To Play

Carbondale offers many vibrant

and unique opportunities for entertainment throughout the year.

Due to the unusual and unpredictable circumstances of 2020, it is uncertain whether these otherwise annual events will be held.

Interested parties should visit event websites and social media for more information. Additionally, the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce event calendar (www. carbondalechamber.com/events/) will be updated as information is received.

SPRING

International Festival

www.studentcenter.siu.edu Celebrate the diversity, inclusiveness and the cultural wealth of Southern Illinois University and the Carbondale Community with a week full of events from the Parade of Flags, International Food Fair and the Cultural Show. International Festival typically occurs in the first full week of February.

Valentine’s Day Craft Fair

www.studentcenter.siu.edu Show your loved one how much you care with a hand-made gift purchased at this oneday affair at the SIU Student Center featuring jewelry, art, and crafts. The Craft Shop holds three annual Craft Sales at the SIU Student Center: The Family Weekend Craft Sale, Holiday Craft Sale, and Valentine’s Day Craft Sale. Craft vendors from the community have come together over the last 30 years at these events to sell their professional and quality hand-made wares. All Craft Sales are open to the public.

A ribbon cutting for Touch of Nature Trails at Southern Illinois University was held May 1st. The recreational trails are open for bikers and hikers.

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

www.carbondalechamber.com Celebrate success in our community with Carbondale Chamber’s Annual Banquet at the SIU Student Center on the third Friday in February.

Big Muddy Film Festival

www.bigmuddyfilm.com Every February, films of all genres and styles are screened at this annual festival held at various locations throughout Southern Illinois.

Carbondale Classic

www.carbondalemainstreet.com Putt-putt your way around downtown Carbondale every March at nine eateries and bars on the third weekend in March.

Outside The Box Music Festival

www.cola.siu.edu/music/festivals-camps/festivals/ outside-the-box/ This week-long annual music festival, centered around SIU, showcases the extraordinary talent

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Saluki Family Weekend invites parents and guests to visit campus and take part in fun festivities.

SIU New Student Programs

found in Southern Illinois. Many concerts and events are free and open to the public. This festival typically occurs in March.

Egg Hunt Extravaganza

www.cpkd.org Experience the joy and laughter from scores of children on the hunt for Easter Bunny eggs at Evergreen Park just before Easter.

Cardboard Boat Regatta

www.conferenceservices.siu.edu/conferences/ cardboard-boat-regatta.php Catch the Saluki spirit, family fun, and creativity every April as hand-made human-powered boats made of corrugated cardboard traverse a 200-yard course on Southern Illinois University’s Campus Lake.

Civil Service Council Flea Market

www.cscouncil.siu.edu A spring tradition that takes place every April, the yard sale attracts hundreds of vendors and thousands of bargain hunters. Reserve a space to sell your treasures or browse and buy others one-of-a-kind merchandise.

Farmers Markets:

Carbondale Farmers’ Market of Carbondale: www.farmersmarketcarbondale.com Community Farmers Market: www.carbondalemarket.com Humpday Farmers Market: www.humpdayfarmersmarket.com Experience locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants fresh from the fields and hand-made crafts Saturday mornings at the Westown Shopping Center, April through November and indoors at Carbondale Community High School, December through March. The HumpDay Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays at the intersection of Washington and Jackson Streets.

The Southern File Photo

Fourth Friday Fairs

www.carbondalemainstreet.com Head downtown for free live music, crafts, kids’ activities, a food court and lots of family-friendly fun on the Fourth Friday of May through October.

CarbondALE Brew Fest

www.carbondalemainstreet.com This Main Street Carbondale festival partners with SIU Fermentation Science Institute and Southern Illinois Brewers to feature brews from all over the U.S., including local and neighboring states breweries. The Fest typically takes place on the first Friday in May.

Memorial Day at Woodlawn Cemetery

Honor the past service of our veterans, near and far, at a special ceremony on Memorial Day at Woodlawn Cemetery where the very first memorial service was held in Illinois.

A member of the Plant and Services Operations crew stands on the boat during a race at the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta in April.

The Southern File photo

SUMMER

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Golf Scramble

www.carbondalechamber.com Get out of the office for a day of networking and fun at our annual Chamber Golf Scramble, held on the first Friday in June at a member golf course.

