ONE-TANK TRIPS

ILLINOIS

Feb. 10-20 | 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.

Feb. 12| Be My Valentine, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 160 E Pearson St, Chicago, (312) 926-7133, www.lynnsage.org

This fifth annual event for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation features a scrumptious family brunch buffet, Valentine's activities for children and special concert by award-winning children's musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. The event will also include music, dancing, make-over's, cookie decorating, a silent auction, raffle and special performance by Pinkalicioius: The Musical.

Feb. 17-26 | 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.

INDIANA

Feb. 17 | Winter Bird I.D., 10 a.m., Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, 6201 Parrish Ave, Hammond, (219) 844-3188, www.lakecountyparks.com

Many species of birds stay in Northwest Indiana during winter, from small songbirds and waterfowl to various raptors. Join a park naturalist at Gibson Woods to find out what birds may be found and where to look for them. A short hike may be included, if weather permits.

MICHIGAN

Feb. 4-5 | New Buffalo Winter Fest, various times and locations, New Buffalo, (888)660-6222, www.newbuffalo.org

This festival offers winter fun activities including free sleigh rides through town, ice-skating, ice carving demonstrations and more.

Feb. 10 | Fire and Ice Party, 8 to 11:30 p.m., Shadowland Ballroom, 333 Broad St, St. Joseph, (269) 982-8500, www.silverbeachcarousel.com

This event features dancing to the hot music of the Sprague Brothers, a cash bar with tropical drinks, beer and wine. Flip flops and tropical wear optional, but encouraged.

Feb. 10-12 | 8th Annual Magical Ice Carving Festival, various times and locations, downtown St. Joseph, (269) 983-7248, www.sjtoday.org

Watch sculptures being carved while enjoying shopping, dining, wine tasting, kids activities and magic shows.