The third-annual Norman Music Festival boomed Saturday and Sunday in downtown Norman, continuing with the growing tradition of presenting music of all kinds, from punk to salsa, on its 15 stages and venues.

This year was the festival’s first to span two days. It made its debut in 2008 as a one-day musical festival featuring bands from all over the U.S.

NMF Fundraising Chairman Kevin Fowler said the estimated number of attendees is greater than last year, and that they were aiming for 30,000 people this year. People of all ages and backgrounds flocked to their favorite stages to hear bands playing their preferred music.

However, not everyone knew where they were going. First-time attendee Zac Jennings, University College freshman, said he and his friend University College Freshman Adam Troutt had been wandering around randomly because they were not sure where to go.

“Actually, we did not even know what was going on so we had to find a map,” Jennings said. “Nobody was here earlier. It’s just hard to have everything inside all over the place.”

Jennings said the map on the NMF website was OK, but the schedule was confusing and very disorganized. Jennings and Troutt both agreed that even the website itself wasn’t as good as they expected, because it had little graphics and too much text.

“There should be links, videos and photos,” Jennings said. “Maybe links to the bands to hear samples too.”

Another first-timer was international business junior José Iriarte, who said he likes the Norman Music Festival’s music diversity and how easy it was to find a parking space. He said the festival doesn’t need specialized parking like Oklahoma City does.

“It depends,” Iriarte said. “It’s too small. Norman doesn’t need it unless it’s a special event like this, but bigger.”

Norman Music Center employee Tony Mahon said the festival is great for advertising not only bands, but local businesses. He said he came as a Norman Music Center representative for this specific reason.

“If we don’t sell anything, it doesn’t matter,” Mahon said. “As long as we get our name out, that’s all that matters.”

He said he had some concerns about the festival because although it is a two-day festival this year, roads weren’t blocked off Saturday and booths couldn’t be set up until Sunday. He said the festival should close down for both days next year.

“Breaking and tearing down stuff is hard,” Mahon said, referring to setting up his tent with music equipment. “Let people get comfortable and enjoy the day out here. Although, I do understand it’s more costly that way.”

OU alumnus and NMF volunteer Zach Swickey said stores petitioned the city for Main Street to stay open Saturday, even though it was supposed to be considered Norman Music Festival’s official day.

“Maybe it was too crazy for the stores,” Swickey said. “We’ve got over 150 bands here. This is the closest to South by Southwest. It’s free too.”

Guestroom records employee Johnny Carlton said the decision to not close Saturday would depend on the type of store. Carlton said the stores that are losing business didn’t want to be at the Norman Music Festival on Saturday.