SIUC’s Homecoming festivities set for Oct. 12-17

CARBONDALE, Ill. (Heartland News) - Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2026 Homecoming is set for October 12-17.

They say this year’s theme is “Decades of the Dawg: 75 Years of Saluki Pride.”

Some of the weekend events scheduled include:

Monday

King Tut’s Pep Rally at 4:30 p.m.
Homecoming Proclamation at 5 p.m.

Tuesday

Homecoming Blood Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross

Wednesday

Retro Rewind: Silent Disco and Roller Rink at 5 p.m. at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms

Thursday

Saluki Carnival Block Party at 5 p.m. in front of Pulliam Hall (Clock Tower)

Friday

SPC Homecoming After-Party at The Strip in downtown Carbondale

Saturday

SIU Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. at The Strip in downtown Carbondale
Saluki Tailgate

Parking

According to the city of Carbondale, visitors will have several parking options within walking distance of Homecoming activities.

You can click here to check the downtown maps.

Street Closures

Homecoming Music Street Festival closure:

According to the city, Illinois Avenue will be closed between College Street and Elm Street starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16.

All side street access points in the closure area will also be closed.

This closure will remain in effect until midnight on Friday.

Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow detour signage.

Parade route closure:

Starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 Mill Street will be closed from Illinois Avenue to Lincoln Street.

Then, starting at 9 a.m., Illinois Ave. will close from Walnut Street to Mill Street.

The following cross streets will be closed between Illinois and University Avenues:

Cherry Street
Hospital Drive
College Street
Freeman Street

These street closures will reopen at 12 p.m.

3rd Annual SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival

The free music festival returns on Friday, Oct. 16 and will transform The Strip into one of southern Illinois’ biggest block parties.

There will be live music, beer tents, food, vendors and more.

See the full lineup schedule below:

Egyptian Stage (First Mid Bank parking Lot)

3-3:45 p.m. – Lucas Wayne & The Cottonmouths + 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 of Urban Cowboy Line Dancing

Saluki Stage (Main Stage on Illinois Ave.)

6-7:30 p.m. - North Mississippi Allstars
8-9:30 p.m. - Spin Doctors
10-11 p.m. - KYLE – SIU Student After Party

Homecoming Parade

SIUC will celebrate 75 years of Saluki pride with this year’s Homecoming parade.

The university will honor 13 former Saluki mascots as grand marshals of the parade.

All parade participants should arrive between 8 and 9:30 a.m. to line up. The parade starts at 10 a.m.

The parade begins at South Illinois Avenue and Mill Street and ends in front of the Student Center on the SIU campus.

You can click here for more details about Homecoming festivities.

Homecoming Game

As for the Homecoming game, SIUC will take on the Illinois State Redbirds on Saturday, Oct. 17.

According to the city, the SIU Alumni Association Homecoming Tailgate kicks off at noon with gametime starting at 3 p.m.