You be the judge

Salvatore's in Lawrence will host "American Idol" nights Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to close. Relax while watching the show in a lounge atmosphere with a new "idolized" bar menu featuring The Paula Abdultini, the Simon Cowellpolitan and the Randy Jack 'n' Coke. Salvatore's Italian Restaurant is located at 354 Merrimack St., Lawrence. Call 978-291-0220.

Sad Cafe unplugged

The Sad Cafe hosts an all acoustic show Thursday with the return of Kris Roe of The Ataris playing from the band's album, "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits." Also performing will be Sad Cafe favorites Chad Perrone from Haverhill, and Lannen Fall and Matt Lindstrom from Boston. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. A sold-out crowd is expected, so line up early. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thesadcafe.

Best-selling author-surgeon speaks in Andover

Surgeon and author Pauline Chen will be at the Andover Bookstore to talk about "Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality" on Thursday at 7 p.m. There is not charge for the event at the 89R Main St. store. Call 978-475-0143 or visit www.andoverbookstore.com.

Fun during vacation

The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary offers four days of vacation fun for children in grades kindergarten through five. Themes are: Maple Sugaring, Tuesday; Winter Homes, Wednesday; Carnivores Dining Out, Thursday; and Frosty Feathers, Friday. Cost for the programs that run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is $54 per day or $174 for all four days (discount for Mass. Audubon members). Advance registration required. The sanctuary is at 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Call 978-887-9264.