Fayetteville offers the experience for people to immerse themselves in art and entertainment every month for 4th Friday. The enriching event takes place in the historic downtown area, where people can enjoy food from restaurants, walk through shops and browse local art galleries. The theme for July’s 4th Friday, which falls on July 26, is “Parking Lot Party.”

“Downtowns are the ‘free throw line’ of any city,” said Greg Weber, president and CEO of The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. “To win a game, you need to get to the free throw line and hit those buckets.

“The Arts Council is increasing its investment in bringing people to Fayetteville’s ‘free throw line’ — downtown activity on 4th Friday. We are working to sink more buckets, and our expansion of activities on 4th Friday is an important first step.”

The Arts Council’s newest 4th Friday Artist’s Program will foster a space for artists to create and show their work and share their passion with others. Artists can visit www.theartscouncil.com/ParkingLotParty to sign up to showcase their work.

The Parking Lot Party will begin at 6 p.m., but other downtown organizations are getting involved in the fun, too, by providing their own activities.

The Market House will be open Friday from 6-10 p.m. for a free exhibit called “Vintage Postcards.” The display offers a look into the past, displays of documents like vintage receipts, bills, and letters from businesses past and present in downtown Fayetteville.

At Cape Fear Studios, attendees can see the creations of visual artists on display as part of the “8 by Exhibit.” The art will reflect the work of visual artists of a variety of mediums, and each piece has to have one dimension that is 8 inches.

Enjoy a free performance from the local musicians of the Bella Venti Woodwind Quintet at The Wine Café at 6:30 p.m. The professional musicians play the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn. Cash tips are encouraged.

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will be playing against the Carolina Mudcats, and they’re celebrating Christmas in July. The game starts at 7 p.m. and features a Woodpeckers Winter Hat Giveaway for the first 700 fans through the gate. A fireworks show will take place after the game.

After strolling around and enjoying the art, attendees can catch a show at Gilbert Theater. As a part of its Summer Play Fest, at 7 p.m. there will be performances of “A Ghost Story, Abridged,” “The Devil You Say” and “Grocery Store.” Tickets cost $16.

The Summer Play Fest starts on July 24. The purchase of one ticket buys access to all of the shows for the week, through July 28. For more information or to buy tickets, call the theater at 910-678-7186.

Call the Cool Spring Downtown District at 910-223-1089 or visit www.theartscouncil.com to learn more about 4th Friday.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County’s newest 4th Friday Artist’s Program will foster a space for artists to create and show their work and share their passion with others.