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Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Wednesday Oct 14, 2009.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Lifestyle Feed

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.).

Bucktown Apple Pie Contest
2-5 p.m. Sunday, Holstein Park Fieldhouse, free admission, $15 to enter a pie
Talk about heaven for apple pie fans. More than 100 would-be baking pros will vie for your favor at the fifth annual contest that serves as a fundraiser for Holstein Park. There will also be a $1,000 cash raffle and music by bluegrass band Tangleweed.

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