Barefoot and ready to dance, people of all ages gathered at Edgartown Memorial Wharf on Tuesday for the first Dock Dance of the summer season.

The popular summer event has taken place for over half a century, with the outdoor concerts drawing crowds of music fans each week.

The Dock Dance Band, featuring John Stanwood, Jamie Greene, Alex Karalekas, Niko Ewing, Adam Petkus, and Rose Guerin, led the way, beginning at 6:30 p.m., an earlier start time than previous years.

Adam Petkus lets it fly.

Hailey McLaughlin

Adam Petkus lets it fly.

Hailey McLaughlin

The future of the popular event had been in question after a series of complaints were made about underage drinking and general rowdiness in previous summers. As a compromise, the Edgartown select board members voted last week to allow the event to continue this summer but begin earlier in the evening.

“I love Dock Dance and I think that Alex Karalekas should be credited for bringing it back this summer,” said Atlas Zack, lead singer of the Dock Street Fight Club, which regularly performs at the event.

Sofia Balsas, of West Tisbury, said she has been coming to the Dock Dance for two years now.

“It’s nice to be surrounded by your community in a place like this, and I appreciate these dances every summer,” she said.

Remy Hassanin was enjoying his first dock dance, seated on a bench outside The Wharf.

“It’s cool to be in this community place,” he said. “And nice to be by the sea.”

Dock Street Fight Club performed a few numbers on Tuesday as well, to the delight of their fans.

“I’m just grateful for all of it and to be able to be here this summer,” Mr. Zack said.