Entertainment Calendar

What's happening in the county, the region and 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: to Feb. 25, Confrontation/Contemplation art exhibit by Carolyn Bernstein and Mike Knierim.

CAMPBELL HOUSE ART GALLERY, Kane County Events, Cultural and Conference Center, 33W848 Cherry Lane, Geneva, 630-208-9567 or www.co.kane.il.us/kcevents. Hours: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, closed Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Classes offered 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, taught by Duane Geisness. Watercolor, acrylic and oil painters welcome. Everyone works on the project of their choice. Class registration and information: 630-587-8526.

McHenry County

LAKESIDE LEGACY ARTS PARK, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, 815-455-8000 or www.lakesidelegacy.org. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Accepting entries for the Lincoln Portrait Contest. Show will be displayed for the month of February. All media accepted and details/entry information can be found at www.alincoln200.com or www.naac4art.org.

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE ART GALLERIES, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake, 815-455-8785. Schedule: 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 21 and March 7, Metal Art Sculpture art class. Cost: $199. Registration: 815-455-8588, Course ID:NFAS49001.

NORTHLAND AREA ART LEAGUE, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Meetings at 7 to 9 p.m. second Tuesdays, September through April, at the Opera House. 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. 27, S!XX Collection 2009, with a 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 31 gallery reception.

Regional

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, 847-835-5440 or www.chicago-botanic.org. Admission is free, select event fees apply. Parking: $15, $7 for seniors on Tuesdays. Schedule: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through April 5, Lost & Found: Remnants of Savannas and Old Growth Forests Miles Lowry Photo Exhibition, in the Joutras Gallery of the Regenstein Center.

THE GALLERY AT THE GARLANDS, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Schedule: through March 12, Jonelis Family Three Generation Art Show. Information: 847-756-3000.

ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF ART SCHAUMBURG, Ruth Ray Memorial Gallery, 1000 Plaza Drive, Schaumburg, 847-619-3450 or www.artinstitutes.edu/schaumburg. Gallery hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Featuring a Poster Design Competition for high school seniors. Deadline for competition entries is Feb. 6. For entry requirements, visit: www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=pdc092.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM, Altgeld Hall 116, College & Castle drives, DeKalb, 815-753-1936 or www.niu.edu/artmuseum. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Schedule: through March 6, Crossing Threads, Crossing Boundaries, with a 4:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 5 opening reception; through March 6, Push, Pull, Scrub, Drip...Drip, with a 4:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 5 opening reception.

Chicago

2ND FRIDAYS GALLERY NIGHT, 6 to 10 p.m. second Fridays, featuring a myriad of works shown in 35 galleries in the Chicago Arts District surrounding South Halsted and 18th streets, Chicago. Free. Gallery listing, location map and 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: Memorial Day-Labor Day: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday (with free admission after 5 p.m.), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Target Free Thursdays 5 to 8 p.m. Admission: $12 adults; $7 for students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee.

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, 312-742-1148, www.egov.cityofchicago.org. Viewing hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Free admission. Schedule: Jan. 24 through March 29, William Conger: Paintings 1958-2008 (in the Exhibit Hall), with a 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30 opening reception.

CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY, President’s Art Gallery, Cook Administration Building (fourth floor), 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, 773-995-2000. Schedule: 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 28, Black History Month art gallery solo exhibition reception featuring guest appearance and discussion with artist Al Tyler.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO, A&D Gallery, 619 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 312-369-8687 or www.colum.edu/adgallery. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Schedule: through Feb. 28, Criteria, with a 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29 public reception.

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: $12 adults, $7 students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger, members of the military and museum members.

AUTO EVENTS

Regional

THUNDER NATIONALS, Jan. 30-31, MetroCentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford. A motor sports event featuring the Grave Digger and a host of monster trucks. Hours: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $18 adults, $5 children ages 2-12, $30 extreme seats adults, $15 extreme seats children. Presented by Safe Auto. Tickets and information: 815-968-5222 or www.centreevents.com.

Chicago

WORLD OF WHEELS, 47th annual, Jan. 23-25, McCormick Place - Lakeside, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Featuring traditional hot rods and customs, exhibits, demonstrations, vendors and more. Hours: 3 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $16 adults, $5 children younger than 12. Sponsor: CARQUEST Auto Parts. Information: 708-361-2665 or www.worldofwheels.com.

