The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, will have a birthday party for the city from 1-3 p.m. March 4 to mark its incorporation on March 4, 1837. (Chronicle Media photo)

Feb. 28-March 3

“Skeleton Crew”
Various times
Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
$30-$81

The play is set at the start of the Great Recession, when workers at one of the last auto plants in Detroit confront the life-altering choices they must make if their plant goes under. When pushed to the limits of survival, how far over the lines are people willing to cross? To check performance time and ticket prices, go to ev2.evenue.net or call (847) 673-6300.

March 1

“Cycle of Segregation” Book Signing
7-9 p.m.
Address will be given with purchase of tickets
$25

Interested in learning how Oak Park is a national model in disrupting the cycle of segregation? Curious about the hidden causes of racial, residential segregation? Come hear local author and national expert, Maria Krysan, read from her new book, “Cycle of Segregation,” and share a “thoughtful policy prescription for dismantling segregation.”  The event will be a benefit for the Oak Park Regional Housing Center. Tickets are limited. Go to secure.lglforms.com or call (708) 848-7150, ext. 124, for more information and tickets.

March 2

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
7-9 p.m.
Rotary International, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston
$10 general admission

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is a two-evening event presented annually by the Evanston Environmental Association (EEA). The festival offers a lineup of the best in environmental and adventure short films covering a variety of topics relevant to those concerned about the future of our planet. EEA members get discounts. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit evanstonenvironment.org/filmfest/. The film festival’s second date is March 16.

March 3

Elk Grove Farmers Market
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Christus Victor Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village
Free

The winter version of the Elk Grove Farmers Market is held on the first and third Saturdays through April. For more information, call (630) 878-7627.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
1-2:30 p.m.
Madison Street, Forest Park
Free

More than 70 entries including bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, local business entries, Medinah Shriner parade units, local police and fire departments and much more, are just the beginning of a great day on Madison Street. Restaurants will be open for after-parade meals.

Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike
1:30 pm.
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S. Paxson Ave., South Holland
Free

A Cook County Forest Preserve naturalist will lead a vigorous hike as part of Sand Ridge’s monthly hiking club. Participants will hike on one of the nature center’s trails. Call (708) 868-0606 with questions.

Jazz Thaw
3-10 p.m.
Marion Street, Downtown Oak Park
Free

Sip, sizzle and swing during a jazz tour presented by 90.9 WDCB-FM and Downtown Oak Park. Live jazz will be performed in a number of restaurants on Lake and Marion streets and other neighboring streets. For a list of restaurants and times of performances, go to downtownoakpark.net.

Try Hockey for Free Day
3:20 p.m.
Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St., Evanston
Free

The Evanston Youth Hockey Association invites boys and girls to a Try Hockey for Free clinic as part of Hockey Weekend Across America. Local youth, ages 4 to 9, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment. To register, visit TryHockeyForFree.com. For more information, contact wildkitshockey@gmail.com.

March 4-11

Rosemont Restaurant Week
11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Participating Rosemont restaurants
Menu prices vary

Diners can take advantage of special prix fixe, three-course lunch and dinner menus at a variety of Rosemont restaurants. Rosemont Restaurant Week menus start at $11.99 per person. For more information, go to rosemontrestaurantweek.com.

March 4

Chicago’s Birthday
1-3 p.m.
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
Free for all Illinois residents

The museum will have a birthday party for the city to mark its incorporation on March 4, 1837. Festivities will include family-friendly activities, as well as Eli’s cheesecake and special certificates for individuals who were born on March 4.

–Cook County Calendar of Events Feb. 28 – March 4–