FEB. 8-17

BIG AUTO SHOW

Islanders would need a good reason to visit chilly Chicago in winter, but the largest auto show in North America will be sufficient motivation for many. The 100th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, presented by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, is set for Feb. 8-17 in 1.3 million square feet at McCormick Place on Lake Shore Drive at 23rd Street. The show displays a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks, sport utility vehicles, experimental and concept cars — nearly 1,000 in all. Tickets, on sale online, are just $10, with discounts available. www.chicagoautoshow.com.

JAN. 19

HULA FESTIVAL AT PCC

Jan. 19 is the tentative date for the 17th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival at the Polynesian Cultural Center, an exhibition that honors "Aunty Sally" — the late Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai, the center's kumu hula from its opening in October 1963 until she retired in 1980, after which she served as hula consultant until her death in January 2000. Once a competition for children featuring modern-style hula, the festival now is a showcase of all forms of the dance. www.polynesia.com.

FEB. 2-5

CARNAVAL IN RIO

Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval puts to shame even New Orleans' famed Mardi Gras, which celebrates the same pre-Lent season. It's a warm-weather, outdoor event, with street processions with floats, garbed dancers and the famed Samba School Parade. www.ipanema.com.