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.

MIDWEST COMEDY SHOWCASE, Clearwater Theater, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. Show designed to bring local stand-up comics to West Dundee. Hosted by Matt Drufke. Schedule: 8 p.m. every Thursday night (no holidays or on dates of major shows). Doors open 7 p.m. Admission: $5 (must be age 21 or older). For show dates visit: www.clearwatertheater.com. Information: 815-762-9749.

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: Jan. 23-24, Frank Santorelli; Jan. 28-29 & 31, Daniel Kinno.

Regional

CHICAGO IMPROV, 5 Woodfield Road, Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 847-240-2001 or www.symfonee.com/improv/chicago. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 & 10:15 p.m. Friday, 7 & 9:15 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday. Schedule: Jan. 23-24, Alonzo Bodden (tickets $17, $19); Jan. 29-31, Kevin Pollak (tickets $24).

COMEDY CAVE, at Fat Man Bowl, 13860 Rockland Road (east of Interstate 294 on Route 176), Lake Bluff. Featuring improv comedy every Wednesday night with a 7 p.m. family show and 9 p.m. adult show. Admission: $10 adults at the door, $7 seniors, students and military. Information: 847-968-4529; 847-362-1623 or www.improvplayhouse.com.

IMPROV PLAYHOUSE, Black Box Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 847-968-4529 or www.improvplayhouse.com. The IP adult house team: “Lost Not Stolen” featuring Second City, Comedy Sportz, IO and IP trained improvisers. Admission: $8 adults, $5 students. Family-friendly sketch and games-based shows 8 to 9 p.m. every Saturday night. All shows $7 adults, $5 students with valid ID.

SINBAD, 8 p.m. Feb. 14, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets: $38.50. Valentine’s Day dinner-theater package $65 for Bistro Amalfi and $70 for Campari. Tickets and information: 312-559-1212, any Ticketmaster location 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: Jan. 23-24, Larry Reeb; Jan. 30, Daniel Kinno; Jan. 31, Brian Posehn.

Chicago

BLUE MAN GROUP, Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-348-4000. Daily performances. Performance times vary and subject to change. Tickets: $49-$64. 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, America: All Better! (Mainstage). Tickets: $20 Tuesday through Thursday & Sunday, $25 Friday & Saturday.

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: Jan. 23-25, Lenny Schmidt with special guest Tim Slagle; Jan. 27-31, Frank Santorelli; Jan. 29, Brian Posehn.

DANCE

Kane County

DANCE CONNECTION, ballroom dance club meets 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays at St. Charles School of Dance, 1429 W. Main St., St. Charles. Newcomers always welcome ages 18 and older. Cost: $8 a person. Information: 630-202-3222 or e-mail: dupageflute@aol.com or www.chrisburdick.com.

SUGAR SQUARES DANCE CLUB, Kaneville Community Center, 2S101 Harter Road, Kaneville. Featuring modern square dancing lessons 7 p.m. Sundays. Couples, singles and teenagers all invited. Cost: $40 a person for 10 weeks of lessons. Registration and information: 815-286-9702 or 630-377-3695.

McHenry County

B AND B SQUARE DANCE CLUB, Johnsburg Community Club, 2315 W. Church St., Johnsburg. Dances first and third Friday of every month. Rounds begin at 8 p.m., squares at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $4.50 members, $5 visitors. Information: 815-728-1026 or 847-395-1108.

