Illinois
Feb. 26 — Gardeners Pathway “Grow Yourself,” Malta. The University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County Master Gardeners and Kishwaukee College present this one-day symposium of workshops for gardeners of all levels of experience. There will be 18 workshops at the college. Advance registration required, and Feb. 21 is the registration deadline. Fee applies; 815-825-2086, ext. 2040; http://www.kishwaukeecollege.edu/gardeners_pathway. Miles from Chicago: 70
Feb. 27 — Opole Philharmonic of Poland, Rockford. The Rockford Coronado Concert Association presents this orchestra, founded in 1947, in its first transcontinental tour of the U.S. Fee applies; 815-968-0595; rccaconcerts.org. Miles from Chicago: 85
Indiana
Feb. 26-27, March 5-6 — Parke County Maple Syrup Festival, Rockville area. Visit “sugar camps” to see how maple trees are tapped and the sap turned into tasty maple syrup. Then sample some on pancakes. You also will find artwork and collectibles on display at various locales. Fee for some events; 765-569-5226; tinyurl.com/65xjl6f. Miles from Chicago: 185
Iowa
Through March 20 — The Oxford Project at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum, West Branch. This exhibit of black-and-white photographs of the residents of Oxford, Iowa, taken 20 years apart shows the transformation in the lives of the residents of a small town. Fee varies; 319-643-5301; tinyurl.com/2up9x5m. Miles from Chicago: 215
Michigan
Feb. 18-20 — Winter Wow!fest, Traverse City. Ice and snow sculptures, family activities, ice-cream-eating contest, dog pull, live music, beer tent and cardboard bobsled-o-rama are just some of the fun things that will fill this weekend. Fee for some events; winterwowfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 325
Feb. 18-19 — Antique & Vintage Snowmobile Show & Ride, Naubinway. Classic sleds hit the trails and are on display during the 19th annual event, which also features the Hus-Ski Hustle, hot dogs at the bonfire and a visit to Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum. Fee for museum; 906-477-6298; tinyurl.com/2byjjw3. Miles from Chicago: 420
Feb. 25-27 — Autorama, Detroit. Hot rods, specialty cars and other featured vehicles roll into the Motor City’s Cobo Center for the 59th annual Cavalcade of Customs. Fee varies; 248-373-1700; autorama.com/casi. Miles from Chicago: 285
Wisconsin
Feb. 23-27 — Tripoli Shrine Circus, Milwaukee. Lions and tigers and elephants, oh my. And, acrobats, clowns and more at U.S. Cellular Arena. Fees vary; 800-745-3000; milwaukeecircus.com. Miles from Chicago: 90
Feb. 24-27 — 2011 American Birkebeiner, Hayward. The internationally known cross-country ski race is Saturday, the 26th, but there are plenty of other activities, including the Barkie Birkie Skijor Race, in which dogs pull skiers. Fee for skiers, and some events are already closed; 715-634-5025; birkie.com. Miles from Chicago: 420
Feb. 25-27 — Green Bay Film Festival. Screenings of nearly 70 films from nine countries. There also will be seminars and sessions with filmmakers. Fees vary; 920-436-4777; gbfilmfestival.org. Miles from Chicago: 200
