Off the Rails Concert Series returns for sixth season in Carbondale

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The Off the Rails Concert Series will return for its sixth season with five nights of free live music in downtown Carbondale from August through October.

For the first time, the concerts will be held on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at New Era Events Plaza, 200 S. Washington St. The stage debuted during the city’s 2026 Sunset Concert Series.

“Off the Rails has always been about creating opportunities for people to experience incredible live music in the heart of downtown Carbondale,” said Dena Haun, the city’s tourism and special events coordinator.

Haun said the new location is especially meaningful because Stokes dedicated much of his life to supporting musicians and strengthening Southern Illinois’ music community.

The season will begin with the CarbondAlien Music Festival, which highlights local musicians. Other concerts will feature nationally touring performers, regional acts and emerging artists.

The 2026 schedule includes:

• Saturday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 9 p.m.: CarbondAlien Music Festival featuring The Hornworms, City of Soul, Tawl Paul and Slappin’ Henry Blue, Tr!cks, Stay Here and the Southern Illinois Soul Jazz Coalition.
• Saturday, Aug. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m.: Marcella Simien and Family Soul Band.
• Friday, Sept. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.: Lost Cross 40th anniversary featuring Didjits and Acumen.
• Saturday, Sept. 19, from 3 to 9 p.m.: Hemp, Hops and Shrooms featuring Hot Like Mars and MoonShroom, with programming from the SIU Cannabis Science Center and SIU Fermentation Science Institute.
• Friday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m.: SIU Family Weekend featuring the Kyle Tuttle Band and special guest Chris Housman.

The concerts are free, family-friendly and open to the public. Attendees may bring lawn chairs and purchase food from local vendors.

Alcohol may be consumed within the Downtown Entertainment District in accordance with city regulations. Beverages may be purchased from participating businesses or brought in non-glass, single-serving containers.

Applications are open for food vendors, artisans, nonprofits and community organizations interested in participating. Questions may be directed to eseanti@carbondalemainstreet.com.

The SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival is also scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, along Illinois Avenue. The event will feature two stages of music, vendors, food, drinks and activities. The entertainment lineup will be announced after the fall semester begins.

More information is available at ExploreCarbondale.com.