DANCE! with Frank & Jackie Penze, ballroom, Latin and swing dance instructors, 847-639-8699. Cary Park District: 12:45-2:15 p.m. to Feb. 15, Beginning Swing, Fox Trot, Rumba, Cha Cha; 2:30-4 p.m. Intermediate Swing, Fox Trot, Rumba, Cha Cha; 4-5:30 p.m. Advanced Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, Merengue, at Cary Park District Center, 255 Briargate Road. Cost: $87 resident couple, $96 non-resident, 847-639-6100. Crystal Lake Park District: 7-8:15 p.m. or 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. to Feb. 18, Beginning Swing, Waltz, Salsa, American Tango; 7 to 8:15 p.m. to Feb. 19, Advanced Waltz, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, Merengue; or 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. Intermediate Waltz, Single Time Swing, American Tango, Merengue, at Rotary Building, Veteran Acres Park, 131 N. Walkup. $99 couple resident, $149 couple non-resident. Call 815-459-0680 or www.crystallakeparks.org. Health Bridge Fitness Center: 8-9:30 p.m. to Feb. 16, Beginning Swing, Salsa & more, at Aerobics Studio of Crystal Lake, 200 E. Congress Pkwy., Crystal Lake. Cost: $50 members, $75 non-members. Call 815-788-2266 or www.healthbridgefitness.com. Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department: 6:30-7:30 p.m. to Feb. 13, Beginning Salsa, Waltz, Swing, Rumba; 7:30-8:30 p.m. Intermediate East Coast Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Rumba ($70 resident, $80 non-resident); 8:30-10 p.m. Advanced Salsa, Waltz, Rumba, Pabody “Quick Step” ($97 resident, $107 non-resident), at LaBahn-Hain House, 149 Hilltop Drive. Call 847-960-7460. Lake Villa: 7 to 8 p.m. or 9 to 10 p.m. to Feb. 17, Beginning Swing, Fox Trot, Salsa, Rumba; 8 to 9 p.m. Intermediate Fox Trot, Salsa, American Tango, Single Time Swing, at American Stars of Dance Studio, 133 Cedar Ave. ($95 a couple). Call 847-838-1234.

GREATER FOX VALLEY CHAPTER OF USA DANCE, A non-profit organization, designed to promote and sponsor amateur ballroom dancing for the general public. Information: Walt, 815-337-6860 or ok3wire@joltmail.com; Jackie, 847-639-8699, jackiepenze@aol.com or www.dancefoxvalley.org. Admission: $8 members, $12 non-members. Dances take place 8 p.m. at Dole Mansion’s Sage Ballroom, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Dances include a free dance lesson at 7:30 p.m., cake and snacks. Dance schedule: Feb. 14, Sweetheart Soiree (Rumba).

HARVARD MILK CENTER SQUARES, square dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. fourth Saturdays, September through May. Level of dancing is mainstream with two Plus tips. Donation: $10 per couple. Information: 815-568-8879 or 815-459-2299. Schedule: Jan. 24, Winter Blues theme dance at Central Elementary School, 400 N. Division St., Harvard. Mike Richards will be calling the squares and Kathie Nickol cueing the rounds.

SATURDAY WINTER WORKSHOP, 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 7, Duker School, 3711 W. Kane Ave., McHenry. Taught by Frank and Jackie Penze. Cha Cha and Fox Trot. Cost: $35 a couple in district, $45 a couple out of district. Sign up through McHenry Parks & Recreation at 815-363-2160.

WOODSTOCK SQUARES DANCE CLUB, hosts square dances second Fridays, September through June, McHenry Township Senior Center, 3519 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg. Admission: $5 a person. Spectators welcome. Information: 815-385-6638 or 815-385-2329.

FAMILY EVENTS

Kane County

“JUNIE B. JONES”: 1 & 3 p.m. Jan. 25; 9:45 a.m. and noon Jan. 26, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Junie is graduating from kindergarten and is ready for first grade. New challenges await as she gets used to a new teacher, new friends and new glasses. Appropriate for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Tickets: $10 all seats Sunday, $7 all seats Monday at 847-931-5900 or www.hemmens.org.

“SEUSSICAL”: 9:45 a.m. and noon Jan. 29, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Musical adventure featuring Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters and stories. Appropriate for children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Tickets: $7 all seats Sunday, $7 all seats Monday at 847-931-5900 or www.hemmens.org.

McHenry County

“ALICE IN WONDERLAND”: Jan. 23 through Feb. 1, Black Box Theater at Woodstock High School, 501 W. South St., Woodstock. Children’s show presented by Woodstock High School Theatre. Schedule: 7 p.m. Jan. 23; 2 & 7 p.m. Jan. 24; 3 p.m. Jan. 25; 7 p.m. Jan. 31; 3 p.m. Feb. 1. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students at 815-337-7469.

