Umbrella Music Festival
Through Sunday at various locations; $15 each night (free Thursday)
This fourth annual all-star lineup of local and international musicians takes place across the city at some of the main venues for jazz and improvised music, like Elastic (Friday), Hideout (Saturday) and Hungry Brain (Sunday). And don't miss out on Thursday's free show at the Chicago Cultural Center, featuring Dutch group Guus Janssen Trio. Another pick to click: Matthew Shipp's eclectic show is sure to highlight Friday night's set (10 p.m.).

Battle of the Bhut XXX Wing Eating Contest
6 p.m. Thursday at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap; Watch 20 brave contestants eat their way through Jake Melnick's XXX wings in order to become the wing-eating champ (and win four boz seats to a Bulls or Hawks game). Even if you're not there to compete, you can enjoy 50-cent XXX Wings and $2 Miller Lite draft specials all night. Chicago Firefighters will be on hand, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the "Fill the Boot" program.

Eccentric Soul Revue
8 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln Hall; $30
Local independent label Numero Group presents the second installment of its ESR series. This one includes The Notations, Renaldo Domino, Pastor TL Bartlett, Sharon Clark, Linda Balintine and Syl Johnson, all of whom have been featured in prior and forthcoming Numero releases. Get tickets here.

Just missed the cut: Gavin Rossdale, Chylde, Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival, Outer Ear Festival, Chicago Humanities Festival,

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Weekend Warrior Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/lifestyle/articles/volunteering.html The holidays are always a time of surplus good cheer and great food, when we're reminded of our own good fortune and inspired to share it with those not so lucky; and in this period of economic strain, acts of generosity are increasingly welcome. The following organizations, committed to fighting hunger and homelessness, count on donations and the work of volunteers to keep needy Chicagoans fed and housed. The gift of your time or a few extra bucks in food and supplies could make someone's holidays a lot brighter. Greater Chicago Food Depository
4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, (773) 247-3663
Food pantries, homeless shelters and soup kitchens across Chicago depend on the Greater Chicago Food Depository to furnish their meals. Not surprisingly, demand for donated food has been steadily rising, so now is the ideal time to dig deep and chip in. Dry, canned, frozen and refrigerated foods are all suitable for donation to the Depository. Volunteers are needed weekday mornings to load trucks for distribution, stock the shelves at the Agency Mart?a storefront that supplies local pantries?and make delivery and pickup runs. Extra hands are sought Tuesdays through Saturdays to repack bulk items into family-size boxes.

You don't have to travel to 42nd Place and Pulaski to help out. Dominick's and ABC7 partner each holiday season to benefit the GCFD. The goal this year is to collect one million pounds of food, so remember to pick up a few extra goodies November 3 through January 3 of next year to drop in donation barrels located by Dominick's checkout lines. You can make depository donations at many area Whole Foods locations, too.

Lakeview Pantry
East: 3831 N. Broadway, (773) 525-1777
West: 1414 W. Oakdale, (773) 404-6333
With two locations, the Lakeview Pantry can use helping hands almost every day of the week. Food Distribution East seeks volunteers Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. to restock and repack food, work the counter and sort clothes. Help out at Food Distribution West Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Home delivery volunteers are welcome two Saturdays each month. If you'd like to make a monetary contribution that lasts into the New Year, the Pantry allows you to set up an automated monthly deduction of $10 or more. With just a few clicks, you can help fight hunger year-round.

Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation
4345 W. Division, (773) 252-3663
This organization not only feeds 150,000 people each month, but also strives to educate youth about healthy eating through Project Newtrition and train the unemployed and underemployed in culinary skills in Oliver's Kitchen. The Anti-Hunger Federation accepts non-perishable items like canned foods, boxed cereals and bottled juice as well as tax-deductible monetary donations. North Park Friendship Center
3448 W. Foster, (773) 267-8395
Donations of food, clothing, toys, books, blankets and kitchen wares are all welcome at this storefront on Foster and Kimball. Serving one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, the North Park Friendship Center is always in need of volunteer translators fluent in Russian, Spanish, Arabic or Vietnamese. Common Pantry
3744 N. Damen, (773) 327-0553
Bring non-perishable food, clothing and personal care items to this North Side pantry, located in the Epiphany United Church of Christ. Lend a hand stocking the shelves Mondays and Wednesdays or assembling grocery deliveries one Saturday each month. The Common Pantry also accepts donations of used ink cartridges, which can be mailed in for cash courtesy non-profit organization reycle4charity.com.

