SIU homecoming weekend to feature Spin Doctors, parade and football game in Carbondale
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Southern Illinois University is celebrating 75 years of Saluki pride with a weekend of live music, a downtown street festival, a homecoming parade and football.
The festivities begin Thursday, Oct. 15, and continue through Saturday, Oct. 17, with events throughout Carbondale.
The third annual SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival takes over downtown Carbondale on Friday, Oct. 16, featuring live performances by Spin Doctors, North Mississippi Allstars and several regional artists.
The free, all-ages festival begins at 3 p.m. along South Illinois Avenue, known as The Strip. The event will feature two stages of live music, food trucks, beer tents, vendors and line dancing.
Friday’s entertainment schedule includes:
Egyptian Stage — First Mid Bank parking lot
– 3-3:45 p.m.: Lucas Wayne & the Cottonmouths with City of Soul
– 4-4:55 p.m.: Johnny Rock-itt & the Double-Wide Symphony
– 5-5:50 p.m.: Line dancing with Cowboy Kyle
Saluki Stage — Main stage on Illinois Avenue
– 6-7:30 p.m.: North Mississippi Allstars
– 8-9:30 p.m.: Spin Doctors
– 10-11 p.m.: KYLE, SIU student afterparty
The weekend begins Thursday with Salukis Build Here, an event recognizing SIU alumni-owned businesses, entrepreneurs and community partnerships. The event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hangar 9.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the annual SIU Homecoming Parade begins at 10 a.m. along South Illinois Avenue in downtown Carbondale.
This year’s parade celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Saluki mascot and will feature floats, music, university organizations and community groups.
Following the parade, the Salukis will face Illinois State in the homecoming football game.
The SIU Alumni Association’s homecoming tailgate begins at noon, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.
Road closures
Several downtown streets will be closed to accommodate the weekend’s activities.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Illinois Avenue will be closed between College and Elm streets for the music festival. Side streets within the festival area will also be closed. The roads are expected to reopen at midnight.
On Saturday, Mill Street will close between Illinois Avenue and Lincoln Street beginning at 7 a.m.
Additional closures begin at 9 a.m., including Illinois Avenue from Pleasant Hill Road to Cherry Street and University Avenue from Walnut Street to Mill Street.
Cherry Street, Hospital Drive, College Street and Freeman Street will also be closed between Illinois and University avenues.
The Saturday closures are scheduled to end at noon.
Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow posted detour signs.
All downtown festival activities and the homecoming parade are free and open to the public.
For more information about parking and downtown activities, visit Explore Carbondale.