“ANNE OF GREEN GABLES”: Jan. 30 through Feb. 7, Black Box Theater at Woodstock High School, 501 W. South St., Woodstock. Family show presented by Woodstock High School Theatre. Schedule: 7 p.m. Jan. 30; 2 p.m. Jan. 31; 7 p.m. Feb. 6; 2 & 7 p.m. Feb. 7. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students at 815-337-7469.

SKI JUMP TOURNAMENT, noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 24-25, Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove. Junior Olympic Qualifier K70 Junior Competition, Super Tour and Robert Immens Memorial Long-Standing Jump. Gates open 11 a.m. Tickets: $10 buttons from local merchants or $15 buttons at the gate, free for children younger than 12. Information: 847-639-9718 or www.norgeskiclub.com.

Regional

“SMUCKER’S STARS ON ICE”: tickets on sale for the 3 p.m. Feb. 21 performance, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. “On the Edge” production headlined by Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen and special guest two-time U.S. Champion Evan Lysacek. Tickets prices start at $25. Tickets and information: 312-559-1212, any Ticketmaster outlet or www.ticketmaster.com.

SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION, 24th annual, 10 a.m. Jan. 28 through 11 a.m. Jan. 31, Sinnissipppi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. Thirty teams will compete in this international and state competition to create the “coolest” artwork using blocks of snow. Sculptures will be available for public view 24 hours a day, with evenings lit up for night viewing. People’s Choice voting will take place 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Free admission. Sponsor: Rockford Park District. Information: 815-987-8800 or www.rockfordparkdistrict.org.

THUNDER NATIONALS, Jan. 30-31, MetroCentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford. A motor sports event featuring the Grave Digger and a host of monster trucks. Hours: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $18 adults, $5 children ages 2-12, $30 extreme seats adults, $15 extreme seats children. Tickets and information: 815-968-5222 or www.centreevents.com.

“WORLDS OF FANTASY”: through Jan. 25, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Presented by Disney On Ice featuring classic and new Disney stories. Schedule: 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Jan. 23; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 & 7 p.m. Jan. 24; 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25. For information visit: www.disneyonice.com. Tickets: $15, $20, $25 at 312-559-1212, all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com.

Chicago

“FLIGHT OF THE DODO”: through Feb. 22, Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Lifeline Theatre KidSeries musical presentation. Tired of getting pooped on by the geese, Penguin and his friends Ostrich, Kiwi and Cassowary take flight on their hot air balloon to teach them a lesson. Appropriate for children ages 5 to 10. Schedule: 1 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $12 adults and children all shows. Tickets and information: 773-761-4477 or www.lifelinetheatre.com.

STRICTLY SAIL CHICAGO 2009, Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, Navy Pier, Festival Halls A & B, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Featuring the latest in sailboats and sailing products, hundreds of educational seminars and more. Schedule: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $12 Thursday and Friday (adults), $15 Saturday and Sunday (adults), $24 two-day adult pass, free for children ages 15 and younger accompanied by an adult. Information: 401-293-5207 or www.strictlysailchicago.com.

“WORLDS OF FANTASY”: Jan. 27 through Feb. 8, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Presented by Disney On Ice featuring classic and new Disney stories. Schedule: 7 p.m. Jan. 27-28; 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Jan. 29-30; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 & 7 p.m. Jan. 31; 11:30 a.m. & 3 p.m. Feb. 1; 7 p.m. Feb. 4; 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Feb. 5-6; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 & 7 p.m. Feb. 7-8. For information visit: www.disneyonice.com. Tickets: $15, $20, $25 at 312-559-1212, all Ticketmaster locations or www.ticketmaster.com.

FILM

Kane County

AURORA UNIVERSITY, Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration, 407 S. Calumet Ave., Aurora. Aurora University film festival screening. Schedule: 7 p.m. Jan. 28, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” Free admission. Information: 630-844-5615.

McHenry County

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, seventh annual, Jan. 23-27, Woodstock Theatre, 209 Main St., Woodstock, 815-338-8555 or www.classiccinemas.com. Schedule: 7 p.m. Jan. 23, “Die Falscher (The Counterfeiters); 7 p.m. Jan. 24, “Beaufort;” 5 p.m. Jan. 25, “La Vie En Rose;” 5 p.m. Jan. 26, “Mongol;” 5 p.m. Jan. 27, “Persepolis.” Tickets: $7.50 or $30 for all films.