Deborah's Place
multiple locations, (773) 722-5080
This women's shelter, with locations in Lakeview and Old Town, needs volunteers to help serve dinner in the evenings. Or contribute your talents by teaching arts and crafts, tutoring at the learning center, helping out with the website or joining in fundraising efforts.

Breakthrough Urban Ministries
402 N. St. Louis, (773) 722-1144
Help serve breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of two locations once a month or volunteer to tutor youth once a week for a full semester. Volunteers are also sought for urban outreach to women struggling with addiction, teachers' assistants for pre-kindergarten kids and to coach basketball, soccer, baseball and T-ball.

Inspiration Corporation
multiple locations, (773) 878-0981
This organization dedicated to fighting homelessness seeks volunteers age 14 and up to cook, serve and pack bag lunches at two kitchens: the Inspiration Cafe [4554 N. Broadway] and the Living Room Cafe [806 E. 64th]. Tutors, yoga instructors, computer class instructors and those willing to help coach job training skills like resume writing and interviewing are always welcome.

United Church of Rogers Park
1545 W. Morse, (773) 761-2500
Each Sunday, the United Church of Rogers Park hosts a "community feast" at 5 p.m., open to all. Drop by early to help prepare the meal or head over Saturday morning to help bake the dozen pies served at the feast each week.

St. Ignatius Food Pantry
6559 N. Glenwood, (773) 764-5936
The St. Ignatius Food Pantry is seeking volunteers (especially those who speak Spanish or Russian) for help preparing meals and feeding the homeless. Volunteers are sought for help Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age to participate.

Leslie's Place
1014 N. Hamlin, (773) 342-8384
If you're looking to volunteer by helping prepare meals, Leslie's Place on the city's West Side is in need of volunteers Tuesday through Friday each week. Volunteers can participate in a group.

Third Sunday Food Pantry
5443 S. Washtenaw, (773) 419-6141
The Third Sunday Food Pantry is seeking volunteers to help prepare and distribute food, and to help with crowd control. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age to help and can participate in a group.

Got more to give? Check out these websites:

Virtual Food Drive
Don't have extra items to donate from your pantry? Even if you've got nothing extra to spare from the kitchen cabinets, you can still help donate food. Many companies have begun "virtual food" drives ? where you can virtually shop for items and donate without having to handle or drop off those extra cans. Donors get an instant receipt confirming their donation, and all money donated is restricted to food purchasing.

America's Second Harvest
It's the country's "food bank network" ? fighting hunger not only in the Chicago area, but across the nation. You'll find info on how to donate food in your area, corporate and personal volunteer opportunities across the country, and ways to donate money toward the fight against hunger. The group collects more than 2 billion pounds of food and grocery products each year. Ever wonder how the food you donate gets to those who are hungry? The group breaks the collection down into five steps, and shows you how your contribution really does make a difference.

Chicago Cares
Since 1991, Chicago Cares has created, managed, and led 20,000 community service projects, offered Chicagoans more than 275,000 volunteer opportunities, and dedicated 875,000 hours of service to the City of Chicago. These programs help meet the most pressing needs in education (adult and children), hunger, health and wellness, senior services, and environment and rehabilitation. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Be thankful for Centerstage Chicago's Thanksgiving Guide
Get Cookin' ~ Drink on the Eve
Buy a Pie ~ Eat Out
Eat at O'Hare ~ Munch Near Midway

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Live Well Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/lifestyle/articles/weekend-warrior-102909.html Lupe Fiasco plays Congress Theater this weekend (Sun-Times file photo) Lupe Fiasco
7 p.m. Thursday at Congress Theater; $30-$35
Chicago's own hip-hop superstar does a special Halloween-themed show. Expect some tricks and treats in a show that is becoming an annual tradition in the Chi. All ages are welcome. Get tickets here.

