Honolulu loves to play dress-up. You've got the ever-popular trend of club nights with a dress-up theme, as well as big costume parties with themes from sci-fi to Victorian fashion to sunglasses. So why are theme nights so hot here?

"I think people by nature have a sense of perception for beauty or aesthetics, whether it's comical, tragic or the sublime," said DJ Nocturna, the promoter behind this weekend's Elixir of Love Venetian Mask Ball and one of the original organizers of the '80s-themed Acid Wash.

So whether you want to dress up like an alien, a character from the movie "Grease," a 16th-century noble or your favorite animal, here are some theme parties to pique your imagination.

ELIXIR OF LOVE

Saturday's Venetian Mask charity ball, a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, will be a classy, dress-up affair, featuring performances by Willow Chang, Sabrina Fox, Lana Saldania, DJ Nocturna, DJ Modboy and Mr. Nick. It'll be a night of food, music, dancing, entertainment and, of course, costumes.

Saturday, 5-10 p.m.

Lotus at Diamond Head

2885 Kalakaua Ave.

$50.00

ACID WASH WEDNESDAY

Acid Wash, Honolulu's most popular '80s party, which began in 2006 at NextDoor, has reopened after a few months' hiatus at The Living Room at Fisherman's Wharf. Just like in the past, Acid Wash will be a place to bust out your leg warmers and funky '80s fashion and rediscover your '80s dance moves. No cover, drink specials, 21+, DJs Nocturna, Vegas Mike, Debauch and the Nocturnal Sound Krew.

Wednesdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

The Living Room at Fisherman's Wharf

1009 Ala Moana Blvd.

No cover

FLASHBACK FRIDAYS

For all you Westsiders, James Cole and the United DJs throw an '80s and '90s party every Friday in Kapolei. Show off your best Madonna and Duran Duran fashions, and groove to old-school beats.

Fridays, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

House of Fortune

777 Kamokila Blvd.

$10.00

THE MYSTIC EYE (FORMERLY PROSPERITY CORNER)

1151 12th Ave.

732-8870

Want to be a wizard or vampire? Find just the right outfit among their collection of capes, renaissance-style dresses, masks and accessories.

ANTIQUES & TREASURES

315 Uluniu St.

263-1177

Step inside this co-op of antique and knick-knack collectors and you'll find cool vintage clothing, accessories and a fabulous collection of costumes and fine jewelry.

PARTY CITY

94-799 Lumiaina St.

671-3133

Party City has a huge selection of adult and children's costumes for any type of event. Browse through a large costume catalog with everything from monster masks to fairy princess gowns.