Join us in Carbondale for spooky season!

Special Film Screening: Beetlejuice

Bar at 6PM, Screening at 7PM

Special movie screenings in October to celebrate the spooky season, from new releases to cult classics and more!

Location: The Varsity, downtown at 418 S. Illinois Ave.

Special Film Screening: Sinister

Bar at 6PM, Screening at 7PM

Special movie screenings in October to celebrate the spooky season, from new releases to cult classics and more!

Location: The Varsity, downtown at 418 S. Illinois Ave.

Special Film Screening: The Addams Family

Bar at 6PM, Screening at 7PM

Special movie screenings in October to celebrate the spooky season, from new releases to cult classics and more!

Location: The Varsity, downtown at 418 S. Illinois Ave.

Fall Festival

11 - 2 PM

Fall Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026
11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Lakeland Center
925 S. Giant City Rd., Carbondale
FREE

What to expect: Hayrides, pumpkin painting, inflatables, food trucks, and more fall fun for the whole family!

Bring the family and spend the afternoon enjoying seasonal activities at the Lakeland Center. Stop by for a hayride, decorate a pumpkin, let the kids enjoy the inflatables, grab something to eat from a food truck, and enjoy music and activities throughout the event.

Good to know:
Activities are free unless otherwise noted. Food and beverages from vendors may be available for purchase. Event activities are subject to change.

Food: Gordo’s L.A. Style Hot Dogs and Murphysboro’s Pelzer Tropical Sno will be joining us at Fall Festival! Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the event.

Check out the Facebook event HERE!

Questions? Call the Carbondale Park District at 618-549-4222 or use the “Get in Touch” form at the bottom of this page.

SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival

3 - 11 PM

The City of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University, and friends are going for a three-peat on Friday, October 16, when they once again shut down Illinois Avenue for the 3rd Annual SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival. As The Strip transforms into Southern Illinois' biggest block party, thousands of alumni, students, families, and community members will return to downtown Carbondale for an unforgettable night of nationally touring artists, local favorites, food, vendors, and Saluki pride.

Hosted through a partnership between City of Carbondale, SIU Alumni Association, River Radio, Hangar 9, Coors Light and Koerner Distributor, SIU Student Programming Council, Carbondale Main Street, SIU Foundation, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, and community partners, this year's festival features two stages of live music, local businesses, food trucks, vendors, interactive experiences, and one unforgettable Homecoming celebration.

“With the Homecoming Street Music Festival, we’ve successfully created a tradition that SIU alumni expect to see when returning to campus,” said Molly Hudgins, executive director of the SIU Alumni Association. “The university, community, and our partners have truly built this into an experience that’s become integral to SIU Homecoming festivities.”

What began as a celebration of the Jungle Dogs' final hometown performance has quickly become one of Southern Illinois' signature annual events, welcoming thousands of visitors back to downtown Carbondale while showcasing the city's continued investment in arts, music, and community.

"This festival has evolved so much bigger than a concert," said Dena Haun, Tourism and Special Events Coordinator for the City of Carbondale. "Every Homecoming, alumni come back and see a downtown that's evolving, growing, and investing in experiences that bring people together through the arts & music. This festival celebrates everything that makes Carbondale a place people are proud to return to."

"Every Homecoming, Carbondale welcomes thousands of alumni back to the place where so many lifelong memories began," said Stan Reno, City Manager for the City of Carbondale. "The Homecoming Music Street Festival celebrates that connection while highlighting the energy, partnerships, and vibrant downtown that continue to make our community a destination. We're proud to welcome everyone back to Carbondale for an unforgettable community event."

Illinois Avenue will close from College Street to Elm Street, beginning early Friday morning through midnight, creating a pedestrian-friendly entertainment district filled with live music, food, beverages, and local vendors- fostering a huge festival scene in the heart of downtown.

Guests are encouraged to explore downtown restaurants, shops and businesses throughout the evening. Public consumption of alcohol is permitted within the Downtown Entertainment District in accordance with City regulations. Beverages may be purchased from participating establishments or brought in non-glass, single-serving containers.

The headlining act, Spin Doctors, brings their signature blend of alternative rock, funk, and blues to the main stage, delivering the kind of high-energy sound that made them one of the defining bands of the 1990s. Best known for multi-platinum hits like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” the band has sold millions of albums worldwide and continues to entertain audiences with its infectious groove.

Opening for the Spin Doctors are North Mississippi Allstars, a multiple Grammy-nominated band that blends blues, Southern rock, soul, and hill country music into an electrifying sound that celebrates the rich musical traditions of the American South.

Other acts include:

Cowboy Kyle, founder of Nashville's Urban Cowboy Line Dancing, is an energetic instructor and entertainer who has become one of Music City's most sought-after hosts for line dancing experiences, bringing authentic country charm, beginner-friendly instruction, and unforgettable fun to thousands of guests from around the world.

Lucas Wayne and the Cottonmouths, joined by special guest City of Soul, deliver a mix of Americana, country, bluegrass, soul, and rock, with heartfelt storytelling and musicianship that’s made them a rising favorite across the Midwest music scene.