Rocky Horror Picture Show
8 p.m., through Saturday at the Athenaeum Theatre; $20
Do the Time Warp (again!) at this live theater production of the musical cult classic, with shows running through Halloween night. Dress up as your favorite character (and who wouldn't take the opportunity to emulate Meat Loaf as much as possible?), but leave the props at home. There are special goodie bags you can buy at the theater to join in on the action.

Enchantment Under the Ground: A Halloween Prom
10 p.m. Friday at Hideout; $8
Dress up, dance and drink at the Hideout's Halloween prom, featuring neurotic vampire comedian "Gory" Morey Lestat; Rutherford B. Bloodbath and his Halloween Band Who, Thankfully, Will Not Be Covering Any Misfits Songs Tonight (but will be covering all other rock bands); and Johnny and the Limelites, a nautically themed dance-worthy band. To top it off, DJs Melissa and Sam (from Laurie's Planet of Sound) will spin Halloween jams. Go if you dare.

iBAM!
11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Monday at the Irish-American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave.); $5 (free for kids)
Celebrate the Celtic New Year with a weekend-long festival of Irish Books, Arts and Music (get it?). This family-friendly event includes book sales, live dance and theater, Halloween fun for the kids and even a multi-media presentation on Irish author Bram Stoker, creator of Dracula.

Walk Of Shame After Halloween Party
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Faith & Whiskey; $35
The Saturday night Halloween parties are too numerous to mention here, so we'll focus on the day after, assuming you're not too partied out. Head to Lincoln Park hangout Faith & Whiskey for a five-hour drink package that includes a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, along with beer, wine and call liquor. Sarks in the Park will provide catered goods like an omelet station, hash browns and sandwiches. Wear your costume from the night before, pajamas or any Bears gear (they'll show the game at noon) and get five bucks off.

Just missed the cut: North Halsted Halloween Parade, DanceAfrica 2009, Blues Blast Music Awards, Frankenstein

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Weekend Warrior Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/lifestyle/articles/weekend-warrior-102209.html Steve Martin plays the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Chicago International Children's Film Festival
Starts Thursday (through November 1) at various theaters; $6 for kids, $9 for adults
Just as the Chicago International Film Festival winds down, the kids take over. More than 200 films from 40 countries will be shown to children of all ages, and judging is done solely by kids. See the complete schedule here. Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
8 p.m. Thursday at Cadillac Palace Theatre; $37-$75
The longtime funnyman drops the standup routine for a five-string banjo at this leg of a nationwide tour for charity. He's joined by the Steep Canyon Rangers, who are regulars on Grand Ole Opry. And did you know Martin now has three Grammys to his name -- two for comedy albums and another for his collaboration with Earl Scruggs on Foggy Mountain Breakdown in 2001.

NorthHalsted Horny Devil Bar Crawl
1-8 p.m. Saturday, starting at Spin; $10-$15
Get the Halloween party started a week early at this Boystown-wide bash, which includes drink specials at 11 different neighborhood bars. If you hit all of them, you can enter a raffle at the end of the night for more than two grand in prizes. Participating bars: Spin, Circuit, Cocktail, Firefly, Halsted's Bar & Grill, Hydrate, Lucky Horseshoe Lounge, Minibar, North End, Roscoe's Tavern and Scarlet.

Rockit Wing Fest
Through Friday at Rockit Bar & Grill; $10 per dozen
God bless Billy Dec. When the local bar bar owner/party machine isn't bringing down the house, he's bringing events such as Wingfest, where he lets chef James Gottwald go wing wild with the sauces all week long. When you're mixing your wings with ingredients like foie gras and a feta fondue, everybody wins. Check it out at both Rockit locations (River North and Wrigleyville).

Pippin's Second Annual Haunted House Bus Tour
6 p.m. Sunday, $35
Visit some of the spookiest spots in town on this unique tour. The bus leaves Pippin's Tavern at 6 p.m. and heads to St. Pascal's Haunted House (6143 W. Irving Park), Chronicles of the Cursed (560 W. Grand), Mahoney's Pub & Grill for a beer 'n' bathroom break, Fear at the Pier at Navy Pier and back to Pippin's around midnight. The price includes admission to all three haunted houses, the bus ride, plus beverages and snacks on the bus. Email duaneb@rushanddivision.com to reserve a spot. For more Halloween events, visit our Halloween guide.

