If you’re dreaming of spring, I hate to tell you this, but we’re not quite there yet. So, stay warm this weekend with these fun events.

Start with a film festival that raises awareness of various environmental issues before enjoying brunch and an inside look at the Art Institute’s newest exhibit. You can also purchase tickets for Broadway in Chicago’s latest show or a circ-tacular show in Evanston.

And, if this winter hasn’t fazed you, celebrate the best the season has to offer at a Winter Carnival in Northbrook.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Feb. 20
Evanston

Kick off your weekend with this film festival focused on environmental short films that cover topics like fracking, the Wilderness Act’s 50th Anniversary, soccer, surfing and more.

Winter Carnival

Feb. 21
Northbrook

This free family event, postponed until this weekend due to January’s bitter temps, will feature ice sculpture and sled dog demos, a bonfire with s’mores, a snowshoe course, human spheres, ice skating, music, a food truck and more at Meadowhill Park.

ArtFEED featuring “Shatter Rupture Break”

Feb. 22
Chicago

Enjoy a brunch buffet and mimosa bar at the Art Institute as you hear from “Shatter Rupture Break” curators Liz Siegel and Sarah Kelly Oehler. Once you’ve had your fill of food, talk a walk through the exhibit. This event is hosted by Evening Associates, the museum’s member group for those 21-40.

Circuscope

Through March 22
Evanston

You’ll be fascinated by the Actors Gymnasium Winter Circus, which will be filled with acrobatics, mime, live music and out-of-this-world design.

“First Wives Club”

Through March 29
Chicago

This pre-Broadway World Premiere based on the 1992 book and 1996 film opened this week at the Oriental Theatre and features Christine Sherrill, Carmen Cusack and Tony Award-winner Faith Prince. And keep an eye out for our interview with Sherrill in our March/April magazine.