SHUTTING DOWN THE STRIP FOR SPECIAL HOMECOMING “OFF THE RAILS” CONCERT PRESS RELEASE
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/11/2024 - 10/12/2024
11:00 am - 2:00 am
Categories
CARBONDALE – If you’re ready for a party, you won’t want to miss Southern Illinois University’s 2024
Homecoming in Carbondale on October 11 and 12.
The City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street, and the SIU Alumni Association are thrilled to announce that
for the “Off The Rails Concert” on October 11, we 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!
Long-time 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 PM. Our 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, October 11 to 2 a.m. on Saturday, October 12.
Interim City Manager Stan Reno says, “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. 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.
Molly Hudgins of the SIU Alumni Association says, “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. 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 our collective social media channels
can contact Director of Carbondale Main Street, Matt Collinsworth at info@carbondalemainstreet.com.
Those looking to vend can contact Assistant Director of Carbondale Main Street, E’Seanti Johnson, at
eseanti@carbondalemainstreet.com.
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. To learn more stay tuned to the Carbondale
IL Tourism FaceBook page for more details!”
Sponsorship opportunities are still available and may be inquired about by contacting main event organizers:
Dena Haun- dhaun@carbondaletourism.com
Molly Hudgins- mollyh@alumni.siu.edu
Matt Collinsworth- info@carbondalemainstreet.com
For further details, please contact the City of Carbondale at 618-713-0711.