Entertainment Calendar

Below is what’s happening locally, in the region and in Chicago.

ART

Kane County

AURORA UNIVERSITY, Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, 630-844-5402 or www.aurora.edu. Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, closed Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday (September through May). Schedule: through Feb. 28, Movement and Metaphor art show in the Donwstairs Gallery; through Feb. 28, In Search of the Black Rhombus by St. Charles native Karen Lange at Aurora University’s Phillips Library, 315 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora; through April 25, Weapons of Mass Media art display featuring paintings by Bunky Echo-Hawk in Dunham Hall.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 630-896-6666 or www.theparamounttheatre.com. Schedule: through Feb. 29, featuring the work of Jimi Allen Photography and students from North Central College.

McHenry County

CAFFÉ LUNA, 6230 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, 815- 444-0444. Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: through March, works by Mary Hilger Rajsky and Brian Sullivan now on display.

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE ART GALLERIES, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake, 815-455-8785. Schedule: through Feb. 22, Fashion Illustration by Sara Werrbach, in Building A display cases; through Feb. 27, Mixed Media Installation by Melissa Pahlke, in Artspace144; through Feb. 28, Painting/Mixed Media by Sharon Kahn Cutts, in Gallery One & Gallery Two; through Feb. 28, MCC Permanent Art Collection Selected Photographic Works, in Epping Gallery.

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE SHAH CENTER, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry, 815-455-8593. Schedule: through April 11, exhibit of abstract art by renowned Costa Rican artist Gerado Valerio Trigueros.

McHENRY SAVINGS BANK, on Route 31, just north of Bull Valley Road, McHenry. Schedule: through March 4, featuring a display of artwork by Cindy Yunker of Gateway to Design. Information: 815-530-4700 or e-mail: cyunker@comcast.net.

NORTHLAND AREA ART LEAGUE, meetings at 7 to 9 p.m. second Tuesdays, September through April, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. New members welcome. Information: President, Joe Bjork, 815-337-2027.

OLD COURT HOUSE ARTS CENTER, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock, 815-338-4525 or www.oldcourthouseartscenter.com. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Featuring a variety of artwork in permanent and traveling exhibits. Schedule: through Feb. 24, S!XX: Collection 2008 collaborative exhibition of paintings by Erin Denk, Laura Brown, Mary Mariutto, Mary Anne Phelan and Sharon Settles.

VALLEY ART CLUB, Dole Mansion (Gullick Studio, lower level), 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Featuring life drawing workshops 7 to 10 p.m. second & fourth Tuesdays January through May 27. Nightly fee required. Membership available. Information: 847-426-8532.

Regional

BARRINGTON/NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATES OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 847-358-3011. Schedule: 11:30 a.m. Feb. 14, lunch and 1 p.m. lecture at Medinah Country Club, 6N001 Medinah Road. Cost: $50. Lecture by Lillian Carrara on “Aesthetic and Artistic Dress in Britain and the U.S.” Members only event. Reservations and information: Lenore Elsener, 847-255-9492 or 847-508-9510.

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY, O’Connor Art Gallery, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Schedule: through Feb. 29, Drawn by Wesley Willis exhibition. Information: 708-524-6597.

NEHRING CENTER GALLERY, 111 S. Second St., Suite 204, DeKalb, 815-758-6363 or www.nehringgallery.org. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment. Schedule: through Feb. 22, Predictions & Premonitions: Stage II exhibition of the work by Northern Illinois University printmakers, with a 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 opening reception.

NIU ART MUSEUM, 116 Altgeld Hall, Northern Illinois University, College & Castle drives, DeKalb, 815-753-1936 or www.vpa.niu.edu/museum. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment for group tours. Schedule: through March 7, Ayomi Yoshida Installation; through March 7, Ukiyo-e Prints from the Richard F. Grott Family Collection, Revisiting Modern Japanese Prints: Selected Works from the Richard F. Grott Family Collection, and Japanese Pottery from the Richard F. Grott Family Collection.

Chicago

2ND FRIDAYS GALLERY NIGHT, Chicago Arts District Galleries surrounding 18th & South Halsted Streets, Chicago. Monthly opening receptions at the galleries and artists' studios centered around South Halsted and 18th streets hosted by The Chicago Arts District. The receptions begin at 6:00 p.m. and run until 10:00 p.m. Information: 312-377-4444 or www.chicagoartsdistrict.org.

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600 or visit www.artic.edu. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Target Free Thursdays 5 to 8 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission: $12 adults; $7 for students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee. Schedule: Feb. 16 through May 10, Edward Hopper; Watercolors by Winslow Homer: The Color of Light; The Construction Series: 2x4.

ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM, Illinois Artisans Shop, James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St., Suite 1-100, Chicago, 312-814-5321 or www.museum.state.il.us. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call for artists to submit an application, 6-10 slides (preferably digital), artist statement, one-page resume, self-addressed stamped envelope and $20 application fee made out to IAP. Submission deadline is March 28.

IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, 773-282-7035 or www.irishamhc.com. Gallery hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, by appointment only during the week. Schedule: through Feb. 17, Impressions of Ireland: 4 Artists Paint Ireland exhibit.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660 or www.mcachicago.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s day. Target free Tuesdays. Admission: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members. Schedule: through March 2, Mapping the Self; through April, Alexander Calder in Focus; through May 4, Gordon Matta-Clark: “You Are the Measure;” through June 8, Collection Highlights; through June 30, Takashi Murakami: Jellyfish Eyes.

