Marching bands and fun are all part of this year’s SIU Carbondale Homecoming which will celebrate 75 years of Salukis. (Photos provided)
October 08, 2026
SIU’s 2026 Homecoming celebrates 75 years of Saluki pride with concerts, football and fun
CARBONDALE, Ill. — It’s a diamond anniversary for Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s unique mascot during the 2026 Homecoming festivities. After all, there is only ONE Saluki!
“Decades of the Dawg: 75 Years of Saluki Pride,” Oct. 12-17, promises to be memorable with a giant pep rally, Homecoming Music Street Festival, numerous activities, a parade, tailgating and Saluki football.
“The students are what make Homecoming possible — and this year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 75 years of the Saluki as our mascot,” said Dylan Stemm, SIU Carbondale Student Programming Council Homecoming (SPC) director. “It’s special to showcase SIU’s journey through the decades while celebrating where we are today. Bringing students, alumni and the community together to celebrate our shared Saluki pride is what Homecoming is all about. Once a Saluki, always a Saluki.”
Powerful week of music and fun
Along with the return of alumni to SIU’s majestic campus for a time of reflection and memories of being a Saluki, current students and the community will find happenings on campus that will bring smiles to everyone of all ages. The week is filled with events, many of which are free and open to the public.
The third annual SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival on Friday, Oct. 16, will transform the Strip along Illinois Avenue into a giant block party starting at 3 p.m. with two stages and feature guest the Spin Doctors. At 10 p.m. on the Strip, SIU’s SPC keeps the homecoming energy going with diamond-certified, multi-platinum recording artist KYLE.
Chosen by students
The Saluki name was actually the suggestion of Leland “Doc” Lingle, student, teacher, coach and later namesake for Lingle Hall. In 1951, SIU’s student body voted overwhelmingly to adopt “Salukis” as the new mascot for SIU. The name pays homage to the region’s “Little Egypt” heritage. Salukis, known for their strength and grace, is one of the oldest-known dog breeds and were favored by ancient Egyptian pharaohs. A pyramid memorial near the entrance to Saluki Stadium pays homage to King Tut, SIU’s first official Saluki mascot.
King Tut’s Pep Rally
To get the week started, we return to where the Saluki legacy began in 1951 with a big kickoff and pep rally, which officially launches homecoming week. The celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at Faner Plaza, and everyone is welcome. It’s an enhanced version of a traditional pep rally, offering inspiring guest speakers, involvement fair, the homecoming court announcement, free food, a live DJ and the signing of the homecoming proclamation at 5 p.m. Students can also claim the first of five limited edition 2026 homecoming T-shirts.
A Homecoming Blood Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross is from noon to 6 p.m. at the SIU Student Center on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Donors can grab the second of five limited edition homecoming T-shirts.
At 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, the Saluki Carnival Block Party on Lincoln Drive in front of Pulliam Hall returns for another year. This homecoming tradition for the entire community is a 1990s-insipred free festival that includes live performers, carnival rides, games, music, food and surprises. This is also a chance to grab the fourth of five limited-edition Homecoming T-shirts. Food vendors will be on-site, offering refreshments for purchase. To ensure the public’s safety and enjoyment for all, a few rules will be in place. Pets, solicitation, smoking, glass bottles, underage drinking and multiple-serve containers are prohibited.
The 53rd Miss Eboness pageant hosted by the Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Student Center Ballrooms. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the show starting at 6:06 p.m.
While many activities are open to the community, several are geared toward SIU Carbondale students only. Those include:
- Tuesday, Oct. 13 — 5 p.m. Student Center Ballrooms. Saluki Retro Rewind: Roller Rink. The third of five limited edition homecoming T-shirts will be available.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14 — 5 p.m. Student Center Auditorium. Ferris Bueller’s Homecoming Movie Night features a special screening of the iconic 1980s film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” along with movie bingo and free concessions.
Music on the Strip
The Oct. 16 street festival on Friday featuring the Spin Doctors also showcases other performers including the North Mississippi Allstars, Cowboy Kyle, Lucas Wayne and the Cottonmouths, City of Soul and Johnny Rock-itt and The Double-Wide Symphony. Get free tickets online. Visit the SIU Alumni Association website for details.
Hosted through a partnership between the City of Carbondale, SIU Alumni Association, River Radio, Hangar 9, SIU Student Programming Council, Carbondale Main Street, SIU Foundation, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois and community partners, the evening will include vendors, food trucks and fun galore.
The celebration continues with the Homecoming After-Party featuring KYLE. Get ready for great music, exciting vibes — and students will have a chance to win a meet and greet with KYLE after the show. Remember to bring your valid SIU Student ID to grab the fifth and final limited-edition Homecoming T-shirt for FREE and complete your collection!
Saluki spirit takes the spotlight on Saturday
Saluki pride reaches fever pitch on Oct. 17 with the annual homecoming parade, tailgating and the nationally televised Missouri Valley Conference football showdown as SIU’s football team hosts Illinois State at Saluki Stadium.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. at East Mill Street and travels down Illinois Avenue onto campus.
Parade entries are accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct.14. High school and junior high bands as well as small and large floats, cars/trucks and walking units are invited to compete for prizes as they entertain the crowd.
Tailgating on Saluki Row starts after the parade, from noon to 3 p.m. ahead of the match-up with Illinois State, televised on ESPNU.
Crowning of the homecoming royalty, chosen by the students through online voting during the week, happens at halftime along with the announcement of the parade winners and honoring the grand marshals.
Purchase game tickets at the Banterra Center ticket office, on the Saluki Athletics website or at the gate.
Additional Saluki teams at home during homecoming week include the Saluki women’s volleyball team in action against Bradley at 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Davies Gym, and the Saluki baseball team facing Eastern Illinois in a fall matchup at 3 p.m. Oct. 16, at Itchy Jones Stadium.
Campus pride abounds
Campuswide, you will see Dawgs and Saluki maroon far and wide as students, faculty, staff, departments and registered student organizations participate in spirit competitions, decorating doors and public areas as they vie for trophies and prizes. There are competitions for RSO spirit and Greek Life spirit.
Complete details online
Find the complete schedule of events and additional information at homecoming.siu.edu. For additional information, email homecoming@siu.edu or call 618-453-5714.