February

What: “Things of the Heart”
When: through Feb. 20
Where: Gateway Gallery, Clayton
This exhibition will feature the intricate woodwork of Vic Barr, whose phenomenal jewelry boxes, humidors and hand-turned pens will be on display. The gallery is located at 7921 Forsyth Blvd., and the hours are 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.
Info: (314) 402-1959, or visit www.gatewaygalleryonline.com

What: “RACE: Are We So Different?” exhibit
When: through April 4
Where: St. Louis, Missouri History Museum, Forest Park
Information: (314) 746-4599, www.mohistory.org. Interactive exhibition allows visitors to learn the history of race, the role of science in that history and the subtle and obtrusive expressions of race and racism in institutions and daily lives.

What: Soulard Mardi Gras
When: through Feb. 16
Where: St. Louis, Historic Soulard Neighborhood
Information: (314) 771-5110, www.stlmardigras.org. Parades, restaurant tastings, special events and bar hopping.

What: Orchid Show
When: through March 14
Where: St. Louis, Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.
Information: (314) 577-9400, www.mobot.org. Show features 800 orchids from one of the world’s best collections. Admission to show is $5.

What: Black History Month
When: Feb. 1–28
Where: St. Louis, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse), downtown
Information: (314) 655-1700, www.gatewayarch.com. A month-long program at the Old Courthouse and Gateway Arch Museum of Westward Expansion featuring historical character portrayals, storytellers, concerts, special films, Dred Scott Trial reenactments with visitor participants, Underground Railroad programs, ranger programs, education programs, and more.

What: Eagle Viewing at Montauk State Park
When: Feb. 5 and 20
Where: Salem, state Highway 119
Information: (573) 548-2201, www.mostateparks.com. Meet at the old stone shelter house

What: First Friday Art Walk
When: 6 to 10 p.m., Feb. 5
Where: Springfield, downtown.
Information: (417) 862-2787, www.springfieldarts.org/firstfridayartwalk. Free.

What: Chocolate Tour
When: 1 to 5 p.m., Feb. 6
Where: Excelsior Springs, downtown shops
Information: (816) 630-6161, www.exspgschamber.com. Sample free chocolate morsels from various downtown shops.

What: Fairie Tale Village
When: Feb. 6–April 25
Where: Kansas City, Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd.
Information: (816) 274-8444, www.crowncenter.com. Children's tales come to life as you walk into a world of make-believe to interact with characters from favorite stories and rhymes. Free.

What: Auto Fest
When: Feb. 6–7
Where: Springfield, Ozark Empire Fair, 3001 N. Grand
Information: (417) 833-2660, www.ozarkempirefair.com.

What: Polar Plunge
When: noon, Feb. 6
Where: Cape Girardeau, Trail of Tears State Park, Lake Boutin
Information: (573) 339-6733. Annual Missouri Special Olympics benefit begins with registration at noon with the plunge at 2 p.m.

What: St. Louis Boat and Sports Show
When: Feb. 10–14
Where: St. Louis, America’s Center
Information: (314) 946-6200, www.stlouisboatshow.com. The show features the latest boats, engines, marine accessories and more in the boating industry.

What: 29th Annual Sertoma Chili Cook-off
When: 11 a.m. Feb. 13
Where: Springfield, Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis
Information: (417) 863-1231, www.sertomachilicookoff.com. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Food and music provided.

What: Fifth Annual St. Louis Blues Festival
When: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 19
Where: St. Louis, Chaifetz Arena at St. Louis University
Information: (314) 534-1111, www.thechaifetzarena.com. Tickets $49.50 and $59.50.

What: St. Louis French Festival
When: Feb. 24–March 1
Where: St. Louis, various locations
Information: (314) 533-7662

What: “Meeting of Minds”
When: Feb. 26–April 3
Where: Gateway Gallery, Clayton
Heather Haymart’s modeling paste and acrylic paint are the highlight of Gateway Gallery’s exhibition called “Meeting of Minds.” Featured also will be a collaborative piece created by the partners of the gallery. The gallery is located at 7921 Forsyth Blvd., and the hours are 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.
Info: (314) 402-1959, or visit www.gatewaygalleryonline.com

What: 15th Annual Polar Bear Plunge and Strut
When: Feb. 27
Where: Osage Beach, Lake of the Ozarks State Park public beach 2, off state Highway 54
Information: (573) 635-1660

March

What: Greater Kansas City FIRST Robotics Competition
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 4–6
Where: Kansas City, Hale Arena, 1701 American Royal Court
Information: 816 513-4000, www.kemperarenakc.com. High School students to learn how to design and to actually build a working robot to solve an annually assigned challenge and demonstrate their solution in a competition.

What: Women’s History Weekend
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., March 13–14
Where: Sibley, Fort Osage, 107 Osage St.
Information: (816) 503-4860. This event depicts the role of women during the time Fort Osage was in operation.

What: 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Parade
When: March 13
Where: St. Louis, downtown, St. Louis Union Station
Information: (314) 241-7287, www.irishparade.org. The 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run begins at 9 a.m. (314-231-2598) followed by the parade at noon. Irish Village at Kiener Plaza, 6th and Market. Food, fun and live entertainment for the whole family.

What: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: 1 p.m. March 13
Where: Lake Ozark, Bagnell Dam Strip
Information: (573) 280-5477