Johnny Rock-itt and The Double-Wide Symphony is an eclectic party band known for infusing classic rock with country, Southern rock, and blues, performing at numerous festivals and fairs for years.

Student After-Hours Party

The SIU Student Programming Council is partnering with this year’s festival to present a Student After-Hours Party, giving SIU students an opportunity to keep the celebration going after the festival’s main schedule concludes.

The late-night event will feature a special surprise performance by a surprise artist. Look for the announcement from the Student Programming Council later this fall.

For event updates and additional information, follow Carbondale IL Tourism on Facebook & VisitCdale on Instagram or visit ExploreCarbondale.com. For media requests, contact Dena Haun, Tourism and Events Coordinator, at (630) 903-0930 or dhaun@carbondaletourism.org

Pumpkin Carving at SIUC Campus

8 - 4 PM

Help carve the magic behind the Pumpkin Glow! ✨

Green Earth is looking for volunteers to help carve nearly 1,000 jack-o-lanterns that will light up the trail for this year’s Pumpkin Glow Fundraiser!

Pumpkin carving will take place on the SIU Campus in the breezeway between Wham and Pulliam Hall! 🎃

Grab some friends, coworkers or your RSO and make a carving party out of it. The more, the merrier!

🧡 Multiple shifts welcome
🎃 All carving abilities welcome
✨ Help create one of Carbondale’s favorite fall traditions!

Sign up to volunteer: greenearthinc.org/pumpkin-glow-2026

S’mores & Spells Outdoor Movie Night

6:30 PM

S’mores & Spells Outdoor Movie Night
Grab a blanket or lawn chair and join the Carbondale Park District for a cozy fall movie night under the stars! We’ll be showing Ghostbusters (1984) at Parrish Park, complete with free popcorn, s’mores, and a campfire to help set the mood.

Bring your family and friends, find a comfortable spot on the lawn, and settle in for a fun evening of ghosts, laughs, and classic movie nostalgia.

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Parrish Park, 2500 W. Sunset Dr., Carbondale
Fee: FREE

What to bring: Blankets or lawn chairs for seating.

Questions? Use the “Get in Touch” form at the bottom of this page.

CPKD Presents: Halloween Movie Night

7:00pm

Join us for an evening under the stars! We're bringing the Halloween spirit to life with a special outdoor screening of Ghostbusters. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite snacks to enjoy this classic on our giant outdoor movie screen.

Location: Parrish Park

The Pumpkin Glow

5:30PM-9:30PM

A nighttime jack-o-lantern hike held at Green Earth's Oakland Nature Preserve. Enjoy hayrides, live music, and concessions during this family friendly event! Adults $7 suggested donation, kids free.

Location: Green Earth's Oakland Nature Preserve

The Pumpkin Glow

5:30PM-9:30PM

A nighttime jack-o-lantern hike held at Green Earth's Oakland Nature Preserve. Enjoy hayrides, live music, and concessions during this family friendly event! Adults $7 suggested donation, kids free.

Location: Green Earth's Oakland Nature Preserve

Arts n Crap Festival

10AM-7PM

Free community event showcasing local artisan’s, vendors, music, entertainment, food trucks with activities for all and more! Held outdoors-carnival style, in the heart of Downtown Carbondale.

Location: Thrift Shop - 215 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL

Yoga and Mimosas

10 AM

Yoga and Mimosas
OUTDOOR YOGA • COMPLIMENTARY MIMOSA
Start your day with a little movement, fresh air, and good vibes! Join the Carbondale Park District at Hickory Ridge Golf Course for a relaxing outdoor yoga session under the Harvey Welch, Jr. Pavilion.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just looking to unwind, this class is a great way to stretch, breathe, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

After yoga, stick around to relax, socialize, and enjoy a complimentary mimosa. A non-alcoholic beverage option will also be available. Please wear clothes you are comfortable working out in and bring a mat. Don’t forget your water bottle!

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Hickory Ridge Golf Course, 2727 W. Glenn Rd., Carbondale
Fee: $20 (R and NR)

Please note: Complimentary mimosas are available to participants ages 21+ with a valid ID.

Candy Walk

12pm-2pm

Carbondale’s downtown businesses will have lots of candy to hand out! All the little ghosts and goblins are welcome to walk around downtown and fill their treat bags. For a map of participating businesses check the Carbondale Main Street Facebook page.

Location: Downtown Carbondale

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

Unveiling during candy walk

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Halloween Calaveras

12PM-2PM

A make-and-take kids' art project. Choosing from 12 designs, young artists will create colorful "sugar skull" wooden ornaments that make perfect mementoes and gifts. Older artists can use blank wooden skull shapes to create their own calaveras designs!

Location: Artspace on the Strip – on the front patio at 607 S Illinois Ave

The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race

2pm (Register from 1pm–1:45pm)

The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race is a fun, family-friendly fall tradition where participants transform pumpkins into creative racers and send them speeding down the track in downtown Carbondale. Open to children, individuals and families, the event features free races, cash prizes, costumes and plenty of laughs—including the crowd-favorite “Mallet-O-Justice” for pumpkin racers that don’t follow the rules. Part of the annual Carbondale Halloween celebration, the Pumpkin Race brings the community together while raising funds for SI Reads and the Science Center. 

