourne-based writers and artists in attendance including Ballarat comic book artist, Jake Bartok, who has even drawn a special 'one-off' print that will only be available for purchase on the day. On Free Comic Book Day, over 4.6 million comic books will be given away by participating stores, introducing as many people as possible to the wonders of comic books. For more details about the Ballarat event, call 5334 4764 or go to heroeshq@bigpond.com

Loop City - Two poets. One violinist. One composer.

When: Saturday, 7pm.

Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.

Details: 'Loop City' is a collaboration between well-known Melbourne poets Amanda Anastasi and Steve Smart, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) violinist extraordinaire Sarah Curro, and NZ contemporary classical composer Yvette Audain. Tickets are $25 full/$15 concession. For more details, phone 5320 5858 or go to artgal@ballarat.vic.gov.au