Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

The Varsity Center for the Arts

418 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901

Theater

What started as a single-screen movie house in 1940 has become a power house for live music and community theater. This gorgeous theater is one of the greatest components to Carbondale's thriving art & culture scene.

As it serves as home to the Jackson County Stage Company, which presents several plays during the year, and hosts the weekly Friday Night Film series. The Varsity serves as a venue for live entertainment during the Carbondale Rocks Revival, an annual city-wide music festival in addition to accommodating local and regional musicians during the year to bring the city exceptional entertainment. The Varsity Center stands in the center of downtown Carbondale, midway between the Carbondale City Hall and the campus of Southern Illinois University.

How to find us?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

SIU Salukis Men's Basketball Game - Carbondale

Banterra Center •  Dec 02 – Mar 08

At Saluki basketball games, the Dawg Pound leads the Banterra Arena in chants, cheers, and traditions. Join the fun!

Read more about SIU Salukis Men's Basketball Game - Carbondale

Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade

Dec 07 @ 6PM

Celebrate the Holiday season with an after-dark parade featuring hundreds of thousands of lights.

Read more about Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade

Saluki Con

Southern Illinois University •  Feb 15 – Feb 16

Saluki Con will take place on Saturday–Sunday, from 10am–5pm at the SIU Student Center in Carbondale, IL. There will also be a Friday Night …

Read more about Saluki Con

You might also be interested...

Southern Illinois University McLeod Theatre

Carbondale

See an affordably priced play at this 500-seat theater that's the home base for the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of Theatre.

Read more about Southern Illinois University McLeod Theatre

Historic Town Square & Downtown Carbondale

Carbondale

Read more about Historic Town Square & Downtown Carbondale

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.