Brown Bag Concert Series

www.carbondalemainstreet.com Bring your own lunch and enjoy free live music at the historic Carbondale Pavilion downtown at noon on Wednesdays in May, June, and July

Southern Illinois Music Festival

www.sifest.com Musicians from all over the world gather in May and June for more than 30 orchestral music, chamber music, jazz, opera, and ballet performances throughout Southern Illinois.

Celebrate 618

www.celebrate618.com This multiple-day summer festival is a collaborative effort between Carbondale Tourism and several nonprofits to celebrate all things 618

Sunset Concert Series

www.studentcenter.siu.edu Soak up the sun and sounds at this free outdoor concert series on Thursday evenings in June and July from 7 – 9 p.m. Concert locations alternate between Shryock Auditorium, Turley Park and Washington Street.

McLeod Summer Playhouse

McLeod Summer Playhouse

www.playhouse.siu.edu The professional arm of the SIU Department of Theater, the Summer Playhouse brings top-notch productions to Carbondale at the McLeod Theater in June and July.

Independence Day Fireworks

www.explorecarbondale.com Celebrate our nation’s independence with Carbondale’s annual fireworks display. It’s recognized as one of the largest in the area. The exhibition takes place on the campus of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Saluki Family Weekend

www.familyweekend.siu.edu It’s a family affair, and you’re invited! Families, Parents, and guests are encouraged to attend and take part in the fun festivities. Go Dawgs!

Family Weekend Craft Fair

www.studentcenter.siu.edu Show your loved one how much you care with a hand-made gift purchased during Family Weekend featuring jewelry, art, and crafts. The Craft Shop holds three annual Craft Sales at the SIU Student Center: The Family Weekend Craft Sale, Holiday Craft Sale, and Valentine’s Day Craft Sale. Craft vendors from the community have come together over the last 30 years at these events to sell their professional and quality hand-made wares. All Craft Sales are open to the public.

Rotary Club of Carbondale (Breakfast Group) Community Yard Sale

http://www.carbondalebreakfastrotary.org Find great treasures, or sell a few of your own, at this annual community-wide rummage sale in September.

The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race

www.carbondalepumpkinrace.com/ Ready, Set, Go! Pumpkin racers take to the Mill Street Underpass for this new tradition. Build your own pumpkin racer or just come watch the thrills and spills as the gourds go downhill on the Saturday closest to Halloween.

Homecoming at SIU

www.homecoming.siu.edu Show your Saluki Spirit and Pride! Celebrate homecoming week. This year’s events will feature a Block Party, Concert, Parade, Tailgate, and Saluki Football.

The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race

Murdale Safe Halloween

http://carbondalehalloween.com/ Carbondale Safe Halloween Family event will be held on Oct. 27th at Murdale Shopping center will feature inflatables, food concession (bison burgers/ hotdogs), hayrides, Murdale Trick or Treat, Pumpkin Racers assistance, flash mob and more. Event proceeds go to Carbondale Crime Stoppers and Carbondale Boys & Girls Club.

Carbondale Halloween

http://carbondalehalloween.com/ Carbondale Halloween is a 2-day event. Friday’s activities will include a Pumpkin Glow, Jack-OLantern trail hike, outdoor movie, and Fourth Friday Fair. Saturday’s events will consist of a Monster Dash 5K Race, a Downtown Trick or Treat, The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race, and Live Music/Entertainment on Washington Street.

Holiday Craft Fair

www.studentcenter.siu.edu This two-day Craft Fair held at the SIU Student Center will feature over 100 vendors from the Southern Illinois area showcasing quality handmade art and craftworks. The Craft Shop holds three annual Craft Sales at the SIU Student Center: The Family Weekend Craft Sale, Holiday Craft Sale, and Valentine’s Day Craft Sale. Craft vendors from the community have come together over the last 30 years at these events to sell their professional and quality hand-made wares. All Craft Sales are open to the public

WINTER

Saluki Comic Con

https://studentcenter.siu.edu/eclipsecon Comic-Con is back!! Southern Illinois University will be hosting the “Saluki Comic-Con” in conjunction with Saluki Family Weekend. It will feature special guests, a wide array of vendors, artists, film screenings, gaming tournaments, and much more.

Lights Fantastic Parade

http://lightsfantasticparade.com/ Gather downtown for Carbondale’s annual lighted holiday parade. Enjoy marching bands, lighted floats and a visit from Santa Claus on the first Saturday in December!

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