If you are looking for something to do on June 26, head downtown to 4th Friday. Businesses and galleries are open late, there are a variety of activities to enjoy and  there are new exhibits and performances to take in — the entire family will find something to enjoy. 

Every year, the Arts Council hosts an exhibit called Public Works. It is a celebration of local art and local artists. The exhibit opened in May and is on display through July 18. Don’t miss the Arts Council’s reception from 5-9 p.m. From 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. visitors can catch a performance by the Army Ground Forces Band as well.

After stopping at the Arts Council, art aficionados can head to Cape Fear Studios at 148 Maxwell St. for the opening of the 2015 National 2D Competition. The national juried competition and exhibit featuring 2D artists throughout the United States is a local favorite and features interesting pieces from around the country showcased in the main gallery. Visit the member artists’ studios and check out Fayetteville’s local talent, too. The 2015 National 2D Competition is on display through July 20. Find out more at www.capefearstudios.com.

Fayetteville After Five joins the 4th Friday festivities this year with concerts in Festival Park. It is a great way to wind down from a busy week and kick off the weekend. This month, the featured headliners are The Stranger, a Billy Joel tribute band and  Dealing Stan, a tribute to Steely Dan. Gate opens at 5 p.m.  Acts begin at 7 p.m. 

The Headquarters Library invites readers, authors and aspiring authors to visit the Local Authors Showcase. Meet the authors, check out their work and ask questions. Have you ever wanted to know what inspires an author or how hard it is to get published? Find out at the showcase. The event, which lasts from 7-9 p.m., features writers from the Sandhills region and is sponsored  by the Friends of the Library.

Kids love Fascinate-U Children’s Museum — and for good reason. There is plenty of kid-sized fun all in one building. Admission is free on 4th Friday, so the little ones can enjoy miniature grocery store, post office and other hands-on learning centers and take home a craft, too. Local author Catherine Poole hosts a story time and then the children will make their own colorful bookmarks to take home. Storytime is at 7:30 p.m. Free play is from 7-9 p.m. Fascinate-U is located at 116 Green St. 

The Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum at 325 Franklin St. features artifact-filled exhibits, including a model train room that tells the story of transportation from pre-history through the early 20th century. The museum  is open from 6-9 p.m.  on 4th Friday. 

Don’t miss the exhibit in collaboration with Fayetteville State University celebrating the life of Dr. E.E. Smith, the beloved Baptist minister, patriotic militia officer, successful businessman, generous philanthropist, accomplished statesman and distinguished and dedicated educator.

The Market House showcases the educational exhibit Local Artists upstairs. It is open from 6-10 p.m. This exhibit is in addition to the permanent exhibit, A View from the Square: A History of Downtown Fayetteville.

Hay Street United Methodist Church at 320 Hay St. is taking part in the action and will feature fun beach activities including face painting and creating sand art necklaces  from 6-8 p.m.