Street Closure

 Street Closures for Homecoming this weekend

Reminder: We're Shutting Down the Strip for Special Homecoming "Off the Rails" Concert! 

Southern Illinois University’s Homecoming weekend kicks off with an epic Off the Rails concert on Friday, October 11, from 7-10 PM on the “iconic strip” in downtown Carbondale.  

The City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street, the SIU Alumni Association, and River Radio are going to be shutting down The Strip to host this special SIU Homecoming edition concert in the very heart of downtown. 

Long-time local legends, Jungle Dogs, will be taking the stage from 8:30-10:00 PM for their farewell show. Opening for Jungle Dogs are another regional favorite, Modern Day Saints, playing from 7-8:20 PM. Our emcee for the evening will be Steve Falat of River Radio, which is also a corporate sponsor for the concert.  Join us as we kick off the fun at 6:30PM with a special appearance from the Saluki Spirit Squad, some wise words from the event coordinators, and Touch of Nature’s very own Brian Croft! Join in for football game ticket giveaways and excitement as we amp up the crowd for the final farewell of Jungle Dogs!  

To celebrate Saluki Spirit, all guests can enjoy complimentary public transportation on the JAX Mass Transit Fixed Route Bus (formerly known as Jackson County Mass Transit).  

Free event parking can be found at many of the lots throughout downtown Carbondale such as lot 8, lot 24, lot 25,14, lot 16, and lot 11. Check out the interactive downtown Carbondale Map to get acquainted with the city layout.  

Businesses in the downtown entertainment district will have the opportunity to engage with concert goers directly outside of their establishments, and several of these venues will host after parties. Cristaudo’s will be set up outside offering drinks and football-shaped cookies! Be sure to check out the newly opened Neon Tiger Tattoo and newly relocated to the strip, Plaza Records & Mike’s Music. The Thrift Shopp will be offering 25% off on Friday and Saturday, Chango’s is offering a free side of queso with every purchase! Check out our social media and event page for more details about businesses deals & specials!  

The concert event space will offer local vendors such as Jared Davey with Tree House Printing, Carla’s Unique Bling, Steezy Streetwear, and more! Local food trucks such as Taste & Live, Get Dipped, Haute Wheels, and more!  

With our open container ordinance in the downtown entertainment district, visitors are welcome enjoy public consumption of alcohol in non-glass containers. Drinks may be purchased from bars and taken outside to enjoy the vibrant musical culture of Carbondale on the iconic strip (just as long as the drinks are in a plastic cup) between Jackson and Mill Street and University Ave and Washington. Carbondale Main Street will also be serving beer on site. Remember to bring your own chair and enjoy the food trucks and vendors as you take in the music and lively atmosphere. 

This night of Carbondale legends doesn’t end with our “Off the Rails” concert- once our show is done head on over to Hangar 9 to catch the local blues icons, Tawl Paul & Slappin’ Henry Blue! Chicago artists, Off with Their Heads and St. Louis’ Yard Eagle will keep the party going in PK’s.  

Please note Illinois Avenue, from College to Elm, will be closed from 11 AM on October 11 until 2 AM on October 12, and then again at 9 AM, Oct. 12, extending from W. Cherry all the way down to the SIU student center, for the SIU Homecoming Parade, which starts at 10 AM, and will last roughly until 11:30 AM. Starting at 7 AM on Oct. 12, E. Mill will be closed from S. Wall St. To Illinois Avenue and S. Washington from E. Grand through E. Mill Street will all be shut down for parade lineup. 

To learn more stay tuned to the Carbondale IL Tourism FaceBook page for more details!