Carbondale to Break Ground on Downtown Entertainment and Events Plaza

Carbondale is set to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Downtown Entertainment and Events Plaza, a major community project designed to enhance the city’s arts and culture scene.

This highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM and will coincide with the launch of the 3rd Annual Hemp, Hops & Shrooms festival.

This festival, a collaboration between SIU’s Cannabis Science Center, Fermentation Science Institute, Carbondale Main Street, and the City of Carbondale, offers a fun and educational experience for attendees.

The new plaza will feature a permanent stage, ADA-compliant parking, and a large open lawn, making it a versatile space for concerts, comedy shows, school performances, private events, and more.

Supported by a $2 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets program, the plaza is part of Carbondale’s effort to expand its entertainment offerings and attract visitors from the region.

The plaza will also serve as a key venue for expanding the city’s popular “Off the Rails” concert series, bringing larger events and performances to the area.

Residents are encouraged to join the celebration and stay for the festival, which showcases Carbondale’s bright future as a cultural hub.

For more details, contact the Public Relations Officer at 618-713-0711.