SMART MUSEUM OF ART, at the University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago, 773-702-0200 or www.smartmuseum.uchicago.edu. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. Free admission. Schedule: through March 23, Looking and Listening in Nineteenth-Century France; through May 4, Adaptation: Video Installations by Ben-Ner, Herrera, Sullivan and Sussman & The Rufus Corporation.

AUDITIONS

Kane County

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 9, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Auditions for “Spring’s Awakening” by Frank Wedekind. Actors will read selected scenes from the play during 30-minute audition appointments. Actors should read the play in advance. Copies of the script are on reserve at ECC library. Callbacks 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 11. Rehearsals begin Feb. 25. Performance dates are April 18 through May 4. Appointments and information: 847-214-7188.

MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP, Mondays through March 3, American Legion, 8 N. 2nd Ave., St. Charles. Six-week workshop for singing skills, basic dance movements and staging a scene from a musical. Schedule: 4 to 5:30 p.m. for ages 8-10; 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. for ages 11-14. Sponsor: Steel Beam Theatre. Cost: $120. Registration and information: 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

STEEL BEAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE, 3 to 5 p.m. March 1, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Auditions for “Robin Hood,” a musical. Looking for a cast of 22 boys and girls ages 9 to 16 to audition. No preparation or appointment needed. Auditions consist of singing, dancing and possibly reading from the script. If cast, tuition cost is $195. Performance dates: April 12 through May 24. Information: 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

McHenry County

AUDITION WORKSHOP, 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 9, State Bank of the Lakes, downstairs community room, 2730 W. Route 120, McHenry. Riverview Theatre Company and RiverKids Children’s Theatre training workshop to help young artists develop vocal, acting and dance/movement talents necessary when auditioning for a musical theatre production. Cost: $20. Registration and information: 815-354-7796 or www.rivverviewtheatre.org.

Regional

PM&L THEATRE, 7 p.m. Feb. 10-11, 877 Main St., Antioch. Auditions for “Proof,” a drama that examines the fine line between genius and madness. Need cast of four people (two men and two women). One man is in his 50s, the father of the two women, the rest of the cast is in their 20s. Prepare two, one-minute monologues, one comedic, one serious (not mandatory). There will be cold readings from the script. Performance dates April 4-20. Information: 847-395-3433 or www.pmltheatre.com.

SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA, Feb. 16, 542 N. Route 21, Gurnee. Seeking singers, dancers, improvisational actors, animated character performers and Justice League Actors to perform in shows, parades and more. Schedule: 8 a.m. registration for singer call begins; 10:30 a.m. registration for dancer call begins; 1 p.m. callbacks begin. Open call (no appointment necessary) for singer and dancers ages 16 and older. Prepare two vocal selections of contrasting styles (best 16 bars of each no longer than one minute). Accompanist provided. Appointments necessary for actors and actors who sing ages 16 and older. Also seeking technicians, theater attendant hosts and more. Appointments and information: 847-249-1776, Ext. 4646 or www.sixflags.com/greatamerica.

BOOKS AND MORE

McHenry County

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, 5380 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, 815-444-0824 or 815-444-0833. Schedule: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Storytime and crafts for preschool children; 7 p.m. Fridays, Open mic night, featuring singing, reading, playing musical instruments and more.

BOOKS ARE FUN BOOK FAIR, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 & 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 13, Centegra Memorial Hospital lower level, 3701 Doty Road, Woodstock. Sponsor: Centegra Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary. Information: 815-404-7979.

BOOKS ARE FUN BOOK FAIR, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16, Little Wonders Learning Center, 7407 Hancock Drive, Wonder Lake. Information: 815-728-8400.

BORDERS BOOKS, MUSIC & CAFÉ, 6000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, 815-455-0302. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Storytime for preschool children.

BORDERS BOOKS, MUSIC & CAFÉ, 2221 N. Richmond Road, McHenry, 815-578-9330. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Storytime for children; 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, McHenry Area Chess, 815-578-9330; Bob, 815-459-4856 or www.McHenryAreaChess.org.

CRYSTAL LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 126 Paddock St., 815-459-1687. Schedule: 9:30 a.m. third Wednesdays, Bookies; 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Book Chat.

FOX RIVER GROVE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 407 Lincoln Ave., 847-639-2274 or www.frvml.lib.il.us. Schedule: Feb. 12, Story Time for children to age 5; 7 to 8:15 p.m. Feb. 18, Drop-in Knitting Circle; 7 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, President Lincoln at the Library (Max Daniels will portray President Lincoln, for families with children in grades 3-5, registration required).

JOHNSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road, 815-344-0077 or www.johnsburglibrary.org. Schedule: 2 p.m. Feb. 10, first meeting of the new Sunday afternoon adult book club on “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby. Club will continue to meet 2 p.m. second Sundays.

MARENGO PUBLIC LIBRARY, 200 S. State St., 815-568-8236. Schedule: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Toddler Time (for ages 24-36 months); 4 to 4:45 p.m. Fridays, Animanga Club (ages 12 and older); through March 31, Adult Winter Reading Program.