WILD & SCENIC ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL TOUR, 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 29, McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. To raise awareness of local and global environmental issues. Screening will be shown again 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 30, at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 seniors and students available at the door. Host: Friends of the Fox River. Information: 815-370-0026; 847-651-1121 or www.mcdef.org.

Chicago

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: Jan. 23, “Stranded,” “Christmas in July,” “American Revolution;” Jan. 24, “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” “Stranded,” “The Catch,” “Ice People;” Jan. 25, “Cairo Station,” “Stranded,” “Killer Poet;” Jan. 26, “The Catch,” “Stranded,” “Cairo Station;” Jan. 27, “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” “Stranded,” “Ice People;” Jan. 28, “Christmas in July,” “Stranded;” Jan. 29, “Cairo Station,” “Stranded,” “Killer Poet.”

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: $20 adults, $19 seniors, $14 children ages 3 to 11 (includes museum admision). Tickets for museum and film must be purchased together. Schedule: “Wild Ocean;” through Feb. 28, “Grand Canyon Adventure.”

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: “The Day the Earth Stood Still: The IMAX Experience;” “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: The IMAX Experience;” “Dolphins & Whales 3D;”returning Jan. 23, “The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience.”

MUSEUMS

Kane County

FABYAN VILLA MUSEUM & JAPANESE GARDEN, Fabyan West Forest Preserve, Route 31 just north of Fabyan Parkway, Geneva, 630-377-6424 or www.ppfv.org. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays. Japanese Garden open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays & Sundays. Schedule: 1 p.m. Jan. 31, Winter Walk through the Japanese Garden (snow is a requirement for the tour). Cost: $2 a person.

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.

McHENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, 6422 Main St., Union, 815-923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org. For the third year Christmas memorabilia collector Dave Harms of Crystal Lake will set up a nostalgic display of holiday furnishings, gifts and trees. Experience Christmas through the eyes of time. Throughout January, the museum will be open free during afternoons Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for those wishing to see the holiday displays.

Regional

BURPEE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-3433 or www.burpee.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 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.

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.chicago-botanic.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 in the off-season; $14.95, $12.95 and $7.95 during performance season.

CZECHOSLOVAK HERITAGE MUSEUM, 122 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, 630-472-0500 or www.csafraternallife.org. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors and students, $10 per family, $3 a person in groups (five or more).

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 seniors, students and children ages 2 to 17, free for children younger than 2 and museum members. Schedule: 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25, Sizzling Sunday tropical event about Hawaii.

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: $8.50 ages 1 to 59, $7.50 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.gowright.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. Daily guided tours 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekends. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older, $5 children ages 4-10, free for children ages 3 and younger. The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is seeking volunteers for spring volunteer training which begins Feb. 18, with an introductory meeting, and runs for the next five consecutive Saturdays (visit the web site or call for more information).

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S FREDERICK C. ROBIE HOUSE, 5757 S. Woodlawn, Hyde Park, 708-848-1976, www.gowright.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 in preparation of the home’s 100th annivesary in 2010.  To accommodate the magnitude of interior restoration construction and maintain a safe guest environment, tour offerings at the Robie House will be limited through Oct. 31, 2009. Public tours will be conducted 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 7-18 and seniors age 65 and older, $5 children ages 4-10, free for children ages 3 and younger. The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is seeking volunteers for spring volunteer training which begins Feb. 18, with an introductory meeting, and runs for the next five consecutive Saturdays (visit the web site or call for more information).

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.

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.

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: through October, Sensory Overload: Light, Motion, Sound and the Optical in Art since 1945.

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, $10 seniors age 60 and older, $10 children ages 3-17, $8 children ages 3-12, 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 varieties 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: $11 adults ($7 on Wednesday), $10 seniors ($6 on Wednesday), $8 ($5 on Wednesday) children ages 2-17, free for children younger than 2 and members. Schedule: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24-25, Husky Heroes; 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 24, Chanticleer’s Creative Plant Combinations ($30 fee); 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 24 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25, Planting Design Workshop ($110 fee).

