SonFest, Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s annual outdoor Christian music festival, welcomed thousands of fans to the campus Grove on Saturday. Gospel Music Association Dove Award Winner Colton Dixon headlined the event, along with many other bands.

“SonFest was phenomenal this year," said Rachel Kuhn, assistant director of Admissions at MVNU. "Between the sunshine, Colton Dixon, Ride Nature, and over 2,300 in attendance, we really rocked it out.

“The feedback has been great and we look forward to our 19th annual SonFest event in the fall of 2016.”

Other bands performing on the two stages were Trip Lee, Leeland, I Am They, Da Mac, Wyndsor, Take the Name, Populis, The Florals, Amena Brown, DJ Opdiggy, Fever Fever, and Ever Burning Bright.

Phil Tuttle (Class of 1999) has been assisting behind the scenes since the event’s beginning 18 years ago.

“I was a student at the very first SonFest, so it was great to be a part of making this year’s event a success," Tuttle said. "There were two stages full of great bands and artists that made Saturday so much fun."

The event also featured a skate park and action sports mission organization Ride Nature, inflatable games, festival food, and more.

To see photos from SonFest, visit MVNU on Facebook.

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University