Best Bets: Skate for the Heart, wine fest, Paul Rodriguez at Paramount
I heart skating
"Skate for the Heart" is a to-be-televised NBC show to benefit heart health-care charities. Skating champions Evan Lysacek of Naperville, Sasha Cohen, Johnny Weir and Alissa Czisny are on the bill, alongside pop sensations Jordin Sparks, Charice, Honor Society and more. Olympic medalists Peggy Fleming and Michelle Kwan are co-hosts. The taping is Saturday at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $30-$187. (800) 745-3000 or searscentre.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Devine wine
The 7th Annual Naperville Wine Festival returns to Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Along with the tastings, there will be wine and cooking demonstrations by The Hearty Boys, master sommelier Serafin Alvarado and many more. The $30 admission includes a souvenir glass, 10 tastings and entertainment. $10 designated driver admission. (847) 382-1480 or napervillewinefestival.com. 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Just for laughs
Latino comedian and actor Paul Rodriguez brings his celebrated brand of comedy to the Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $39.50-$49.50. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18
Family fun
The March for Metropolis is a 5K family walk and fundraiser with kids' games and treats. The walk starts at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The $25 registration fee includes a T-shirt and refreshments. Proceeds go to benefit the Metropolis' School of the Performing Arts. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Ready to 'Rallye'
Seek out clues via automobile in the "The Famous Puzzler Rallye," which starts Saturday at Woodfield Mall's parking lot (near light post B-2) at Golf Road at Route 53, Schaumburg. $25-$30. Proceeds go to benefit United Parent Support for Down syndrome. (847) 650-5614 or upsfordowns.org. 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Songs of Mexico
The Grammy Award-nominated Sones de Mexico Ensemble performs music and dance from different regions of Mexico on Saturday at the College of Lake County's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $20-$30; $18 seniors; $15 students. (847) 543-2300 or jlcenter.clcillinois.edu. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Hispanic heritage
"Mosaico Hispanico" celebrates worldwide Hispanic culture with performances by Las Guitarras de Espana, the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago and Mannix Martinez & Su Orquesta. Catch them all Saturday at Ramsey Auditorium in Fermilab's Wilson Hall, Kirk Road and Pine Street, Batavia. $22; $11 ages 18 and under. (630) 840-2787 or fnal.gov/culture. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
A Jersey boy
The artistic career of New Jersey-native Bruce Springsteen was recently acknowledged with a 2009 Kennedy Center Honor. See why "The Boss" endures when he and the E Street Band perform the full "Born to Run" album and other favorites at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $65-$98. (800) 745-3000 or unitedcenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
Plant heroics
The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center is the new Chicago Botanic Garden research facility dedicated to "Save the Plants, Save the Planet." The Science Center features interactive exhibits about endangered plants, a roof garden and a special open house next weekend. See it at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Free admission, but parking is $20 per car. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org. Opens to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23; behind-the-scenes open house weekend 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27