Just missed the cut: Royster with the Oyster, The Drastics, Langhorne Slim

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Weekend Warrior Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/lifestyle/articles/weekend-warrior-101509.html Mike Doughty plays two shows this weekend. Mike Doughty
7 p.m. Thursday at Schubas, 9 p.m. Friday at Lincoln Hall, $20-$22
If you like studio works from Doughty (of Soul Coughing), like the recent Golden Delicious album, you absolutely can't miss seeing him in person. If possible, ind yourself a ticket to Friday's sold-out show at the brand-new Lincoln Hall, a live music venue just recently opened by the Schubas crew. Doughty will be joined on stage by cellist Andrew "Scrap" Livingston, who played guitar on Golden Delicious.

Bhangratheque's 3rd Annual Diwali Bash
9 p.m. Friday, Funky Buddha Lounge, cover varies (ladies free before 11 p.m.)
Share in the tradition of the Indian festival of lights at this party, which features DJs Jimmy Singh and Xception. Get in the swing of things with bhangra dance lessons at 9:30 and Indian-inspired drink specials all night. Indian/ethnic attire is encouraged.

Around The Coyote Fall Arts Festival
Friday-Sunday, various locations in Wicker Park, $10 for a festival pass; $35 for complete pass (includes opening and closing parties)
This multiple-venue fest in Wicker Park will feature over 100 artists, from painters and photographers to poets, musicians and dancers. There's even a potluck slideshow! Make sure and hit the opening and closing parties: The opener on Friday includes special lounge hours (9-11 p.m.) at Blu Coral. The closing party at Subterranean features music from Magic Carpet, Candle Hoax and milieu.

Heart of Chicago Festival
Friday-Sunday, Heart of Italy (24th & Oakley), free
Celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month in style with this inaugural festival on the southwest side. Sample food from local restaurants like Ignotz Ristorante, Il Vicinato, Bacchanalia and La Fontanella. Live music includes The Buckinghams (Saturday at 8 p.m.) and Rick Saucedo (Sunday at 6:15 p.m.). And don't miss the grape stomping competition on Saturday (3:15 p.m.).

Pick your pie at Sunday's Bucktown Applie Pie Contest.

Just missed the cut: Tortured Soul, Bluegrass & Blues Festival PreParty, Wilco, Eden Place Pumpkin Festival, Long Grove Oktoberfest

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Weekend Warrior Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/lifestyle/articles/weekend-warrior-100809.html See Alkaline Trio Sunday at the Congress as part of Riot Fest. Riot Fest
Through Sunday, various theaters, prices vary ($70 for a three-day pass to Congress Theater)
Several rockin' shows spread out across five venues (Congress Theater, Metro, Subterranean, Double Door, Cobra Lounge) over five days. We're talking mosh-inducing rock and punk including Screeching Weasel, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, Naked Raygun, Butthole Surfers and The Dead Milkmen. Oi!

Chicago International Film Festival
Through October 22, AMC River East 21, prices vary
You pretty much can't go wrong with any of the 100-plus films that will be screened over the next two weeks, but opening night is a can't-miss affair. Uma Thurman will appear to receive an award from the festival, as well as screen her new movie, Motherhood.
More: Check out our festival picks

Vegan Mania
Saturday, Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, free
This daylong celebration of the vegan lifestyle offers plenty of food, entertainment, speakers, art, kids' activities and more. Performers include synth artist dreamlogicc, contemporary songwriter Bryan Harrell, Egyptian belly-dancer Deserae and funk/rock band Darmata.

Rakim
11:59 p.m. Saturday at House of Blues, $23-$25
You hate to throw around a term like "living legend" lightly, but that's what Rakim is to many in hip-hop circles. He'll be showcasing his first studio album in over a decade, The Seventh Seal, along with an impressive collection of previous hits. Local singer/hip-hopstress Psalm One opens.

