Fri. Oct. 31

 I was about to write "the Institute of Contemporary Art is not what it used to be" and then I remembered: At the old ICA on Boylston street I witnessed a pretty out-there performance by the Bentmen and some pretty disturbing images in the gallery more than a few times. This has never, exactly, been a fuddy-duddy, dusty museum, no matter what the site or era. So, why not a costumed Halloween party at the new ICA called "ICA Masked" on Friday Oct. 31? Now, what do you get aside from the spinning of DJ Franseco Spagna and percussion of Joakin Eskasan? Free candy and booze! Really! Ok, not free exactly. You pay $125 and it's all open - and you get access to the "VIP Lounge" where all sorts of VIP-type things will happen. (Maybe not. VIP is the most over-used phrase in clubland, which is kinda what the ICA is this night.) Second option: Pay $50 for a cash bar. Apps from Wolfgang Puck Catering. Goes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

100 Northern Ave., 617-478-3101 www.icaboston.org