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 November through March: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Winter admission: $4.25 adults, $3.75 seniors, $3 children ages 4-17, free for members. Schedule: 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 24, Well, Excuse Me!, a confidence-building class of social etiquette for children in grades 1-3 ($25 per child); 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Open house for those interested in becoming costumed interpreters at Naper Settlement (call 630-305-5256 for more information).

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: $6 adults, $3 seniors/students, $2 group rate, free for children younger than 12. Free admission 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, astronomy artifacts, sky shows and more. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. first Fridays. Admission: General: $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.

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 5 p.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; Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows for PlayMaze; Treehouse Trails, 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: through April 26, burnham 2.0: A Patchwork Plan for the High-Speed Rail; through July 26, Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum.

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: $14 for adults; $11 seniors and students with ID; $9 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; Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice DNA Discovery Center and many other exhibits. Schedule: through July 5, Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam; through April 19, The Aztec World; through July, Travels of the Crow: Journey of an Indian Nation.

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

HANCOCK OBSERVATORY, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 888-875-8439 or www.hancock-observatory.com. Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Admission: $15 adults, $13 seniors 62 years and older, $9 children ages 5-12, free for children age 4 and younger.

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: $12 adults, $7 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: through Feb. 1, 2009, Jenny Holzer.

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 Jan. 31, Work/Place; through Jan. 31, Michael Wolf: The Transparent City.

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 (free general admission through Jan. 31). Permanent exhibits: Petroleum Planet; The Great Train Story; Toymaker 3000; U-505 Submarine; Earth Revealed; Fast Forward. Special exhibits: Networld; Ships through the Ages; Reusable City; and more. Schedule: through March 1, Black Creativity 2009: Green Revolution.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART, 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 Feb. 1, Heresies: A Retrospective by Pedro Meyer; Jan. 23 through Aug. 30, Miradas: Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection, with a 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 23 free opening reception.

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.

RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS MUSEUM, 40 E. Erie St., Chicago, 312-932-8665 or www.driehausmuseum.org. Housed in the historic Samuel Mayo Nickerson Mansion, built from 1879 to 1883, the museum is a showcase for late 19th and early 20th century art and design. The Marble Palace, as the house became known, was one of the grandest residential buildings of the 19th century Chicago. Museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission: $25 adults, $17.50 seniors, $12.50 students with valid ID and children ages 12 to 16. Due to the fragile nature of the historic interiors, children younger than age 12 are not admitted and those younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-939-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Featuring Caribbean Reef Dives and Wild Reef Dives, Animal Encounters, Camp Shedd, Dog Show and more. The 4-D theater features “Planet Earth: Shallow Seas,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” shows. Admission: $11.95-$17.95. Visit the web site for other admission options. Free general admission Mondays and Tuesdays in January and February.

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.

SINGLES EVENTS

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.

ST. CHARLES SINGLES CLUB, LTD., a social non-profit group welcomes ages 30 and older to dances at Riverside Receptions, 35 N. River Lane, Geneva. Dances are 7 to 11 p.m. on second, fourth and fifth Mondays. Lessons available at 6:30 p.m. Proper attire required. Admission: $6 members, $8 non-members on second and fourth Mondays; $8 members, $10 non-members on fifth Mondays with live band. Information: 630-340-6647 or www.stcharlessinglesclub.com.

McHenry County

BABY BOOMER SINGLES CLUB, for singles, divorced or widowed, older than age 40. Featuring dances and other activities. No membership, pay as you go. Information: 815-529-8139, e-mail: babyboomersingles@comcast.net or www.babyboomersinglesclub.com. Schedule: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 25, Sideouts Bar & Grill, 4018 Roberts Road, Island Lake. Disc jockey will play songs from the ’50s through the ’70s and takes requests. Cost: $10 a person. Cash bar. Food available for purchase.

Regional

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: Jan. 23, American Legion Hall, 9757 Pacific, Franklin Park, with Ken Jandes; Jan. 31, VFW Hall, 16th and Harlem, Berwyn, with The Variety Pak.

SPECIAL EVENTS

McHenry County

LAND CONSERVANCY OF McHENRY COUNTY ANNUAL MEETING, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25, Bull Valley Country Club, 1311 Club Road, Woodstock. Featuring a brunch, presentation by Gina Olszowski, author of “Now Coming to a Town Near You: Voices of Urban Sprawl,” and silent auction. Tickets: $35 members, $45 public. Tickets and information: 815-337-9502 or www.conservemc.org.

