A lot of people say that summer is when Carbondale is at its best.

Much of the sentiment may be derived from the fact that so many people leave town when summer arrives. Last year’s enrollment fell by more than 11,000 from the spring to summer semester. That’s a hefty number in a small city like Carbondale.

Summer’s the best of the three, said Jason Hamblin, a recent marketing graduate from Island Lake who has stayed in town for the past three summers. Summer seems more laid-back. The people are friendlier.

Besides the laid-back vibe, traffic decongestion and shorter lines, the Carbondale area in itself shines during the summer because of its natural beauty. Just when the temperature becomes the most conducive for spending time outside, the Shawnee National Forest begins roaring with life that remained calm during cooler weather.

As Hamblin and two friends recently monitored the Weather Channel to plan a potential day water-skiing at nearby Kinkaid Lake, they all agreed that summer is more fun than any other time at SIUC.

There’s less stress, said Ryan Chesek, a junior in business management from Wauconda, as he watched the weather with Hamblin.

And more beer gardens, chimed in Anthony Wynn, a senior in radio-television from Paducah, Ky.

Despite the large drop in population, one of Carbondale’s most popular events, the Sunset Concert Series, takes place during the summer. The free shows, sponsored by the Student Programming Council, the Student Center and the Carbondale Park District, are a 20-year tradition in the city. The alternating shows at Turley Park and on the steps of Shryock Auditorium average about 2,000 and 2,500 people, but audiences have swelled to 5,000 people. The 21-and-older crowd is allowed to bring alcohol, but glass and kegs are banned. Minors risk a stiff fine if they drink.

The lineup for this year’s 7 p.m. concerts follows:The Stuart Martz Band will play its Celtic Rock on Thursday at Turley Park. Martz is a pal of the Drovers, who have a solid fan-base in Carbondale, but says his band is totally different from the Drovers, but in the same record bin.

Jimmy Johnson continues the series with blues on June 26 at Shryock Auditorium. The series returns on July 3 to Turley Park for a Motown performance from the Rhythm Rockers. Reggae is featured on July 10 when One People visit the Shryock steps. On July 17, the Tom Andes Quartet will perform jazz at Turley Park. The July 24 series finale features acoustic pop from Vertical Horizon.

In addition to bands at bars and the usual Carbondale entertainment options, summer has a few other big events.

McLeod Theater in the Communications Building opens its summer season June 20 with Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other performances are scheduled for June 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29. Noises Off begins on July 5 and runs on July 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13. The Man of La Mancha opens on July 18 with other performances on July 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 27.

McLeod Theater also will feature the world-premiere performances of two plays written by SIUC students. Amy Wells’ A Woman’s Place runs on July 21 and 28. Helen Prien’s Resurrection is slated for July 22 and 29.

For the gear-head lurking in everyone’s psyche, the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds will host the Street Machine Nationals from June 27-29. Tens of thousands of people will file into this town 20 miles north of Carbondale to drink beer, look at thousands of cars and soak up the atmosphere. Adult tickets are $9 in advance and $12 at the door. Children’s tickets are $5 and $7. Those who do not own a car can still look at nicer vehicles all weekend on U.S. Route 51 and state Route 13 when the Street Machine crowd comes to Carbondale to cruise the Strip.

Murphysboro’s Riverside Park Bluesfest will light up the city on July 19. This year’s bill includes headliner Lonnie Brooks, Big Mike Griffin, Steve Pecaro and the Tone Kings and St. Stephen’s Blues with Martin Big Larry Albritton.