50 things to do this fall

Dorchester Open Studios Week
Dorchester is about more than just Wahlbergs. It’s also home to a thriving artist’s community, 122 of whom are opening their doors to the public on October 23 and 24 (noon-5pm). On Sunday, there’s also a ten-mile Public Art Bike Ride to check out Dorchester’s many outdoor sculptures and murals, starting at 11am in Codman Square. Get in the spirit on October 17 with The Art Show, a performance by spoken word collaborative ARTiculation (6pm, $5). Free. Various locations in Dorchester (617-839-6734; thedac.org)

Coolidge @fter Midnite
With this weekly late-night film series, the Coolidge has established itself as the go-to spot for cheesy cult cinema. September is back-to-books month, so high school classics like Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Sep. 2 + 3), Class of 1984 (Sep. 9 + 10) and Clueless (Sep. 23 + 24) are on the roster. Then it’s all about the Halloween creep factor in October, when @fter Midnite will feature freaky oldies like Pet Sematary (Oct. 21 + 22) and An American Werewolf in London (Oct. 28). 290 Harvard St, Coolidge Corner, Brookline (617-734-2500; coolidge.org)

ICA 75th Anniversary
The Institute of Contemporary Art is one of the oldest contemporary art museums in country. 2011 marks the museum’s 75th year, and the gallery is duly celebrating. If money isn’t an issue, consider the 75th Anniversary Gala and After-Party on the Harbor on October 28 (Gala: $2000; After-Party: $200). Those of more modest means should opt for a day of free admission in celebration of the ICA’s fifth anniversary in its new digs. (Dec 10, 10am–5pm). You’ll also want to check out “75 Artists for 75 Years,” an exhibition of small new works by 75 artists who have previously exhibited at the ICA (Sep 22–Nov 7). (617-478-3100; icaboston.org)

American Punk at the Harvard Film Archive
Everyone knows that punk music was never just about the music, but the whole lifestyle. From its DIY ethos and rejection of convention came the freedom to create record labels, fanzines, fashion and films. The HFA’s film series celebrates underground punk culture with rarely seen North American films dating from the '70s to the early '90s. The series culminates on September 26 with Radical Light: Alternative Film and Video in the San Francisco Bay Area, a presentation of shorts from the Pacific Film Archive’s series of the same name. $9–$12 per screening. Sep. 2–26. 24 Quincy St, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-495-4700; hcl.harvard.edu/hfa)

The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer
Narratives about serial killers always carry a creepy kind of thrill—particularly when the homicidal maniac in question is portrayed by none other than John Malkovich. The legendary actor (and clandestine Cambridge resident) plays Jack Unterweger, an Austrian mass murderer who did the bulk of his killing after he was released from jail for being a model prisoner. In town for two performances only, The Infernal Comedy is part psychological drama, part Baroque chamber opera. If you do manage to score a seat to this hot-ticket show, resist the urge to mutter “Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich...” as the lights are going down in the theater. $25–$195. Sep. 29 + 30. Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St, Theater District, Boston (617-824-8400; artsemerson.org)