Andersonville Dessert Crawl
2-5 p.m. Sunday, starting at the Swedish American Museum Center, $25-$40
Give your sweet tooth a workout at this fourth annual event, which features a stroll through the Andersonville neighborhood while munching on desserts and pastries from area merchants. Choose from one of two routes ("sugar" or "spice") for $25 each, or do 'em both ("everything nice") for $40. Participating restaurants include: George's Ice Cream & Sweets, Hamburger Mary's, In Fine Spirits, La Cocina de Frida, Noodle Zone, Piatto Pronto, Svea, The Coffee Studio, Big Jones and Wooden Spoon.

Just missed the cut: Chicago Marathon, Fiera Italiana, Harvest Festival (North Park Village Nature Center), Tom Russell

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Weekend Warrior Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/lifestyle/articles/weekend-warrior-100109.html Alejandro Escovedo plays the Country Music Festival on Sunday. Chicago Ghost Conference
5-11 p.m. Friday and 8:30-midnight Saturday; Portage Theater; $50 for a two-day pass
Join paranormal experts and speakers for this annual event about all things otherworldly. This year's speakers include Lorraine Warren from A&E's Paranormal State, and Jeff Belanger, paranormal author and creator of Ghostvillage.com, who join members of paranormal groups from around the country to educate, inform, network, share ideas, and entertain others that are fascinated with the supernatural. If that's not enough, Chicago legend Svengoolie makes an appearance on Friday night.

Midwest Microfest
Saturday, noon-7 p.m.; The Plaza at Park Grill (south tent); free
Sample concoctions from eight local breweries (including Goose Island, Metropolitan, Two Brothers, Bell's and Three Floyds) at this free event. No reservations are required, but you might want to get there a little early. After all, we did just say "free beer."

AIDS Run/Walk
10 a.m. Saturday (registration starts at 8 a.m.); Grant Park; $30 to enter
Join in on the 5K run/walk for a good cause, or just come cheer everybody on, as the Chicago AIDS Foundation looks to add to the more than $2 million it has raised for AIDS awareness. Nearly two dozen entertainment acts will perform, from the Joffrey Ballet Middle School Dance Club to the Chicago Spirit Brigade. Your race bib gets you a free post-race drink at Crew, and the bar will be serving $2 Bud Lights all day.

Chicago Country Music Festival
11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Grant Park; free
Dust off your hat and boots and head out to Grant Park for some ol' fashioned two-steppin'. Actually, this year's lineup features some rather fresh faces, like local boy Joe Pug (fresh from his Lollapalooza gig over the summer), who headlines on Saturday with Miranda Lambert. Good ol' boys John Rich and Alejandro Escovedo headline on Sunday.

Ravenswood Art Walk
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Ravenswood from Waveland to Foster; free
View works from more than 150 artists head to this "Tour of Arts & Industry," celebrating its eighth year. This year's highlight is "The Blago Project," a unique, multi-artist exhibit housed in the actual wiretapped office of "Friends of Blagojevich" (4147 N. Ravenswood). There will also be children's entertainment and live performances.

Just missed the cut: Italian Fall Festival, Long Grove Apple Fest, Galena Oktoberfest, Rabbit Factory Funky Pig Roast, Ty Stone: The Soul of James Brown

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Weekend Warrior Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/lifestyle/articles/weekend-warrior-092409.html Prost! on Paulina
Begins at 6 p.m. Friday at Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar; free
This Octoberfest-themed pub crawl brings together a crowd in West Lakeview for food, drink specials and prizes. The night begins at Frasca with $3 Sam Adams Octoberfest and free slices (one per person) of Octoberfest beer-crusted pizza (the restaurant will also have a one-night-only special pie, featuring German Brats with wood-roasted onions, available for $10), then moves on to Finley Dunne's Tavern, The Shire, Fizz Bar & Grill and The Pony.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Saturday in Hyde Park; free
This 14-hour, multi-venue event is like a marathon for music fans, and, like any long race, the true rewards are near the finish line, with exciting performers like 8 Bold Souls, Garaj Mahal and Dee Alexander. Remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated as you travel to unlikely music spots like the International House of Chicago, Hyde Park Bank and Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center.

