Brian McCollum

Detroit Free Press Pop Music Critic

About 415,000 people attended the 2016 Ford Arts, Beats & Eats festival, just short of the event's record.

This year's four-day attendance was topped only by the 423,000 figure notched in 2010, when the Labor Day weekend fest moved to Royal Oak after 13 years in Pontiac.

Boosted by solid weather, this year's AB&E scored the best opening day in its history, said producer Jon Witz.

While details won't be announced until October, AB&E's contribution to area charitable and cultural groups is expected to top $300,000 this year. The festival earmarks $1 earmarked from each ticket sold, along with 12.5% of food and beverage proceeds.

"Incredible weather, strong and diverse programming, numerous community collaborations and a stellar host city and downtown are most responsible for our near-record attendance," Witz said Wednesday.

The big crowds helped some of AB&E's signature attractions score their own records, including the 1,550 who participated in Saturday's Priority Health Zumbathon workout. More than 500 runners joined the festival's 5K and 10K events, while the Family Days benefit welcomed 2,250 children with autism and their family members.