O.C. Bargainista: Costumes beget delicious treats

Freebie of the Week: Kids eat free on Halloween at several local restaurants, including Zov’s Bistro, 21123 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Beach, where all kids dressed in costume will receive a kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée. Call (949) 760-9687 or visit zovs.com. At Pat and Oscar’s, kids 12 and younger will receive a free kid’s meal with a paying adult and $5 minimum purchase. Local stores are at 3811 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana, and 13786 Jamboree Road, Irvine. Visit patandoscars.com.

Prep for next year

The best time to buy next year’s Halloween costume is in the next few days, while stores liquidate their stock. For those seeking “adult” costumes rather than tutus for toddlers, the Wicked Chamber Boutique at 440 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa will be closing next week, and will liquidate most of its costumes for $20 to $50 beginning Sunday, as well as select shoes. Brands include Leg Avenue and Playboy; some costumes will not be on sale, as the company plans to switch to an online sales model. The sale runs through Nov. 7; after Halloween, sale merchandise also will include displays and other store fixtures. Call (949) 631-5616.

Skip the ghouls

With Halloween soon to be behind us, the holiday season is set to launch with a vengeance. Fight retail store prices with a new find: the Barcana Christmas DĂ©cor Outlet at 6581 Altura Blvd., Buena Park. Save up to 85% on everything from lights to ornaments to full-blown trees here, as well as lawn decorations, wreaths and giant Nutcrackers that would be at home in any Newport Beach mansion. Call (714) 228-9860.

Help veterans with holiday shopping

The American Legion Newport Harbor Auxiliary Unit 291 will hold a ladies’ holiday boutique from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at their hall at 215 E. 15th St., Newport Beach. There will be a $5 entry fee, and the boutique will include more than 30 vendors, food and raffle prizes. All proceeds will benefit the organization’s various veteran’s programs. Call (949) 673-5070.

Get something to read while handing out candy

The Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries are planning a book sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the patio of the Donald Dungan Library, 1855 Park Ave. Call (949) 646-8845.

Never too early to enjoy snow

Surfside Sports will have its 19th annual Snowboard Carnival at 9 a.m. Saturday at its store, 223 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. The store will offer deals of up to 70% off snowboarding gear from last year as well as this season; various manufacturers’ representatives and professional snowboarders will be on hand, and there will be a charity raffle, food and games. Call (949) 645-4624 or visit surfsidemailorder.com.

Veterans eat free

Applebee’s will offer veterans and active duty military a free meal on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Proof of service is required. The closest restaurant is at 18279 Brookhurst St. No. 9, Fountain Valley. Call (714) 963-1835.

Have a hot sale tip, or know about a great local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact the O.C. Bargainista at [email protected]. And remember — never pay retail!