Festivalgoers began arriving as soon as gates opened.
"We might've been the first two people here," said Tracy Deraffele of West Milford, New Jersey.
Crowds quickly filled the festival grounds on opening day, with Friday night's lineup headlined by country-pop singer Russell Dickerson at the Wind Creek Steel Stage.
Alongside nationally known acts, Musikfest also provided a platform for emerging performers, including Bethlehem native Lily Moss, who described the experience as a career milestone.
"This is my hometown. This is the biggest stage I've ever played before, so honestly just being here and sharing this moment with everybody I grew up with is so special," Moss said.
She also pointed to the festival's broad appeal beyond the music.
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"You get to see so many different types of genres and not only that but personally, I love the food," Moss said.
Food remained a major attraction throughout the opening day festivities. Vendors lined the festival grounds against the backdrop of the historic Bethlehem SteelStacks.
"I got some corn fritters and Yeungling, of course," said Craig Evans of Whippany, New Jersey.
Among the approximately 50 food vendors at the 50-acre event was Kou Kitchen of Allentown. Owner Kou Taylor served dishes inspired by her native West Africa.
"We enjoy watching people enjoy our food, the taste of Africa," Taylor said.
For some attendees, Musikfest is an annual tradition. Others are just beginning to make it one.
"We're turning it into one as long as they have good headliners," said Kristy Evans of Whippany, New Jersey.
In addition to music and food, local artwork is displayed and sold throughout the festival. All but one of the festival's 17 stages are free to attend.
Organizers expect more than 1 million visitors during this year's event.
"Bethlehem is a very unique and cool town, and I think it gets a lot of people to this area to see how awesome this area is," said Melissa Gaiser of Emmaus.
For tickets and more information, visit ArtsQuest.com/Musikfest.
6abc is a proud media sponsor of the Wind Creek Steel Stage.