City of Carbondale, SIU Alumni Association shutting down The Strip for Homecoming ‘Off the Rails’ concert

August 15, 2024

CARBONDALE, Ill. - If you're ready for a party, you won't want to miss Southern Illinois University Carbondale's 2024 Homecoming on Oct. 11 and 12.

For the "Off the Rails Concert" on Oct. 11, the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street, the SIU Alumni Association, and River Radio, LLC are going to be shutting down The Strip to host this special SIU Homecoming edition concert in the very heart of downtown. The concert stage will be at the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Cherry Street.

Longtime local legends Jungle Dogs will be taking the stage for their farewell show. Opening for Jungle Dogs are another regional favorite, Modern Day Saints. The music will run from 7-10 p.m. The emcee for the evening will be Steve Falat of River Radio, which is also a corporate sponsor for the concert.

For this special event to occur, Illinois Avenue will be closed from College to Elm Street from 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, to 2 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.

"The city is incredibly excited to host the 'Off the Rails' concert in the heart of downtown Carbondale as part of SIU's Homecoming weekend," said Interim City Manager Stan Reno says. "Shutting down The Strip for this event allows us to bring together the rich history and vibrant present of our community. It's not just a concert: It's a celebration of what makes Carbondale special - a place where tradition meets new energy. We are thrilled to welcome alumni, students, visitors and residents for a night that will be remembered for years to come. This event showcases Carbondale's strong musical history, our strong partnership with SIU and Carbondale Main Street, and we look forward to creating an unforgettable homecoming experience for everyone."

This is an exciting opportunity that will bring the past and present together for a reminiscent evening in downtown Carbondale. This concert is open to everyone of all ages in the Southern Illinois region and beyond. Alumni and current students of SIU celebrating Homecoming will get to enjoy what feels like a nostalgic yet exciting new iconic moment all in this present day together.

"For this Homecoming, we don't just want to bring alumni back to Carbondale; we want to bring them back to Carbondale the way they remember it," says Molly Hudgins of the SIU Alumni Association. "It's a great time to be a Saluki, and there's a lot of energy in the community. The association is excited to partner with the City of Carbondale and River Radio to shut down The Strip and welcome alumni, students and all of Southern Illinois to celebrate. And there's no one better than the legendary Jungle Dogs to give us one last concert for a truly epic night. I promise anyone who attends this Homecoming will remember it. Go Dawgs!"

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. Businesses wishing to highlight their specials and be featured on the collective social media channels can contact Director of Carbondale Main Street Matt Collinsworth at [email protected]. Those looking to vend can contact Assistant Director of Carbondale Main Street E'Seanti Johnson at [email protected].

With the open container ordinance in the downtown entertainment district, visitors are welcome to 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 between Jackson and Mill streets and University Avenue and Washington Street. 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. To learn more, stay tuned to the Carbondale IL Tourism Facebook page.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available and may be inquired about by contacting main event organizers:

Dena Haun: [email protected]

Molly Hudgins: [email protected]

Matt Collinsworth: [email protected]

For further details, please contact the City of Carbondale at 618-713-0711.

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