McHENRY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 809 N. Front St., 815-385-0036 or www.mchenrylibrary.org. Schedule: 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 9, Girls Read on “Notes from a Liar and Her Dog” by Gennifer Choldenko; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 9 & noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 10, Friends of the Library Bargain Book Bonanza; 7 p.m. Feb. 11, Fiction Book Discussion Group for Adults on “Black Point” by Jerome T. Burke; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12, “Kit’s Wilderness” by David Almond.

READ BETWEEN THE LYNES, 129 Van Buren St., Woodstock, 815-206-5967 or www.readbetweenthelynes.com. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday & Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Story time 10 a.m. Wednesday & Saturday. Schedule: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 9, book signing by Colin Sweeney on “The Sober Enterprise;” 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Dawn Desjardins, author of “Leopold’s Long Awaited Leap Year Birthday;” Alice Kimmel, author of “‘Twas the Depression.”

Chicago

NEWBERRY LIBRARY, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago, 312-255-3700 or www.newberry.org. Schedule: 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Picturing Common Ground: Mapmakers and Artists in the Nineteenth-Century American West with Diane Dillon.

COMEDY

Kane County

COMEDYCOMEDY AT WALTER PAYTON’S ROUNDHOUSE COMPLEX, 205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora, 630-906-2277 or www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com. Live stand-up comedy. Showtimes: 8:30 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission: $15 for ages 21 and older. Reservations recommended. No drink minimum.

ZANIES-PHEASANT RUN RESORT, on North Avenue, St. Charles, 630-513-1761 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Friday; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday. All shows require a two-item food/beverage minimum. Schedule: Feb. 9, Alex Ortiz; Feb. 8, Jeffrey Ross; Feb. 13-15, Paul Mercurio.

Regional

BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, in the Loramoors lower level of the main lodge, Highways 50 & 12, Lake Geneva, Wis., 262-249-4788 or www.grandgeneva.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Admission: $10.

BOTTOM SHELF COMEDY, Murphy’s, 1609 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights; and Eddie’s Lounge, 10 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights. Stand-up comedy showcase by Cary native, Dean Carlson. Schedule: last Thursday of the month at Murphy’s and the first Sunday of the month at Eddie’s. Free at both shows. Information: 224-622-9184 or http://www.myspace.com/forcefeedgrandpa. E-mail: urielsplan@hotmail.com.

CHICAGO COMEDY COMPANY, Chicago Comedy Company Theatre, Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 171, Schaumburg, 847-240-0386 or www.chicagocomedyco.com. Improv comedy. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. (family friendly improv) and 9:30 p.m. (adult improv) Fridays and Saturdays ($18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 ages 18 and younger).

LARRY THE CABLE GUY, tickets on sale for the 5 & 8 p.m. March 16 performances, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $43.75 at 312-559-1212, all Ticketmaster outlets or www.ticketmaster.com.

ZANIES-VERNON HILLS, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, 847-549-6030 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursday; 8 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: Feb. 8, Alex Ortiz; Feb. 9, Jeffrey Ross; Feb. 15, Walt Willey.

Chicago

BLUE MAN GROUP, Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-348-4000. Performances: 2 & 5 p.m. Monday; 2, 5 & 8 p.m. Wednesday; 2, 5 & 8 p.m. Thursday; 4, 7 & 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1, 4 & 7 p.m. Sunday. Performance schedule subject to change. Tickets: $49 balcony, $59 main floor. Tickets and information: 312-902-1500 or www.ticketmaster.com.

COMEDYSPORTZ, Studio Playhouse at The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St., Chicago, 312-733-6000 or www.comedysportzchicago.com. Improv comedy for all ages. 8 p.m. Friday; 6, 8 & 10 p.m. Saturday; 8 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $19.

THE SECOND CITY, 1616 N. Wells St., 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Schedule: 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 & 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, Between Barack and a New Show (Chicago Mainstage.) Tickets: $19 Tuesday through Thursday & Sunday, $25 Friday & Saturday.

THE SECOND CITY E.T.C., 1608 N. Wells St., 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Schedule: 8 & 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 7 & 10 p.m. Sunday, 30th revue Pratfall of Civilization. Tickets: $19, $24.

ZANIES-CHICAGO, 1548 N. Wells in Old Town, 312-337-4027 or www.zanies.com. Showtimes: 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday & Sunday; 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. Friday; 7, 9, & 11:15 p.m. Saturday. All shows require a two-item food/beverage minimum. Schedule: Feb. 8-10, Mark Lundholm; Feb. 11 & 18, Rising Star Showcase; Feb. 14, Walt Willey; Feb. 15-17, Jimmy Pardo.

FAMILY EVENTS

Kane County

“BIG RIVER: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”: Feb. 22 through March 2, Visual & Performing Arts Center at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Based on Mark Twain’s classic tale of adventure on a raft on the Mississippi River in the 1840s. Elgin Community College Musical Theatre presentation. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22-23, Feb. 29 & March 1; 3 p.m. Feb. 24 & March 2. Tickets: $16 adults, $14 seniors and students at 847-622-0300 or www.elgin.edu/arts.

“DROOD”: through April 12, Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Family-friendly mystery by Rupert Holmes. Presented by Noble Fool Theatricals. John Jasper, the “Jekyll-and-Hyde” choirmaster, is in love with his student, Rosa Bud, who is engaged to Jasper’s nephew, Edwin Drood. When Drood is discovered missing, suspicions surface as to whether Drood has been murdered. The audience will help determine the story ending. Previews: Feb. 8-9. Performance schedule: 8 p.m. Thursdays & Fridays, 5 & 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $27, $38. Dinner show packages: $49, $60. Tickets and information: 630-584-6342; any Ticketmaster location or www.ticketmaster.com.

“IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE & Other Story Books”: 9:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m. & 7 p.m. Feb. 15, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. TheatreworksUSA’s musical revue of stories that represent various issues, themes and ideas relevant to a diverse audience of children. Tickets: $10 evening performance, $8 day performances at 630-896-6666 or www.theparamounttheatre.com.

“THE WIZARD OF OZ”: through Feb. 16, Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. The Royal Marionette Theatre presentation featuring 55 wooden costumed marionettes controlled by a staff of 12 puppeteers. Join Dorothy on her journey to The Emerald City where each character hopes that the Wizard of Oz will grant him his fondest desire. Schedule: 11 a.m. Feb. 9, 13 & 16. Tickets: $12 at 630-896-6666 or www.theparamounttheatre.com.

McHenry County

16 CANDLES CONCERT, 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 29, Heineman Middle School, 725 Academic Drive, Algonquin. Refreshments, ’80s trivia contest, best dressed for the ’80s contest. Refreshments. Sponsor: Heineman Middle School PTO. Tickets: $10 in advance, $13 at the door. Tickets: www.hmspto.net/16CandlesBand.

“THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER”: Feb. 29 through March 8, Prairie Ridge High School, 6000 Dvorak Drive, Crystal Lake. Prairie Ridge High School musical presentation of Mark Twain’s classic story. Schedule: 7 p.m. Feb. 29, March 1, March 6-8; 1 p.m. March 8. Free senior citizens performance and dinner 1:30 p.m. March 5. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 seniors, students and children at 815-479-0404, Ext. 401.COMMUNITY SHOWCASE, 2 p.m. Feb. 10, Performing Arts Center at Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley. Family-friendly event featuring talented members of the Huntley community who will sing, dance and entertain the audience. Fundraiser for scholarships and programs to enhance education in Huntley School District 158. Intermission ice cream social and raffle prizes. Sponsor: Education Foundation for Huntley Area Schools. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 children, free for children younger than 2. Tickets available at all District 158 schools, at the door or call: 847-961-5668.

Regional

“ANNIE”: tickets on sale for the 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 performance, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tony Award-winning musical about Little Orphan Annie. Tickets: $25-$55 at 312-559-1212, any Ticketmaster outlet or www.ticketmaster.com.

“ANNIE JR.”: through Feb. 10, College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Christian Youth Theater (Lake County) musical presentation about a spunky orphan whose journey to find her parents takes her from the home of a billionaire bachelor to the president’s office. Schedule: 9:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m. & 7 p.m. Feb. 8; 2 & 6 p.m. Feb. 9-10. Tickets: $8-$12 in advance, $10-$14 at the door. Tickets and information: 847-516-2298 or www.cytchicago.org.

CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW, Feb. 8-10, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Featuring hundreds of street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, customs, vintage bikes, accessories and more. Schedule: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $13 adults, $6 children ages 6-11, free for children 5 and younger at 847-653-2918 or www.motorcycleshows.com.

“GO, DIEGO, GO LIVE!”: tickets on sale for the Feb. 21-22 performances, Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. National touring production follows Diego, his sister Alicia and cousin Dora on an action-packed, special mission to get Baby Jaguar’s growl back from the Bobos. Schedule: 3 & 7 p.m. Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Tickets: $17, $27, $39 at 1-888-732-7784 or www.searscentre.com.

MILWAUKEE FISHING, BOATING & OUTDOOR EXPO, Feb. 14-17, Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 60th & Ryan Road, Franklin, Wis. Featuring fishing, hunting and fishing boat exhibitors, resorts, outfitters, seminars and activities for pros and beginners, and more. Schedule: 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7 adults, free for children younger than 12. Parking: $3. Information: 715-757-2370 or www.milwfishingboatingexpo.com.

SCHAUMBURG BOAT & SPORTSHOW, Feb. 14-17, Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Featuring a variety of boats, fishing accessories, travel opportunities, seminars and fun for the entire family. Schedule: 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $8 adults, $4 children ages 13-15, free for children 12 and younger. Seniors receive $2 discount Thursday only. Information: 312-946-6242 or www.schaumburgsportshow.com.

SMUCKER’S STARS ON ICE, tickets on sale for the 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 performance, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. “Live and In Color” production featuring Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen and cast of Olympic, world and national figure skating champions. Tickets: $25-$125 at 312-559-1212, all Ticketmaster outlets or www.ticketmaster.com.

Chicago

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW, Feb. 8-17, McCormick Place, 234d Street & Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Show will exhibit domestic and imported cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, concept cars and more. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 8-16, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 17. Admission: $10 adults, $5 seniors and children ages 7-12, free for children 6 and younger. Information: www.chicagoautoshow.com.

WHEEL OF FORTUNE, free tickets available for the March 7, 8 & 9 shows to be taped at Navy Pier, 600 Grand Ave., Chicago. Opportunity for fans to be part of the studio audience hosted by Pat Sajak and Vanna White. Ticket request forms available at any Chicagoland Buick dealer. Tickets and information: www.abc7chicago.com.

