As the sun was lowering on the hot Friday evening, people were lounging in chairs, running with dogs and setting up booths for the 2015 Aiken Bluegrass Festival.
Noah Cartin was at a booth when his dog, Coda, popped up and made his way for a group with another dog passing by.
The fact that his dog is allowed is one thing Cartin, who grew up in Aiken but now lives in Columbia, enjoys about the festival.
"I like the vibe," he said. "It's not corporate at all and has more of a family-friendly feel."
The band he was looking forward to seeing that night is a festival regular, the Larry Keel Aiken Experience featuring Andy Hall, Jeremy Garrett and Jon Stickley.
The rest of the night's program included Doug and the Henrys, Town Mountain and Greensky Bluegrass.
Among the food and craft vendors set up was an information booth for STAR Riding, the organization benefitting from the annual music festival.
"It's a wonderful event for our program," said Peggy Dils, the organization's director of development. "We are grateful they are sharing the weekend for us."
STAR Riding is an organization "dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities improve their quality of life through safe interaction with horses," as stated on its website.
The Aiken Bluegrass Festival will continue Saturday at the Aiken Fairgrounds, 561 May Royal Drive, with gates opening at noon.
The day's lineup will be Taylor Creek, Delta Cane, Doug and the Henrys, Clyde's On Fire, Jon Stickley Trio, Larry Keel Aiken Experience featuring Dave Bruzza, Paul Hoffman and Anders Beck and Greensky Bluegrass.
Tickets are $35 at the gate.
For more information, visit www.aikenbluegrassfestival.org.
Stephanie Turner graduated from Valdosta State University in 2012. She then signed on with the Aiken Standard, where she is now the arts and entertainment reporter.