Off the Rails Concert Series Returns for Its 6th Season with First Ever Run on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage
Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/15/2026 - 10/02/2026
12:00 am
Location
New Era Events Plaza
Categories
The City of Carbondale is excited to announce the return of the Off the Rails Concert Series, bringing five
unforgettable nights of free live music to downtown Carbondale from August through October 2026. For the
first time in the series’ history, our concerts will take place on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at the New
Era Events Plaza (200 S. Washington Street), marking a new era for one of Southern Illinois’ favorite live
music traditions.
Following the successful debut of the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage during this summer’s Sunset Concert
Series, Off the Rails now has a permanent home in the heart of downtown. The series continues its mission of
showcasing an eclectic mix of nationally touring artists, regional favorites, and emerging local talent while
creating memorable community experiences that celebrate Carbondale’s vibrant music culture.
“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, Tourism and Special Events Coordinator for the City of
Carbondale. “This year feels especially meaningful as we bring the series onto the Robbie Stokes Memorial
Stage for the very first time. Robbie dedicated so much of his life to supporting musicians and building
Southern Illinois’ music community. It’s incredibly fitting that this stage will now host artists from across the
country while continuing to shine a spotlight on the amazing talent we have right here at home.”
The 2026 season kicks off with the CarbondAlien Music Festival, celebrating Southern Illinois’ thriving local
music scene before welcoming nationally recognized artists throughout the fall.
All events are free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and
enjoy local food vendors while experiencing live music in downtown Carbondale. Public consumption of
alcohol is permitted within the Downtown Entertainment District in accordance with City regulations. Guests
may purchase beverages from participating establishments or bring their own in non-glass, single-serve
containers.
2026 Off the Rails Concert Schedule
Saturday, August 15// CarbondAlien Music Festival // 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Features: The Hornworms, City of Soul, Tawl Paul & Slappin’ Henry Blue, Tr!cks, Stay Here and the Southern
Illinois Soul Jazz Coalition!
Saturday, August 29 // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Features: Marcella Simien & Family Soul Band
Friday, September 4 // Lost Cross 40th Anniversary // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Features: Didjits & Acumen
Saturday, September 19 // Hemp, Hops & Shrooms // 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Features: Hot Like Mars & MoonShroom with programming from the SIU Cannabis Science Center and the
SIU Fermentation Science Institute
Friday, October 2 // SIU Family Weekend // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Features: Kyle Tuttle Band & Special guest Chris Housman
Calling All Vendors! Vendor applications are now open for the 2026 Off the Rails Concert Series. Food
vendors, artisans, nonprofits, and community organizations are invited to participate throughout the season,
including Hemp, Hops & Shrooms and the SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit the application link for event dates, vendor fees, location details, and
more. Questions can be directed to eseanti@carbondalemainstreet.com.
Location: Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at New Era Events Plaza
Address: 200 S. Washington Street, Carbondale, IL
Save the Date: SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival // Friday October 16, 2026
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 16, as we once again shut down The Strip (Illinois Avenue) for the
annual SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival. The celebration will feature two stages of live music, dozens of
vendors, food, beverages, and activities as thousands of alumni, students, and community members gather for
one of Southern Illinois’s biggest weekends of the year.
The full entertainment lineup and festival details will be announced after the start of the fall semester.
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
“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a
cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new
ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s
Carbondale…All Ways Open… for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”