FILM

Kane County

COPLEY THEATRE, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Screening of “Inside Iraq: The Untold Stories.” Tickets: $20 at 630-896-6666 or www.theparamounttheatre.com.

Chicago

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO, Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., 8th Floor, Chicago. Schedule: 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 14, Cinema Slapdown featuring screening of “Super Fly” followed by a film debate. Free. Open to the public. Information: 312-344-6708 or www.colum.edu/calendar.

GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER, 164 N. State St., Chicago. Information, movie times and tickets: 312-846-2600, www.siskelfilmcenter.org. Tickets: $9 adults, $7 students with ID, $5 film center members. Schedule: Feb. 8, “Black White & Gray,” “Eye in the Sky,” “Madagascar;” Feb. 9, “The Ballad of Narayama,” “Black White & Gray,” “The Hustler,” “Clandestinos,” “One Song a Day Takes Mischief Away;” Feb. 10, “Why Not?,” “Black White & Gray,” “Eye in the Sky;” Feb. 11, “Life is to Whistle,” “Black White & Gray,” “One Song a Day Takes Mischief Away;” Feb. 12, “Black White & Gray,” “Why Not?;” Feb. 13,” “The Hustler,” “Black White & Gray;” Feb. 14, “Mapping Cuba’s Digital Landscape,” “Black White & gray,” “The Father.”

HENRY CROWN SPACE CENTER OMNIMAX, Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street at Lake Shore Drive, 773-684-1414, 800-468-6674 or www.msichicago.org for show times and information. Admission: $7 adults and seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 11. Tickets for museum and film must be purchased together. Schedule: through May 22, “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure;” Feb. 8 through Oct. 9, “Dinosaurs Alive!”

NAVY PIER IMAX THEATRE, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Information: 312-595-5629 or www.imax.com/chicago. Call for showtimes. Tickets: $15 adults, $14 seniors, $13 children age 3-12; children age 2 and younger free. Schedule: “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure;” “I Am Legend: The IMAX Experience;” “U2: 3-D: An IMAX Experience;” starting Feb. 14, “Spiderwick: The IMAX Experience.”

MUSEUMS

Kane County

GARFIELD FARM MUSEUM, 3N016 Garfield Road, 5 miles west of Geneva off Route 38, LaFox, 630-584-8485 or www.garfieldfarm.org. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays from June through September. Guided tours: $3 adults, $2 children younger than 13. Schedule: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 9, Feb. 23 & March 8, Spinning and Felting Seminars ($80 for all three).

McHenry County

AUTO GALLERY MUSEUM, 2807 Route 12, Spring Grove, 815-675-3222 or www.autogallerymuseum.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday. Featuring 35 to 50 antique and specialty vehicles on display for sale. Gift shop offers automotive art, signs, models, posters and other items. Old town yesterday Main Street with a display of a wide array of items from the past and selected craft items. Vendors welcome. Free admission. Donations accepted.

CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER, 222 Church St., Woodstock, 815-338-7722 or www.challengerillinois.org. Featuring a Meteorite and Earth Science Exhibit, interactive EdVenture Center and educational programs. Public hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission: $3 a person general public, free for members.

CHESTER GOULD-DICK TRACY MUSEUM, Old Courthouse on the Square, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock, 815-338-8381 or www.chestergould.org. Permanent collection of original art, memorabilia and valuable items from the Chester Gould family, including Gould’s drawing board, contributions from fans and friends and changing exhibits. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Open Saturdays only during January. Admission: $2 adults, $1 seniors, free for children younger than age 12.

Regional

BURPEE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-3433 or www.burpee.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Housed in two historic mansions. Main exhibits include mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians, rocks and minerals, fossils and dinosaurs. Featuring the permanent exhibit Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur. Admission: $6 for resident adults ($7 non-resident), $5 for children ages 3-17 ($6 non-resident), free for members and children younger than 3, Wednesdays free to all. Schedule: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Burpee Explorers - Solving Dinosaur Mysteries: Hearts of the Tyrants ($15 members, $20 non-members); 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12, Webelos: Forester ($8 a scout, one adult for every five scouts free, $3 additional adults); 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 14, Monsters of the Midwest ($12 a child members, $9 additional child; $16 child non-members, $13 additional non-member child).

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, 385-acre living museum, 1000 Lake Cook Road (a half mile east of the Edens Expressway), Glencoe. Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily except Christmas. Free admission. Parking $15, seniors $7 on Tuesdays. Information: 847-835-6980 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

CIRCUS WORLD MUSEUM, 426 Water St., Baraboo, Wis., 608-356-0800 or www.circusworldmuseum.com. Museum conserves and exhibits the world’s largest collection of antique circus wagons. Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $3.50 children ages 5-11, free for children 4 and younger.

CZECHOSLOVAK HERITAGE MUSEUM, 122 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, 630-472-0500. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free admission. Highlighting the history and culture of the Czech Republic and Slovakia featuring a wide variety of displays and exhibits including authentic Czech, Moravian, and Slovak costumes, crystals and ceramics, historical exhibits, dolls and puppets, and needlework dating from 1850.

DISCOVERY CENTER MUSEUM, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-963-6769 or www.discoverycentermuseum.org. A hands-on, family-oriented museum in Riverfront Museum Park. First outdoor museum park in the U.S., with exhibits about sound, weather, water, cave exploration, and a two-story maze. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 adults, $5 children ages 2 to 17, free for children younger than 2 and museum members. 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10, Chocolate Sundae Sunday ($2.50 public, $1.50 members); 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 23, Discovering Engineering.

