Community Calendar Events

January Carbondale "At the Table" Dinner & Dialogue Event

The City of Carbondale will kick off its 2026 Carbondale “At the Table” Dinner & Dialogue Series on January 6 at the Carbondale Civic Center. The series will continue on the first Tuesday of the month through June, 2026.
The Carbondale “At the Table” Dinner & Dialogue Series brings an intersection of topics ranging from culture, history, and racial healing to the table through facilitated conversations so that community members from diverse backgrounds can engage in dialogue while enjoying a community meal.
This month’s gathering centers on the theme “Healing Through Dialogue,” inviting attendees to explore how shared dialogue across race, culture, and generations promotes community healing. Participants will learn about the history, purpose, and impact of peace circles and other dialogue-based practices. The evening will also include an introduction to practical dialogue facilitation techniques that participants can carry forward into future Carbondale “At the Table” sessions and into their own community spaces.
This event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5pm and the Dinner & Dialogue will begin at 5:30pm. Seating is limited. For more information, please contact Dianah McGreehan at dmcgreehan@carbondaleil.gov or call 618-457-3282.

Wild Things Conference 2026

The Wild Things conference is a celebration of nature, wildlife, ecosystem restoration, birding, botanizing, networking, and discovery – from the lowly mushroom to the high-flying falcon. The conservation community comes together to learn from each other and the best experts, and enjoys a day jam-packed with handpicked panels that run the spectrum in causes, complexity, and creativity. Spend a day with other people who care for the ecosystems of Illinois, and the planet, and find ways to help. We are stewards, advocates, and educators – volunteers and professionals – coming together with urgent hope to appreciate and protect prairies, woodlands, wetlands, wild yards, and wilder hearts.
For the first time ever, Wild Things is moving south for 2026 - join us in O'Fallon, IL on January 31, 2026!
Wild Things is an educational program of Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves.

Community Meal

The Adams County Democratic Party invites community members to join them for a free Community Meal and Hygiene Giveaway on Saturday, December 20th at 11:30 AM at Salem Church (9th & State).

Every Saturday, Salem Church provides a meal for those in need. On December 20th, Adams County Democrats are honored to take a turn. However, this meal will be a little different. Kate Daniels, Adams County Democratic Party Chair, explains, “Everyone is invited to this community event. This community meal is a chance for friends, neighbors, and families from all walks of life to come together, break bread, and enjoy fellowship.”

The traditional holiday meal will include pulled turkey with gravy, roasted potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, and dessert. Salem Church will also be offering a hygiene product giveaway with items such as soap, toilet paper, tampons, pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more.

Daniels said, “We want this event to be an opportunity for kindness, connection, and community. No matter your background or situation, you have a place at the table.”

South District Elks Free Children's Orthopedic Clinic

The South District Elks Lodges in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation will sponsor a Free children’s orthopedic assessment clinic on Friday January 9, 2026. The clinic is from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and is by appointment only.

To make an appointment call the Illinois Elks Children’s Care office at 800-272-0074 between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. There are no charges for any services at this clinic. No medical referral is necessary for the clinic. The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development.

The Elks will hold the clinic at the Marshall Browning Hospital, 900 North Washington Street, Du Quoin. Dr. Alan Froehling from Mount Vernon will be the clinician.

20th Annual Southern Illinois Alternative Gift Fair

The 20th Annual Southern Illinois Alternative Gift Fair allows generosity-minded holiday shoppers to purchase gifts that matter from participating non-profit organizations. There is no admission charge for the event and live music and refreshments add to the festivities at this beloved annual event.

Take Karate Through the Carbondale Park District!

Take Karate Through the
Carbondale Park District!

Learn:
• Self-defense
• Sports and fitness
• Personal growth

Eight-class beginner session starts Monday, January 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Ages 10 and Older
Adults welcome!
Only $40! (for residents. $45 for nonresidents)

(Advanced class runs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.)

Sign up Now!
Lakeland Center
925 South Giant City Road
(618) 549-4222
https://CarbondaleKarate.com/
www.cpkd.org
https://apm.activecommunities.com/carbondaleparkdistrict/Activity_Search/