Chinatown Moon Festival
noon-10 p.m. Saturday at 2100 S. Wentworth
The Chicago version of this traditional Chinese harvest celebration offers up Chinese dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, a family talent show, food (try the mooncakes, flaky pastries stuffed with a variety of fillings like egg yolk and red bean paste), an Elvis impersonator and more.

Rib-a-Que Smoke-Out
noon-6 p.m. Saturday at Moonshine; $25 in advance, $35 at the door
If you're not quite up for the orgy of culinary masters that will be the second Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park, this more chill event is a good substitute (and one of those high-class chefs, Stephanie Izard, will be a celebrity judge along with Chris Koetke of Kendall College). But you'd better like ribs, as there will be tons of options to choose from - plus $5 Jack Daniels Lynchburg Lemonade and Downhome Punch, $4 pints/$12 pitchers of Moonshine beers and live music from Matt Tyner, Chris Gelbuda and the Steve Sebby Trio. Banned Books Read-Out
noon Saturday at Bughouse Square (901 N. Clark); free
Lolita. Tropic of Cancer. 1984. These are just a few of the many fine books that have been banned or at least threatened with censorship over the years. Banned Books Week, which begins on Saturday and runs through October 3, is one way to fight back. Things kick off with these annual event featuring several targeted authors reading their work, including Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (And Tango Makes Three), Cecily von Ziegesar (the Gossip Girl series and Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower). City Lit Theatre will also perform work from other frequently challenged authors.

Just missed the cut: Chicago Gourmet, Oktoberfest Chicago, Os Mutantes, The Ting Tings

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Weekend Warrior Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/lifestyle/articles/halloween-costumes-2007.html

If you learned anything from last year's thrown-together Jesus/homeless man outfit, it's that you've got to start planning for Halloween early, before all the good getups are gone and the lines are out the door. Not sure where to start? We've got a monster list of area shops with the gear you'll need to create a contest-winning costume. So get to browsing...and if you happen upon a Fort Wayne Mad Ant outfit, please, please, please let us know.

Fantasy Costumes
With a location spanning an entire block on Milwaukee and an 800-USA-WIGS phone number, Fantasy is all business when it comes to your Halloween costume. Specializing in new and old pop-culture icons, like Harry Potter, and an adult selection fit for a Comic Con convention, this shop claims it can get its claws on any outfit you dream up. Good news for those nocturnal types that only wake during full moons: Fantasy's online selection is convenient and far-reaching.

Ragstock
One of the liveliest Halloween destinations in Lakeview?and the go-to spot for ironic decade costumes?Ragstock has your '50s- to '90s-inspired outfits covered. Amongst '80s prom apparel and Richie Tenenbaum-inspired sweatbands, hipsters and yuppies rub elbows in search of the perfect find. Though the selection predictably thins out come Halloween, the prices here are retro-inspired. Occasionally, Ragstock has been known to stock specialty items like used roller skates, but you'll have to get there quick. If you really can't find what you want here, the Wicker Park and Woodfield Mall locations have a decent selection of new and used clothing and accessories, too.

Batteries Not Included
With a namesake that (we like to think) was inspired by the '80s flick about alien mechanical life-forms, this spot offers the kind of kitsch you'll usually find draped around brides-to-be. Yet, aside from the stand-by risque accessories, Batteries sells costume sets from $20-$1,000 and has an extensive closet of options (there's even more at the Wicker Park location). Garb skews toward the revealing, but if you're doing an "adult take" on an old classic, be sure to stop in.

Beatnix
If you're seeking blindingly metallic platform shoes, an eye-raising makeup section, disco balls and an impressive selection of wigs, Beatnix has you covered for campy glamour and drag-queen vamping. $20-$400 will cover you here?even if your costume doesn't. For boys that, sigh, will be boys, Beatnix also stocks good-quality, used tuxes and some reasonably priced second-hand clothes.

Belmont Army Surplus
The second incarnation of Belmont Army and Supply houses roughly a quarter of the stock that the Lakeview flagship location (R.I.P.) did. But, if you happen to be going as Tank Girl or Camo Ninja, this is the best spot in Wicker Park. Head downstairs for an army field day: Vintage bomber jackets, combat boots and a random smattering of '80s sportswear (like ski hats and windbreakers) take up the small but deep basement space. Located right off the Division Blue Line, this is an easy spot to go MIA for an hour or two.