Location: Mill St. Underpass, Carbondale, IL (Rain location: Carbondale Park District - Lakeland Center, 925 S. Giant City Road)

The Pumpkin Glow

5:30PM-9:30PM

A nighttime jack-o-lantern hike held at Green Earth's Oakland Nature Preserve. Enjoy hayrides, live music, and concessions during this family friendly event! Adults $7 suggested donation, kids free.

Location: Green Earth's Oakland Nature Preserve

Haunted Hollow

11am-4pm

Haunted Hollow is back for another year of fall family fun! Enjoy the perfect mix of laughs and lighthearted scares at this Halloween-themed event featuring both free activities and ticketed attractions for all ages. Costumes are encouraged, and the event will be held rain or shine, so dress for the weather and bring your fall spirit! Touch of Nature is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: SIU's Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Pumpkin Carving Party at the SIU Craft Shop

2- 5 PM

Pumpkins and carving supplies will be provided. However pumpkins are limited so if you have one, please bring it. Hosted by Fuller Dome Home Museum in partnership with SIU Honors Program and SIU Craft Shop

Location: SIU Craft Shop

Mudale Ace Hardware Presents: Murdale Safe Halloween

10am-2pm

Bounce houses, Hayrides, Trick-or-Treat with the Murdale Merchants. Lunch will be available will be available with proceeds going to Toys-for-Tots. Menu will include: Bison burgers, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, chips and soda. Concessions will also be available with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls club to include Cotton Candy, Pop Corn, Nachos, Slushies.

Location: Murdale Ace Hardware Parking lot

Trick-or-Treat Hours for Halloween

5 PM - 8 PM

Mayor Carolin Harvey has proclaimed Saturday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the official "Trick-or-Treat" hours for Carbondale.

Residents wishing to welcome "trick-or-treaters" should illuminate their porch and exterior lights. It is recommended that "trick-or-treaters" wear reflective tape or clothing and that parents check all treats for potentially harmful objects.

For further information, contact the Office of the Mayor at 618-457-3229.

Location: Carbondale

Howl-o-ween at the Dog Park

10- 1 PM

Howl-o-ween at the Dog Park
Saturday, October 31, 2026
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
PetSafe Carbondale Community Dog Park
2500 W. Sunset Dr. Carbondale
FREE

Dress up your pup and join us for a fun Howl-O-Ween celebration at the dog park! Bring your costumed canine for a festive parade and costume contest, enjoy time with fellow dog lovers, and grab a bite from a food truck. $10 pup portraits and homemade dog treats for sale benefiting Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks.

Dogs and their owners are invited to show off their best Halloween looks during our costume parade and contest at 12:00 PM sharp! Prizes will be awarded to selected contest winners.

All dogs must follow PetSafe Carbondale Community Dog Park rules. Dogs should be under the control of their owner at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. More information about the dog park and it’s rules can be found on this page.

Check out the Facebook event HERE!

Questions? Use the “Get in Touch” form at the bottom of this page or call the Lakeland Center at 618-549-4222.

Dome Glow: The Fourth Annual Jon Davey Memorial Celebration

6pm-9pm

Dome Glow returns for its fourth year, lighting up the grounds of the historic Buckminster Fuller Dome Home with extraordinary carved pumpkins, old movies, a fire, candy, and the glowing Dome itself. Inspired by the late SIU architecture professor Jon Davey and his tradition of challenging students to create remarkable architectural carvings, Dome Glow celebrates pumpkins that go well beyond the traditional jack-o’-lantern.

Location: Buckminster Fuller Dome Home, 407 S. Forest Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901

Special Film Screening: Rocky Horror Picture Show

Screening at 7PM and 11PM

Special movie screenings in October to celebrate the spooky season, from new releases to cult classics and more!

Location: The Varsity, downtown at 418 S. Illinois Ave.

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Dome Glow: The Fourth Annual Jon Davey Memorial Celebration

6pm-9pm

Dome Glow returns for its fourth year, lighting up the grounds of the historic Buckminster Fuller Dome Home with extraordinary carved pumpkins, old movies, a fire, candy, and the glowing Dome itself. Inspired by the late SIU architecture professor Jon Davey and his tradition of challenging students to create remarkable architectural carvings, Dome Glow celebrates pumpkins that go well beyond the traditional jack-o’-lantern.

Location: Buckminster Fuller Dome Home, 407 S. Forest Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

Community Dia de Los Muertos Altar

All day

In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, SI CABE will set up a traditional altar to honor members of our community, families and friends who have passed on.

Location: The Varsity Center

The Great Southern Illinois Pumpkin Smash

12pm-3pm

Pumpkin drop off and some hands-on pumpkin smashing activities will be offered in this fun and family friendly event! The resulting pumpkin remains will be hauled off to SIU’s Forced Air Composting Facility on Pleasant Hill Road and kept out of the landfill. Join us for a fun time and bring a container to take home some fresh compost.

Location: SIU University Farms Service Center - 2704 Union Hill Rd, Carbondale, IL 62903