February 17–26: Windy City Circus
Watch aerial and trapeze artists fly through the air — yes, with ease! – plus jugglers, clowns, show horses and more international acts during this spectacular event, which has been dubbed “a circus with a purpose” for its charitable mission. Most of the proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana and Special Olympics Chicago. Tues.–Fri. 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m; Sat. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Mon. (Feb. 20) 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312/803-0096. windycitycircus.org

Through April 4: Blood/Stones: Burmese Rubies
Before you head to the jewelry store for that perfect trinket, head to the Field Museum for an education in the world trade of Burmese rubies and jade. Follow photographer Christian Holst through Myanmar (Burma), where jewel harvest exploitation is rampant. 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago. 312/922-9410. fieldmuseum.org

February 3: Pass Punt & Party Pub Crawl
It’s that time of year for talked-about TV commercials, chips and dip, and watch parties everywhere — and here’s another! Get ready to “crawl” through pubs in Franklin, Indiana. You’ll receive one drink per bar, as well as a free lanyard, koozie, and bracelet as souvenirs. Registration 6–7 p.m. Franklin Parks & Recreation Department, 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin, 317/736-3689. journeyjohnsoncounty.com

February 4: Reservoir Ramble Geocache Challenge
Challenge yourself during this geocaching mission that will take you through Lake Monroe’s public recreation areas. Find what others have left behind! Those who complete the challenge by 4 p.m. will be included in a drawing to win an Annual Entrance Pass for Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs. Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Lake Monroe–Paynetown State Recreation Area, 4850 S. S.R. 446, Bloomington. 812/837-9546 geocaching.com

February 3–May 6: “Renoir to Chagall: Paris and the Allure of Color”
Do you know a Renoir when you see one? Come see famous works by the artist and his peers including Monet, Degas, Pisarro, and more noted French impressionists from the 19th to 20th centuries. Portraits, still lifes, interiors, scenes of daily life and more will be on display. Wed.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Closed Mon.–Tues. The Speed Art Museum, 2035 S. Third St., Louisville, 503/634-2700. www.speedmuseum.org

February 11: “The Legend of Johnny Cash”
Starring Johnny Cash impersonator Philip Bauer, this touring show presents a tribute to “the Man in Black.” Relive Cash’s life and career through ballads that sound just like the legend himself. The Center for Rural Development, 2292 S. U.S. 27, Somerset. 606-677-6000. centertech.com

February 4: Mid-Winter’s Chocolate Therapy
You’ve made it through the cold season this far, but even the most resolute weather-bearers sometimes need a little pick-me-up. Enjoy sampling chocolate made by chocolatiers from around Michigan, a chocolate-making demonstration, wedding cake display, Valentine’s Day gifts, and live music. Sat. 4-6 p.m. Bellaire Ballroom of Summit Village, Shanty Creek Resorts, 5780 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire. 800-678-4111. Shantycreek.com

February 18: Romancing the Riesling
TheSpend Valentine’s Day weekend with your sweetheart sampling Riesling varietals along the Old Mission Peninsula in Northern Michigan. Enjoy food pairings and a special souvenir glass, as well as discounts on wine purchases. The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse will host a special Riesling seminar lead by winemaker Sean O’Keefe on Sat. 1–2:30 p.m. Call or visit the website for ticket pricing. Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Various participating wineries, Old Mission Peninsula, 231/223-7355. wineriesofoldmission.com

February 2–5: Empire State Winter Games
Get your game on in the Adirondacks when about 1,000 amateur athletes living in New York gather to compete in a variety of wintertime events, from alpine skiing to bobsled and luge. Call for locations and event times. Lake Placid, Adirondacks, 518/474-8889. empirestatewintergames.com

February 11–12: Buffalo Winterfest and Powder Keg Festival
Niagara Square and the Statler City Building will be the site of this local festival, which will include a snowman building competition, snowboarding contest, strong man/woman competition, wood carvers, dog sled demonstrations, a beer garden and live music and more. Check website or call for event times. Niagara Square and Statler City, Buffalo. 716/479-6545. buffalowinterfest.com

February 10: That’s Amore! – A Taste of Romantic Italian Wines
Get an education aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad during a Grape Escape wine-tasting train excursion. Riders will be sampling five Italian wines, along with hors d’oeuvres, while volunteers explain the wines’ origins and distinguishing characteristics that separate these passionate wines from the rest. Purchase tickets in advance online. Fri. 7–9 p.m. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence. 800/468-4070. cvsr.com

February 25–26: Snow Trails Winter Carnival
Celebrate the snowy season as you spend the weekend skiing and snow tubing, and enjoying live music and entertainment during this 51st annual winter fest. Snow Trails Ski Resort, 3100 Possum Run Rd., Mansfield. 419/774-9818. snowtrails.com

February 2–22: Love From Afar, presented by Canadian Opera Company
Celebrate love’s signature month by attending this opera, created by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, which captures the story of a French troubadour’s quest to meet a beautiful woman living in Tripoli. Tues.–Sun. Times vary. Four Seasons Center, 145 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416/363-8231. coc.ca

February 24–27: Bloor-Yorkville IceFest
See magnificent ice sculpture displays, including an “ice log cabin,” on-street performers, and skating performances by “Glisse on Ice.” An ice-carving contest will take place Saturday in the Village of Yorkville Park. Fri.–Sun. noon–5 p.m. Cumberland and Bellair streets, Village of Yorkville Park. 416/928-3553, ext. 28.
bloor-yorkville.com

February 3–5: Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival
Ice carving demonstrations are the highlight of this weekend-long festival, which also includes exciting games, a Chocolate Lover’s Festival and even a Polar Bear Plunge into the chilly waters of the Susquehanna River. Hufnagle Park and other locations, 413 Market St., Lewisburg, 570/523-1743. lewisburgpa.com

February 4–5, 11–12: Cross Country Skiing
Not a fan of slopes? Take a cross-country skiing lesson, then experience wildlife and nature’s winter wonder in the Pocono Mountains. Skis and boots will be provided. If there’s no snow, winter hikes will be offered instead. Sat. 9–11 a.m., Sun. 1–3 p.m. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Rd., Dingmans Ferry, 570/828-2319. peec.org

February 2: Groundhog’s Day Ski at White Grass
Don’t rely on the groundhog to decide when winter’s going to end. Instead, find out for yourself by joining a day-long, clues-driven journey through West Virginia’s backwoods. Thurs. 9 a.m. White Grass Ski Touring Center, 643 Weiss Knob Ski Rd., Davis, 304/866-4114. whitegrass.com

February 10–12: Sweetheart Weekend
Head to Twin Falls Resort State Park for a special weekend package that includes two nights’ lodging in the resort or cabins, a nature walk, Saturday dinner, music, hors d’oeuvres, souvenir champagne glass, drinks, a Sweet Cash Auction and more. Twin Falls Resort State Park, RR 97, Mullens, 304/294-4000. twinfallsresort.com