Traffic detours announced for Carbondale Halloween Homecoming Music Street Festival and SIU Homecoming Parade

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., — The Strip (Illinois Avenue) in downtown Carbondale will be closed two consecutive days for major community events this weekend — the Carbondale Halloween Homecoming Music Street Festival on Friday, Oct. 24, and the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Carbondale Halloween Homecoming Music Street Festival Detours

Traffic detours for the 2025 Carbondale Halloween Homecoming Music Street Festival will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24. The festival runs from 3 to 10 p.m. Illinois Avenue will be closed to all vehicles from West College Street to West Elm Street. Detours will remain in place until 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

Detours:

The primary detour for northbound traffic on South Illinois Avenue will be at East Grand Avenue.

A secondary detour will be located at West Mill Street.

Local traffic, including delivery vehicles, may travel north to West College Street.

West Freeman Street will remain open at South Illinois Avenue, allowing traffic to turn north on Illinois Avenue and then east or west on West College Street.

The alley north of Old Town Liquors and West Cherry Street will be closed at Illinois Avenue.

West Elm Street will remain open.

SIU Homecoming Parade Detours

The SIU Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Parade staging will begin at 9:30 a.m. on East Mill Street between South Wall Street and South Illinois Avenue, which will be closed to traffic during the event.

Street Closures:
All lanes of South Illinois Avenue (Route 51) from East Grand Avenue north to Cherry Street and all lanes of South University Avenue from Walnut Street south to Mill Street will be closed. The Mill Street underpass and East Mill Street from Illinois Avenue to South Wall Street will also be closed.

Northbound Detour:
Traffic will detour east on Grand Avenue to South Wall Street, continue north to East Main Street, and turn west back onto Illinois Avenue.

Southbound Detour:
Traffic will detour east on Walnut Street to South Wall Street, continue south to Pleasant Hill Road, and turn west back onto South Illinois Avenue.

Handicapped Parking:
Accessible parking will be available on the east side of the First Mid-Illinois Bank lot, behind the Evolve Apartment Complex, and in the Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza and B&A Travel parking lots.

Parade Route:
The parade will travel north on South Illinois Avenue from West Mill Street, west on West Cherry Street, and south on South University Avenue to Lincoln Drive on the SIU campus, ending near the SIU Student Center.

Community Statement

“This weekend showcases Carbondale and what makes it special,” City Manager Stan Reno said. “We’re proud to host opportunities that bring together students, residents, and visitors in celebration of our culture and spirit. These events are all about celebrating SIU, community pride, and fun. While the temporary detours may cause minor traffic disruptions, we appreciate everyone’s patience and encourage the community to come out and enjoy the festivities.”

For more information, contact the Carbondale Police Department at 618-457-3200 or the City of Carbondale’s Public Relations Officer at 618-713-0711.

Carbondale officials emphasize the city’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, noting, “Carbondale prides itself on being open to new ideas, experiences, and cultures — a place that’s always open for family, fun, business, and a bright tomorrow.”