SKI JUMP TOURNAMENT, noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 24-25, Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove. Junior Olympic Qualifier K70 Junior Competition, Super Tour and Robert Immens Memorial Long-Standing Jump. Gates open 11 a.m. Tickets: $10 buttons from local merchants or $15 buttons at the gate, free for children younger than 12. Information: 847-639-9718 or www.norgeskiclub.com.

McHenry County - Ongoing

McHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, 18410 Route 14, Woodstock, 815-338-6223 or www.mccdistrict.org. Featuring programs at various Conservation District locations. Registration required for all programs. Schedule: 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 23-24, Cross Country Candlelight Ski at Marengo Ridge–Shelter No. 1, 2411 South Route 23, Marengo.

MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK, 1510 S. River Road, between Routes 120 & 176, McHenry, 815-385-1624 (park information); 815-344-1294 (registration); www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks or e-mail: dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. An Illinois Department of Natural Resources site. Registration required. Schedule: 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 25, Moraine Meanders (all ages).

Regional

SMUCKER’S STARS ON ICE, tickets on sale for the 3 p.m. Feb. 21 performance, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. “On the Edge” production headlined by Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen and special guest two-time U.S. Champion Evan Lysacek. Tickets prices start at $25. Tickets and information: 312-559-1212, any Ticketmaster outlet or www.ticketmaster.com.

SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION, 24th annual, 10 a.m. Jan. 28 through 11 a.m. Jan. 31, Sinnissipppi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. Thirty teams will compete in this international and state competition to create the “coolest” artwork using blocks of snow. Sculptures will be available for public view 24 hours a day, with evenings lit up for night viewing. People’s Choice voting will take place 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Free admission. Sponsor: Rockford Park District. Information: 815-987-8800 or www.rockfordparkdistrict.org.

THUNDER NATIONALS, Jan. 30-31, MetroCentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford. A motor sports event featuring the Grave Digger and a host of monster trucks. Hours: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $18 adults, $5 children ages 2-12, $30 extreme seats adults, $15 extreme seats children. Tickets and information: 815-968-5222 or www.centreevents.com.

Regional - Ongoing

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. to 3 p.m. Jan. 24, Volo Bog General Overview training for prospective adult volunteer docents and weekend naturalists; 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 25, Marsh Walk with naturalist Stacy Iwanicki (ages 10 through adult); 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31 or Feb. 1, Shadow a current weekend naturalist volunteer on a tour.

Chicago

AVON WALK 2009 GREAT START PARTY, 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 24, Sears Tower Metropolitan Club, 66th Floor, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago. To celebrate the new year and commitment to helping defeat breast cancer. Individuals and teams can register to walk or volunteer for the upcoming annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event scheduled to take place June 6-7 in Chicago. Registration and information: 773-248-3120; www.avonwalk.org or info.chicago@avonwalk.org.

STRICTLY SAIL CHICAGO 2009, Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, Navy Pier, Festival Halls A & B, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Featuring the latest in sailboats and sailing products, hundreds of educational seminars and more. Schedule: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $12 Thursday and Friday (adults), $15 Saturday and Sunday (adults), $24 two-day adult pass, free for children ages 15 and younger accompanied by an adult. Information: 401-293-5207 or www.strictlysailchicago.com.

ZOOS

Regional

BROOKFIELD ZOO, 31st Street and First Avenue, Brookfield, 708-485-0263 or www.brookfieldzoo.org. Featuring more than 2,000 exotic and familiar animals on 216 acres. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Admission: $11 adults, $7 seniors and children 3-11, free for zoo members and children 2 and younger. Parking: $8. Free admission Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in January and February.

Chicago

LINCOLN PARK ZOO, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, 312-742-2000 or www.lpzoo.org. General hours: Grounds 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. buildings and farm 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Houses more than 2,000 birds, mammals and reptiles, including the world’s largest collection of gorillas in the great ape house. Also, orangutans, chimpanzees, a children’s petting zoo and Farm-in-the-Zoo. Free admission. There is a charge for parking.