Broadway Costumes
With a 20,000-foot space, this is the Midwest's largest source for masquerade events. It outfits masquerade balls and national opera productions across the country, and even has Second City as a client. So, while much of Broadway's inventory is probably overkill for that Wrigleyville pub crawl you had planned, you can count on these guys if you're looking for a standing O. Though Broadway requires a pretty hefty rental deposit, it allots a two-night rental period.

Chicago Costume
The go-to spot for both extensively planned outfits and last-minute getups, Chicago Costume services DePaul country and beyond. If you're going to ask one of the knowledgeable staff members for his or her input, make sure you're specific: There are at least a dozen takes on obscure choices, like Dorothy and Toto, and an overwhelming amount of classics. Those looking for finishing touches for near-perfect costumes can count on Chicago Costume for a wealth of accessories, like gangster chains, golf visors and baseball socks. The basement operation rents out anything from Santa Claus costumes to banana suits (for $65-$125), and they'll even email you pictures of what's available so you don't make an unnecessary trip. The shop opens up four additional locations in October (1201 N. Clark; 939 W. North; 651 W. Diversey; and 1963 N. Elston),and there's also a separate, kids-only shop just down the street (1331 W. Fullerton).

Hollywood Mirror
Hollywood is worth a trip even on non-holidays; those looking for the funkiest, '70s-inspired duds will do well with the vintage racks here). For the big day, guys will find a satisfying selection of leather jackets and ugly sweaters, while aspiring tarts will love the '40s-inspired kicks and dresses. The prices may be a bit higher than at Ragstock, its upstairs neighbor, but you're sure to find at least one kitschy item to kick-start your costume. If all else fails, though, pick up a plastic hand-shaped chair and call it a day: Shopping can be so unglamorous!

Lost Eras
Theatrical makeup and antique props set this Rogers Park costumer apart from other spots. Though it primarily supplies local theater companies and shows, Lost Eras lets customers rent from its extensive costume department. Additionally, the retail selection is surprisingly affordable: Pick up anything from Star Trek jumpsuits, costing around $30, all the way up to a Victorian-Era getup for around $200.

Magical Mystery Tour
The suburban haven for pranksters and amateur magicians, Magical Mystery Tour also stocks a solid Halloween section. You'll find a few interesting items, such as handmade Mardi Gras masks and pet costumes, as well as a bunch of those outfits that come in plastic bags. Either way, this store is a trip!

Mar Ray Costumes
Palatine's year-round cove of fright and delight, Mar Ray specializes in your standard makeup and fake blood offerings, as well as a notable selection of second-hand and vintage clothes. Though some of the masks look like they've been around for a while, you have to give Mar Ray props for its prices: Rentals go for $50, with a three-day time rental period.

Party City
This one-stop shop for gloriously obnoxious trinkets, like noisemakers and glitter guns, tricks out into a Halloween costume and supply store come October. If you're looking for a dirt-cheap superhero costume that will carry you through a weekend's worth of both hard drinking and serious ghouling, swing by the City. But don't forget the noisemakers!

Strange Cargo
Wondering how to express your love for the night of ghosts and goblins? Say it with Strange Cargo: Steps from Wrigley Field, the shop lets you choose your own iron-on graphic for a custom Halloween t-shirt. With a variety of retro tchotchkes and a decent selection of wigs, Strange is also a good bet for last-minute touches and Halloween basics.

Other spots to stake out:

Spirit Halloween
This transient costume shop mysteriously pops up before the big holiday. Take advantage.

Salvation Army
Salvation Army is a classic standby for rare goods and assorted accessories like roller skates and golf clubs.

Army Navy Surplus Store
This general thrift store and good spot for in-depth army costumes has several Chicago locations.

___________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for more ways to celebrate the season? We've got you covered with scarily accurate info on:

Haunted Bars
House Party Essentials
Candy Stores
Creepy Chicago Tours
Pumpkin Patches

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]>