Bendigo Art Gallery will launch its latest exhibition Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits with pomp and circumstance. A pop-up cafe in a tram bespoked with the colours of the Union Jack has arrived in the Piazza of Rosalind Park (scones and tea, anybody) and on Saturday VIP guests for the exhibition's launch will arrive in Bendigo on a royal train not used in the state for 36 years (get down to the station for a look at 12.30pm).

The Castlemaine Fringe Festival starts on Friday with two weeks of music, theatre, markets, and street art. It will overlap the Castlemaine State Festival, which runs from March 22-31 with a programme of more than 70 performances and events.

In autumn the festival calendar really kicks off, and this weekend you can also check out Eaglehawk's Dahlia and Arts Festival and the cultural Zinda Festival.

It all means there's plenty to keep you busy. Have fun.