A historic arts & entertainment venue in downtown Carbondale, Illinois

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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.

Get ready for The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Goes Back 2 School!
Join us in person for a wild, colorful night celebrating our beloved cult classic like never before. Expect outrageous costumes, sing-alongs, and all the fun vibes you can handle. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a first-timer, this Back 2 School Edition brings extra sparkle and love to the screen. Don’t miss out on this epic bash—come as you are and get ready to rock!
This SIU Family Weekend, our house shadowcast Big MudDe-Medusa and The Varsity extend a special invitation for an extra-special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Doors and the Varsity Bar open at 7, with the screening at 8 PM. Join us as we celebrate the Original Frank-N-Furter ~ the late, great Tim Curry, YOU -- the fans, and all things that make The Rocky Horror Picture Show the longest-running movie run in cinematic history! Warmest welcome to all RHPS virgins and old pros alike!
SOLD OUT -- Only remnant tickets at Door admission *MAY BE* available on the night of the show: Door value is $18, Student $15, and Night of VIP is $25 & $30.

Cinema at The Varsity presents: Terror on the Strip 2026
A 9-hour, 5-film 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.
The Woodbox Gang headlined the city's Eclipse Concert Sunday night, April 7. The regional favorites performed to a full house in the Big Room at the Varsity. (Jen Haselhorst Photography)