DuPAGE COUNTY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville, 630-637-8000 or www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7.50 ages 1-59, $6.50 seniors, free for members. Featuring a variety of creative arts programs, storytelling and more. Fees apply to some programs.

ERLANDER HOME MUSEUM, 404 South 3rd St., Rockford, 815-963-5559 or www.swedishhistorical.org. The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children ages 3-17, $15 family (two adults with children).

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOME AND STUDIO TOURS, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, 708-848-1976, www.wrightplus.org. This historic house museum, operated by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, served as Wright’s residence, studio and architectural laboratory during the first twenty years of his career from 1889 to 1909. Oak Park contains the world’s largest concentration of Wright-designed structures, 26 in all. Guided tours of the Home and Studio weekdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., weekends 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Guided exterior walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding the Home and Studio, weekends only. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S FREDERICK C. ROBIE HOUSE, 5757 S. Woodlawn, Hyde Park, 708-848-1976, www.wrightplus.org. Tours by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust offer both a first-hand experience of its amazingly contemporary spaces and the current restoration work that is returning the house to its original magnificence. Guided interior tours weekdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., weekends from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older. Historic Neighbors Walking Tours at 2 p.m. Saturdays ($12 adults, $10 seniors and children ages 7-18).

HISTORIC AUTO ATTRACTIONS, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe, 815-389-7917 or www.historicautoattractions.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends after Labor Day. Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 students ages 6-15, free for children younger than 6. Tour rates available. Come take a journey through time and enjoy more than 70 historic vehicles and hundreds of pieces of history that takes you beyond the concept of most auto museums. Visit the John F. Kennedy Display. See the secret service limo from the Kennedy assassination, Richard Petty’s oldest existing car, Batmobiles, Ghostbusters, Elvis’ car & memorabilia, cars of gangsters like Al Capone and Bonnie and Clyde, Grateful Dead tour bus and more.

KOHL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, 847-832-6600 or www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7.50 adults and children, $6.50 seniors, free for children younger than 1 and members. Schedule: through May 12, Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog exhibit.

LAKE COUNTY DISCOVERY MUSEUM, Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest Preserve Drive (Route 176 and Fairfield Road), Wauconda, 847-968-3400 or www.lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 adults, $2.50 children ages 4-17, free for children 3 and younger and members.

MIDWAY VILLAGE & MUSEUM CENTER, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, 815-397-9112 or www.midwayvillage.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Mondays. General admission: $6 adults, $4 children ages 3 to 17, free for members. Event admission: $6 adults, $4 children ages 3 to 17. A turn-of-the-century reconstructed village on 134 acres, including a church, school, town hall, blacksmith shop, bank, jail, hospital, farmhouse, hardware store, plumber’s shop and water-powered machine shop. Schedule: 2 p.m. Feb. 10, The History of the Rockford Police Department: The Early Years historic lecture ($3 admission).

MIDWEST MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 425 W. State St., Sycamore, 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed on holidays. Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors and children ages 12 and younger and groups of 20 or more, free for children ages 2 and younger.

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM, 700 N. Art Museum Drive, 414-224-3220 or www.mam.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. General Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, free for children 12 and younger accompanied by an adult, free for members. Feature exhibit tickets: $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 students, free for children younger than 12. Schedule: Feb. 9 through May 4, Foto: Modernity in Central Europe, 1918-1945; through Feb. 10, Art and Reform: Sara Galner, the Saturday Evening Girls, and the Paul Revere Pottery; through March 23, The Powerful Hand of George Bellows: Drawings from the Boston Public Library.

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM, 800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, 414-278-2700 or www.mpm.edu. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission: $11 adults, $9 seniors age 60 and older, $7 children ages 3-17, free for children age 2 and younger and museum members.

MORTON ARBORETUM, 4100 Route 53, Lisle, 630-719-2400, 630-968-0074 or www.mortonarb.org. An outdoor 1,700-acre museum with collections of several thousand kinds of trees, shrubs and other plants from around the world. Open daily. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children ages 3-17, free for children younger than 3, free for members. Schedule: 1 p.m. Feb. 13 and 1 & 3 p.m. Feb. 20 & 27, Afternoon Teas ($28 a person, adults only, reservations required at 630-719-5008).

NAPER SETTLEMENT, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, 630-420-6010 or www.napersettlement.org. A 19th century living history museum. The 13-acre village has 30 historic structures, including a Victorian mansion, homes, businesses, a log house, fort, chapel and one-room schoolhouse. Winter hours through March 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Winter admission: $4.25 adults, $3.75 seniors, $3 children ages 4-17, free for members. Schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Manners for Minors for ages 8-12 ($50 per child); 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10, History Speaks Lecture Series: Harriet Tubman ($6 adults, $5 students); 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 10, Victorian Valentines ($10 a child through fifth-grade).

ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-968-2787 or www.rockfordartmuseum.org. Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (until 7 p.m. Thursday), noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, free for members, students and children, free on Tuesdays.

