Carbondale Alerts
Carbondale Names Washington Street Venue: Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at the New Era Events Plaza
CARBONDALE -
On February 24, the Carbondale City Council voted to officially name the permanent stage at the City’s new downtown events venue the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage, honoring the late musician, sound engineer and longtime champion of Carbondale’s music community.
The venue itself will be known as the New Era Events Plaza, located at 200 S. Washington Street between East Main and East Walnut Streets.
Robbie Stokes, who passed away in May 2023, helped shape the sound and spirit of Carbondale’s music scene for decades. Known for mentoring musicians and engineering countless performances, his influence extended across generations of artists and audiences. Naming the stage in his honor ensures that his legacy remains a lasting part of the community he helped inspire.
"Robbie Stokes played an important role in building Carbondale’s music culture," said City Manager Stan Reno. "Naming the stage in his honor recognizes the impact he had on local musicians and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire performances and community gatherings for years to come."
Phase 1 of the New Era Events Plaza is now complete and features the permanent performance stage and a large open lawn designed to accommodate thousands of attendees for concerts, festivals, and community events.
Planning for Phase 2 is currently underway and is moving toward the bidding process. The next phase will expand the venue’s capabilities and include construction of a market activity pavilion with permanent restroom facilities, ADA-accessible parking and additional infrastructure that will support larger regional performances and ticketed events.
Once totally complete, the New Era Events Plaza is expected to serve as a central gathering space for live entertainment, community celebrations and cultural events in downtown Carbondale.
Follow us on Facebook: Carbondale IL Tourism and Instagram: VisitCdale for updates on this project and future events.
For more information or media inquiries, contact Public Relations Officer Eva Fisher at 618-713-0711 or efisher@carbondaleil.gov .
“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale…All Ways Open…for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”
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