Headin' out: Wildlife exhibit in W. Chicago

Freebie

‘Wildlife and Pet Portraits'

See the “Wildlife and Pet Portraits” exhibit featuring detailed wildlife portraiture by artist Paul Nemejc.

Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, and noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 17-18, at Gallery 200, 200 Main St., West Chicago. Free admission. (630) 293-9550 or gallery200.org.

Today

Calling all car lovers

The 2011 Chicago Auto Show is in full swing, featuring an estimated 1,000 vehicles on display. Guests can see both world and North American model introductions and everything from domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks to antique models. Other events include auto-related exhibits and special daily appearances.

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Saturday, Feb. 13-19, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago. $$7-$11. Kids ages 6 and younger admitted free, when accompanied by a paying adult. Visit chicagoautoshow.com.

Chocolate anyone?

The Round Lake Area Public Library hosts its “Fine Chocolates” chocolate-sampling program for adults and mature teens. Participants can taste a variety of chocolates and learn about the differences.

2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Round Lake Area Public Library, 906 Hart Road, Round Lake. Free admission. (847) 546-7060.

‘Royko in Love'

The Highland Park Historical Society presents a Valentine's benefit, “A Love Story for Valentine's Day: Royko in Love.” David Royko, son of Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper columnist Mike Royko and editor of the book “Royko in Love,” journalist Rick Kogan and actor JoBe Cerny will give a performance about Mike Royko's love letters to his first wife, Carol. The event also includes a champagne and sweets reception, a meet-and-greet session, a book signing and a raffle.

2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Admission is $50 per person ($40 for seniors), or $90 per couple ($75 for senior couples). (847) 432-7090 or highlandparkcommunityhouse.org.

Park Ridge Civic Orchestra

Come hear mezzo soprano soloist Anne Marie Lewis and tenor soloist Peder Reiff, who will be featured in the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra's program of classical and miscellaneous selections.

2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. $25. (847) 318-9123 or ParkRidgeCivicOrchestra.org.

‘High Spirits'

“High Spirits” is a musical comedy based upon Noel Coward's “Blithe Spirit” about a man who is haunted by the ghost of his late wife.

3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Tickets cost $17-$19. (847) 202-5222.

Kick up your heels

The public is invited to the Barn Dance at the Kuhn Village Barn at Fermilab in Batavia. The evening features American contra (traditional New England dance in opposing lines) and square dancing with live music.

6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Kuhn Village Barn at Fermilab, Kirk Road and Pine Street, Batavia. $6 adults; $3 seniors and teens. (630) 840-2061 or fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub.

This week

Spend V-Day with David

See multiplatinum recording artist and former 1970s teen idol David Cassidy as he headlines the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. Cassidy will sing many of his greatest hits, including “I Think I Love You” and “I Woke Up in Love This Morning.”

8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets cost $50-$70. (630) 530-8300 or Drurylaneoakbrook.com.

‘Fadeaway Girl' author

Meet mystery author Martha Grimes as she discusses and signs copies of her new novel, “Fadeaway Girl,” a sequel to her best-selling “Belle Ruin.”

7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880 or thebookstall.com.

Stallions on parade

See the Lipizzaner Stallions prance and dance in an Austrian horse revue at Northern Illinois University's Convocation Center.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University, 1525 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. $21.50-$29.50. (815) 752-6800.

Ralphie May

Comedian Ralphie May of “Last Comic Standing” fame headlines at Chicago's Vic Theatre.

8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. $32.50. (800) 745-3000.