VOLO AUTO MUSEUM, 27582 W. Volo Village Road, near intersection of Route 120 & Route 12, Volo, 815-385-3644 or www.volocars.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission: $9 adults, $7 seniors, veterans and active military personnel, $5 children ages 5-12, free for children younger than 5. Group rates. American Classic Shop offers unique auto-related books, clothing, toys and gifts, popcorn and candy. Free parking. Car museum includes more than 300 vintage collector and Hollywood cars.

Chicago

ADLER PLANETARIUM, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-7827 or www.adlerplanetarium.org. Museum of astronomy and space exploration. Featuring astronomer gallery talks, exhibits. Major collection of artifacts on the history of astronomy. StarRider Theater features Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity; TimeSpace; Zula Patrol: Under the Weather. Sky Theater shows: Skywatchers of Africa; Night Sky Live! Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. first Fridays. Admission: General Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children 4-17; Galaxy Package: $19 adults, $17 seniors, $15 children 4-17, includes admission and one Sky Show; Universe Package: $23 adults, $21 seniors, $19 children 4-17, includes admission and two sky shows. Schedule: Feb. 8, Astrovernight for boys only ($50 per child, $30 per chaperone); through March 2, Mapping the Universe exhibition.

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600. (See Art section for exhibits.)

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, 312-527-1000 or www.ChiChildrensMuseum.org. Interactive exhibits for children. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Sunday through Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday & Saturday. Admission: $9 adults and children, $8 seniors, free for children younger than age 1. Permanent exhibitions: Dinosaur Expedition; The Inventing Lab; WaterWays; Allstate Foundation presents Play it Safe; Kovler Family Schooner; featuring the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows for PlayMaze; Treehouse Trails, Under Construction, Kraft Artabounds Studio and Gallery; Kids on the Fly (located at O’Hare International Airport). Target Free First Mondays when children ages 15 and younger receive free museum admission first Mondays of every month. Kraft Free Family Night 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday evenings (free admission for everyone).

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, Clark Street and North Avenue, 312-642-4600 or www.chicagohistory.org. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Friday & Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $14 adults, $12 seniors and students ages 13-22, free for children 12 and younger. Free general admission Mondays. Permanent exhibitions: A House Divided: America in the Age of Lincoln; We the People: Creating a New Nation; Richard H. Needham Chicago History Galleries; Illinois Pioneer Life and Fort Dearborn; On the Paper Trail; Hands-On History Gallery; Voices from History. Featuring courtroom drawings from the 1968 Chicago Seven Conspiracy Trial by Franklin McMahon. Schedule: 7 p.m. Feb. 12, “The ’68 Experience” series event featuring You Say You Want a Revolution? (tickets $10 general/$8 members); through March 30, Chicago at 40: The Band and its City; through Aug. 3, Big Picture: A New View of Painting in Chicago.

THE FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas. General admission: $12 for adults; $7 seniors, students with ID and children ages 4-11 (Gold Pass and Platinum Pass ticket options available). Permanent exhibits: What is an Animal? Africa; Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex; Inside Ancient Egypt; Nature Walk; Underground Adventure; Pawnee Earth Lodge; Pacific Spirits; Evolving Planet; The Ancient Americas and many other exhibits. Schedule: to July 8, George Washington Carver.

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, 312-746-5100 or www.garfield-conservatory.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Thursdays until 8 p.m. Free admission.

HANCOCK OBSERVATORY, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors 62 years and older, $8 children ages 5-12, free for children age 4 and younger. Information: 888-875-8439 or www.hancock-observatory.com.

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, May through September; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Tuesday through Saturday, October through April. Admission: $9 adults, $5 seniors and students. Featuring: The Universal Condition: Enduring and Alleviating Pain; Supporting Structure: Understanding the Spine and Spinal Surgery; Milestones in Medical Imaging: From X-ray to Nuclear Medicine.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660 or www.mcachicago.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members. Target Free Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Schedule: to June 8, Collection Highlights, 1949-2007.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY, Columbia College Chicago, 600 S. Michigan Ave., 312-663-5554 or www.mocp.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Schedule: through March 22, This Land is Your Land group exhibition.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, 773-684-1414; 800-GO-TO-MSI or www.msichicago.org. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. General admission: $13 adults, $12 seniors, $9 children ages 3-11, free for children younger than 3 (other exhibit admission combination options available). Permanent exhibits: Petroleum Planet; The Great Train Story; Toymaker 3000; U-505 Submarine; Earth Revealed. Special exhibits: Networld; Ships through the Ages; Reusable City; and more.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART, (formerly the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum), 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, 312-738-1503 or www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday. Free admission. Performance festivals are ticketed. Permanent exhibition: Mexicanland: Our Past is Present. Schedule: through June 8, Horns, Hooves, Wings, Fins and Tails: Animal Imagery in the Permanent Collection exhibition.

NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, 773-755-5100 or www.naturemuseum.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission: $9 adults, $7 seniors and college students with ID, $6 children ages 3-12, free on Thursdays. Featuring permanent exhibits such as The Extreme Green House and Hands-on Habitat. Schedule: through March 30, Imperfect Recall photographs by Tom Denlinger; through April 27, Wild Music: Sounds and Songs of Life.

SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays. Admission: $27.50 adults $20.50 seniors and children ages 3-11 (Premium Day Pass); $23 adults, $16 seniors and children (Day Pass); $18 adults, $14 seniors and children (Mini Pass); $8 adults, $6 seniors and children (Aquarium only); free for members. Permanent exhibit: Wild Reef. Schedule: 6 p.m. Feb. 8, ArtSharks art, food and drink event; through summer 2008, Lizards and the Komodo King.

SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM CENTER, 5211 N. Clark, Chicago, 773-728-8111 or www.samac.org. E-mail: museum@samac.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $4 adults, $3 seniors, students and members, free for children younger than 1 year, $10 family rate. Free admission second Tuesday of every month. Schedule: through March 23, Madeleine Hatz: Building a View multi-media exhibition.

SINGLES EVENTS

Are you single and looking to meet other singles? Here are a few area clubs to get you started.

Kane County

INTRO2SINGLES, western suburbs’ premier event planning company for singles events such as dating parties, social mixers and wine tastings. No membership fee. Information: 630-845-8684. Calendar of events: www.intro2singles.com.

McHenry County

BABY BOOMER SINGLES, new singles club geared toward singles older than 45. No membership, pay as you go. Information: 815-529-8138, e-mail: babyboomersingles@comcast.net or www.babyboomersinglesclub.com. Schedule: 8 to 11:30 p.m. Feb. 9, disc jockey Scott Pastorino will play music from the ’50s to ’70s at The Milk Pail Restaurant, 1N630 Route 25, East Dundee ($10 a person); 8:30 to 11 p.m. Feb. 15, Regina’s Ristorante (entertainment by Dave & Donna playing music from Fleetwood Mac to Jimmy Buffett), 629 S. Eighth St., West Dundee ($15 a person); 8 to 11:30 p.m. Feb. 22, Night Club Two Step beginner dance lesson and open dance at The Milk Pail (with disc jockey Scott Pastorino), East Dundee ($10 a person).

McHENRY COUNTY SINGLES CLUB, 847-658-4916. We are a social group of local people in our 40s and 50s who get together on weekends for fun and friendship. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8, monthly meeting to play March activities at Culver’s restaurant in Crystal Lake, 847-658-4916; 7 p.m. Feb. 23, dinner at Kyoto restaurant in Crystal Lake, 847-308-2537 (call for reservations by Feb. 18).

Regional

SPEED DATING FOR SINGLE PROFESSIONALS, 7:45 p.m. Feb. 12, ComedySportz, 420 S. First St., Milwaukee, Wis. For all singles ages 24-39. Cost: $35. Registration and information: 877-477-3328 or www.cupid.com/predating.

YOUNG AT HEART SINGLES CLUB, 773-777-2210. Hotline: 630-415-3449. Event location information: 847-678-7068. A club for singles who are ballroom dancers of all ages. Ladies to dress semi-dressy to dressy and men to wear sport jackets or suits, ties not required, but no jeans. Members $7, guests $9. All dances from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dance schedule: Feb. 8, American Legion Hall, 9757 Pacific, Franklin Park, with It Takes Three.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Kane County

WINTER WALKS, 1 p.m. Feb. 13 & Feb. 23, Fabyan Japanese Garden at the Fabyan West Forest Preserve, Route 31 & Fabyan Parkway, Geneva. Special one-hour guided tours through the snow-covered garden. Sponsor: Fabyan Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley. Registration and information: 630-377-6424.

McHenry County

COMMUNITY SHOWCASE, 2 p.m. Feb. 10, Performing Arts Center at Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley. Family-friendly event featuring talented members of the Huntley community who will sing, dance and entertain the audience. Fundraiser for scholarships and programs to enhance education in Huntley School District 158. Intermission ice cream social and raffle prizes. Sponsor: Education Foundation for Huntley Area Schools. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 children, free for children younger than 2. Tickets available at all District 158 schools, at the door or call: 847-961-5668.

Regional

Regional - Ongoing

KLEHM ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-8146 or www.klehm.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission: $4 older than age 16. Schedule: Feb. 9 (Soil Savvy), Feb. 16 (Tool Time with Sue) & Feb. 23, (Proper Plant Placement) Gardening Basics Series ($10 a class members, $40 series; $15 class non-members, $60 series).

RYERSON WOODS, The Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, on Riverwoods Road between Half Day Road and Deerfield Road near Deerfield, 847-968-3346. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: through March 12, Drawn to Nature: Botanical Paintings and Drawings group exhibition presented by Friends of Ryerson Woods and Lake County Forest Preserve.

VOLO BOG STATE NATURAL AREA, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, west off Route 12 between Routes 120 & 134, Ingleside, 815-344-1294; www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks or e-mail: dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. An Illinois Department of Natural Resources site. Site open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. Visitor Center open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Guided tours 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. most Saturdays and Sundays. Registration required. Schedule: 9:30 a.m. Feb. 9, Of Bogs & Books meeting; 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 9, Leave No Child Inside ($20 includes box lunch); 8 a.m. Feb. 10, Bird Walk; 8:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Astronomy Night.

Chicago

CONVERSATIONS IN THE ARTS: UP CLOSE WITH DIAHANN CARROLL, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. ABC7 Chicago anchor, Kathy Brock, will interview Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress, Diahann Carroll. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis at 312-344-6600 or www.colum.edu/tickets.

TANGO NEGRO, 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Feb. 8, American Tango Institute, 325 N. Hoyne, Suite C-404, Chicago. Reception and Milonga in celebration of Black History Month with dance performances, films, presentation, tango social dance and more. Free reception 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wine tasting and food will be served. Cost: $15. Information: 312-733-6324.