The unofficial start to summer, the Lilac Festival, is underway at Highland Park. The 10-day event brings thousands to the park and a sense of pride to the community.

• Lilac Festival Guide: Music Lineup, Vendors, Events & More

"This place is great," said Steve Castonguay of Newark. "It's very family friendly, a cool place to come out and once again the music is great."

Opening day featured Yonder Mountain String Band, JunkYardFieldTrip, and The Tragedy Brothers on the main stage.

"Honestly it's just a good time," said Zachary Slutzky of Rochester. "Just to get out of the house and do something. Probably one of the best places you could be right now."

Food vendors and trucks kept festival goers full through the night.

The festival reopens at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with the annual Lilac Parade kicking things off.