The Week Ahead: Arts Fest, Healthy Melrose Fair and More

Want to know what's happening this week? Melrose Patch has got your back.

This is only a sample of some of the events happening this week. To find more—and add your own—check out our calendar.

When/Where: Monday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. / , 69 West Emerson St., Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: Join Dara VanRemoortel in her popular monthly bedtime program for toddlers and their parents. Best for children ages 2 and older. Each program begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. Children are invited to attend in their PJ's. No registration required. Call the Childrens Room at 781-665-2314 for more information.

Price: Free.

When/Where: Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. / , 69 West Emerson St., Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: Gary Braver is the award-winning and bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed psychological thrillers. His novels have been celebrated for their high-concepts, careful craftsmanship, well-rounded characters, and page-turning momentum. Some of his titles have a medical slant including Elixir, Gray Matter, and Flashback, which is the only thriller to have won a Massachusetts Book Award for Fiction. His newest novel, Tunnel Vision, centers on near-death experiences.

Maine Native and recovering attorney Kate Flora is the author of twelve books, including seven Thea Kozak mysteries, the latest of which is Stalking Death, a stand-alone suspense novel, and three in her Portland, Maine based Joe Burgess police procedural series, the latest of which is  Redemption. Research for her police procedural series led to her non-fiction collaboration, Finding Amy: A True Story of Murder in Maine, which was nominated for an Edgar award in 2007 and was a finalist for the Maine Literary Awards. The story has been filmed several times for television and the book has been optioned for a movie. Her current projects include Death Dealer, a true crime involving a Canadian serial killer, a screenplay, and a novel in linked stores.

Price: Free.

When/Where: Thursday, April 26, 7 p.m. and Friday, April 27 at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. / , 350 Lynn Fells Pkwy, Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: The Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School Drama Club competes in the Massachusetts Middle School Drama Fest on Saturday, April 28 at 11 a.m. at the Blanchard Middle School in Westford. The Drama Club will perform an original adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women," which MVMMS drama advisor Brent Bueno wrote specifically for the competition. The play is directed by Allison Colby and technically directed by David McCall.

Price: General admission $5.

When/Where: Friday, April 27, 7 p.m. (Opening Party), Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29, 11-6 a.m. / , 590 Main St, Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: for the annual Arts Festival features jazz by the Bruce Gertz Trio, cash bar and complimentary snacks. Local watercolor artist Tom Sutherland will give a live art performance. The three day festival is a juried show featuring original fine art and fine craft by 44 artist exhibitors from Melrose and surrounding areas. Each artist has a separate booth filled with a variety of their work for exhibition and for sale. All proceeds help fund the efforts of Melrose Arts.

Price: $10 admission to Friday night opening party, free on Saturday and Sunday.

When/Where: Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. / Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School, 350 Lynn Fells Pkwy, Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: The annual fair will feature pop stars, the largest Spinning® event that Massachusetts has ever seen, at noon, smoothies and snacks, free give aways, Kidz Fun with Theresa and experts in the fitness, nutrition and wellness industry to answer all your questions.

Price: Free.