ONE-TANK TRIPS

ILLINOIS

Through Feb. 20 | Chicago Auto Show, McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, www.chicagoautoshow.com

Auto enthusiasts trek to this annual convention — celebrating its 104th anniversary this year — of more than 1,000 of the newest cars, trucks, SUVs and concept cars, all displayed within the colossal confines of McCormick Place.

Through Feb. 26 | A Circus with a Purpose, 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, (312) 803-0096, www.windycitycircus.org

This circus features awe-inspiring performers from countries around the globe, plus circus performers depicting historic Chicago characters. Windy City Circus will donate 80 percent of all net proceeds from its winter 2012 performances to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and to Special Olympics Chicago.

Feb. 24-26 | IKC Dog Show, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, www.ikcdogshow.com

In its 151st year, more than 100,000 visitors will get the chance to see approximately 8,000 purebred dogs from 150 breeds demonstrate their ability in a variety of competitions.

March 10-18 | 18th Annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, (312) 595-5400, www.chicagoflower.com

In the style of high fashion and wearable art, this event celebrates "Hort Couture." Designed to inspire, educate and motivate, the Garden Show will reflect the influence of fashion and design in floral, plant and landscape creations.

Through April 28 | Winter French Market, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Wheaton Metra Station, Main Street and Liberty Drive, downtown Wheaton, www.downtownwheaton.com

Cold weather can't stop vendors at this seasonal market from selling flowers, locally grown produce, jewelry, crafts and more.

INDIANA

Through Feb. 19 | Gary Film Festival, 7 p.m. today, 5 p.m. Sunday, Glen Theatre, 20 W Ridge Rd., Gary, (219) 887-9621, www.urbanleagueofnwi.org

The Urban League of Northwest Indiana and African American Achievers Youth Corps are sponsoring this film festival, hosted by Gary native and Hollywood actor William L. Johnson. Saturday movie shorts include "Oxtail," "Move" and "Catfish & Gumbo" followed by feature length film "Marco Polo." Sunday's feature films are "Candy Shop" and Mark Spencer's film "Posin.'"

Feb. 23 | Of Stage and Scream, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana St, Valparaiso, (219) 548-9137, www.mohlive.com

This event features a silent movie accompaniment from 1913 (including three short silent films), a silly horror experience with "Godzilla Eats Las Vegas," John Philip Sousa's take on being "At the Movies," and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" remembering the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

April 19 | The Midwest Smoke Out, 5 to 10 p.m., The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr., Hammond, (888) 226-0330, www.midwestsmokeout.com. The second-largest cigar show in the country returns with dozens of big brands of premium cigars, spirits and luxury items.

MICHIGAN

Through Feb. 29 | 2nd Annual Harbor Country Chocolate Classic, various times and locations, Harbor Country, (269)469-5409, www.harborcountry.org

This event features chocolate-themed movies, ice-sculpting, sleigh rides and creative activities for all ages. Culinary venues will offer chocolate-chip pancakes, hand-made truffles, and chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate-enhanced wine and locally brewed specialty beer. Chocolate Classic retailers entice shoppers with specials on chocolate-hued items including jewelry, glass, furniture and more. Visitors can also win special prizes by participating in various chocolate-themed guessing games.

Feb. 25 | The Great Food & Wine Symposium, 7:30-10 p.m., Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, (616) 456-3977

At West Michigan's premier wine-tasting event, guests can enjoy more than 300 wines and beers from around the world, gourmet selections and classical music.