The Mix: 1,000 Jack-O’Lanterns, Chicago International Film Festival and more things to do Oct. 8-14

“Night of 1,000 Jack-O’Lanterns” | Chicago Botanic Garden

Ghoulish delights

Intricately carved pumpkins, some as large as 150 pounds, light up the “Night of 1,000 Jack-O’Lanterns,” the annual fall event at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Also included are carving demonstrations and music entertainment. From 6:30-10:30 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday Oct. 14-25 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe. To purchase timed tickets, visit chicagobotanic.org.

John Lennon

Happy B-Day John

The John Lennon Tribute Concert takes place every year on his birthday (Oct. 9) in New York City. This year the 40th annual event, celebrating what would have been Lennon’s 80th birthday, is streaming taped performances, both old and new, for all to enjoy. Among the artists performing are Patti Smith, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Natalie Merchant, Bettye LaVette, Shelby Lynne, Taj Mahal, Joan Osborne and many more. The stream is free but donations will benefit people suffering from cancer. The concert streams from 6-11 p.m. Oct. 9 at lennontribute.org.

Kate Winslet in “Ammonite.”

Streaming cinema

The Chicago International Film Festival (Oct. 14-25) features a roster of world premieres, upcoming feature films, documentaries and shorts programs shown in a mix of drive-in screenings and virtual cinema. The opening night film is “Belushi,” the documentary chronicling the career and untimely death of the actor-comedian John Belushi. Closing the fest is the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winter “Nomadland,” starring Frances McDormand. Among the special presentations: Kate Winslet’s new film “Ammonite” is screened and she receives this year’s Career Achievement Award, and Highland Park native Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) takes part in a live-streamed conversation in conjunction with the Chicago premiere of “I’m Your Woman.” Tickets: $75 and $100 (drive-in), $12-$20 (virtual), $60-$210 (passes). For more information and a complete festival schedule, visit chicagofilmfestival.com.

David Strathairn

Before its time

Northlight Theatre is taking part in Berkeley Rep’s free nationwide radio play adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel “It Can’t Happen Here,” featuring David Strathairn. Written in 1935 during the rise of fascism in Europe, Lewis’ darkly satirical novel follows the ascent of a demagogue who becomes president of the United States by promising to return the country to greatness. Adapted by Tony Taccone and Bennett S. Cohen; directed by Lisa Peterson. The stream debuts at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 and is available through Nov. 8. A live Q&A with the creative team follows the opening-night broadcast. Visit northlight.org.

“Lil’ Black Girl Magic,” by Darryl Cowherd, is featured in the exhibit “What Does Democracy Look Like?”

Interpreting democracy

The Museum of Contemporary Photography has asked seven faculty members from Columbia College Chicago to mine its collection for the exhibit “What Does Democracy Look Like?,” which examines how photographic images record and shape our understanding of current and historical events. The exhibit includes works by Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Dawoud Bey, Darryl Cowherd, Krista Franklin, Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks, Art Shay, Carrie Mae Weems, Garry Winogrand and others. For a timed ticket to the free exhibit running through Dec. 23, visit mocp.org.

Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Andrews

Remembering Amy

The second annual “Yellow Umbrella Party,” a benefit celebrating the life of late children’s book author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, streams at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 and features readings of the author’s books and musical performances by celebrities including Julie Andrews and daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, Joan Cusack, Jennifer Garner, Jami Gertz, Cheryl Hines, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris O’Donnell, Maria Shriver and Jeff and Spencer Tweedy. Proceeds benefit research for the early detection of ovarian cancer and childhood literacy. Tickets begin at $11. Visit amykrouserosenthalfoundation.org.

Ronald L. Conner (clockwise from upper left), Tiffany Addison, Alexis J. Roston and Kelvin Roston Jr. in “Hit ’Em on the Blackside.”

New sketch comedy

Congo Square Theatre’s “Hit ’Em on the Blackside” is a new online series featuring the acting ensemble in biweekly, sketch comedy webisodes. Director Anthony Irons promises “gut-punching, thought-provoking, laugh-out-loud satire with some deep, artistic stuff thrown in for good measure.” Performed by Tiffany Addison, Ronald L. Conner, Alexis J. Roston and Kelvin Roston Jr. The free stream begins Oct. 9 at congosquaretheatre.org.

“Her & Her”

Exploring identity

The Pride Fall Film Festival features eight international short LGBTQIA films exploring sexual orientation and gender identity across cultures. The films are Jade Anouka’s “Her & Her,” Varad Bhamburdekar’s “Birds of a Feather,” Aldo Verde’s “E Vissero,” Nicholas Greinacher’s “Ayaneh,” Taina Asili’s “Who I Am,” Mike MacKinnon and Ash Chugg’s “Key of T,” Zenon Samuels’ “Dated” and Aleksei Borovikov’s “One More Please.” At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport. Tickets: $15. Visit pridearts.org.

Mary Houlihan is a Chicago freelance writer.