418 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
A historic arts & entertainment venue in downtown Carbondale, Illinois
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FILMS
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE MUSIC
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE MUSIC
C@V Presents: Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Friday October 23, 2026 7 PM
Cinema at The Varsity presents: A NIghtmare on Elm Street (1984)
In this classic of the horror film genre that launched a movie franchise, a hideously scarred pedophile who was murdered by a lynch mob returns years later in the terrifying nightmares of his killers' teenaged children ... And the dreaming teenagers are starting to die in their sleep.
Director: Wes Cravens
Starring: Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Amanda Wyss
Run time: 91 Minutes
Rated R
C@V Presents: Terror on The Strip 2026 MARATHON
Saturday, OCT 24, Noon - 9 PM
Cinema at The Varsity presents: Terror on the Strip 2026
A 9-hour, 5-film "Blind Ticket" mystery-horror movie marathon sure to shock and excite any avid horror fan seeking an experience they won’t soon forget!
Enter blind, leave wide awake! The films in the marathon are revealed when the title card hits the screen before you! Make no mistake, these films range from underseen cult classics to canonical masterpieces. You may get the chance to see some of your favorites on the big screen or be introduced to something new! In addition to our selections all month long, our marathon programming has been painstakingly hand-selected from some of the very best the horror genre has to offer.
We aren't allowed to share the titles, but here's what we can tell you about your itinerary for the marathon experience on Saturday, October 24th!
11 am to Noon: Pre-show, welcome & introduction, coffee bar/fueling station in The Varsity Bar
Noon to 3:30: Films #1 and #2, followed by a 15-minute intermission
3:30 to 6:45: Films #3 and #4, followed by a 15-minute intermission and meal station in The Varsity Bar.
6:45 to 9 pm: Film #5, followed by a special prize raffle and closing statements
Varsity Bar & Concessions will be open throughout the marathon with special snacks, treats, and event-exclusive cocktails, PLUS Terror on the Strip T-shirts exclusive for this event.
Costumes are encouraged! Get dressed up, bring a friend, and steel your nerves for an unforgettable night of the mad and macabre on the Strip at The Varsity!
*All films are rated R; viewer discretion advised.
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Varsity Improv: Under Maintenance!
Saturday October 24, 2026 8 PM
Members of The Varsity’s house improv group will write, produce, and improvise a show for their latest residence appearance at the downtown Carbondale venue.
The hour-long show will be hosted by Under Maintenance, our local ensemble led by Macklen Makhloghi, which blends veteran performers with emerging talent, united by a shared passion for improv.
Performances feature a dynamic mix of formats, including fast-paced improv games, long-form storytelling, sketch comedy, and audience interaction, ensuring that each and every show is unique. And, because the group takes its inspiration directly from the audience, every show is wildly different. Come be a part of the experience.
Tickets for the show are $8 ($6 with Student ID)and are available in advance here on Eventbrite and at the door on the night of the show. Varsity Bar and doors at 7, show at 8.