You could say they knocked—and rocked—it out of the park this Saturday.

Forsyth Park, that is.

On a picture perfect Saturday afternoon, hundreds gathered in Forsyth Park for the first-ever Square Fest, a free all-day outdoor concert featuring some of the area’s finest hip hop, rock and metal musicians. The list of performers included the following acts, in order of appearance: Sunglow, Lyn Avenue, Sincerely Iris, Listen 2 Three, Dope Sandwich & Elephant Talk, Emoticon, Kota Mundi, The Royal Noise, KidSyc@Brandywine, Savannah Party Starters and Word of Mouth.

“This is my first event [like this], and I’m excited and I’m proud,” said Amanda Hollowell, the festival’s organizer and event and marketing professional. “Everyone wanted this event to work, and I’m so proud for Savannah. It worked.”

Legions of concertgoers set up blankets, fold-out chairs and food, many of them staying all afternoon until the event ended a little after 10 p.m. The crowd could not have been more diverse, a true Lowcountry boil of age, race, gender and subcultures. It was one of those special Savannah moments where you thank your good fortune for living in a community where such events are possible.

“What brings me out here? It’s free music, and it’s Forsyth Park. You can take your kids, take your dogs, and come out and hang with awesome people,” said Patrick Gilman, who set up camp near the edge of the stage.

Further away from the stage, a group of enterprising young men staked their ground mid-park, setting up a folding table and a triangle of yellow Solo cups at each end.

“It’s my second day back in town for school. I just wanted to enjoy myself, hand out with some friends, and have a good time,” said one of the beer pong architects. “I’m glad to be back in Savannah—I missed the city. So this is just perfect.”

After the event, festivities continued about a dozen blocks down Bull Street at The Wormhole, which held the after-party and jam session. Over cans of PBR, musicians, organizers, volunteers and new friends swapped stories of the day that just was, and reveled in the event’s success.

And started planning and talking about next year’s event.

“I’m going to give myself a few days to relax,” said Hollowell. “I’ll start thinking about next year on Wednesday, I think.”