As the plants and animals are waking up so is downtown. For this month’s 4th Friday, May 23, the theme of 4th Friday is Spring Fling.

One of the best places downtown to explore on 4th Friday is Fascinate-U Children’s Museum. This museum is intended to make learning a fun and interactive experience for kids. The exhibits are hands-on and include an entire miniature city. For 4th Friday the museum has free admission and extended hours. It is open from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Children are invited to make a fun craft to take home with them. This month the craft focuses on celebrating spring by creating a little bird from paper rolls and feathers. Additionally, this month is Military Family Month. The entire month there is half price admission for the museum for all military families and free admission for families of deployed soldiers. Fascinate-U is located at 116 Green St.

Another exciting place to visit is the multitude of art housed in various exhibits. Cape Fear Studios located a 148 Maxwell St. Admission is free and this 4th Friday coincides the opening of The Art of Those Who Serve. This exhibit features art created by active duty U.S. military personnel. Cape Fear Studios is open from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The Fayetteville Arts Council has an exhibit opening on 4th Friday, too. This exhibit is entitled Public Works 2014. This is an annual exhibit that focuses on the artistic talents of artists in Cumberland and surrounding counties. More than 100 pieces will be on display. There is not specific subject or style requirement for the entries. All ages and abilities were invited to submit pieces and all gallery visitors are invited to vote on their favorite pieces. The Arts Council is open from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and is located at 301 Hay St. As an added bonus the Arts Council will host the Army Ground Forces Band’s Loose Cannons. They will perform outside the building. This performance is free and open to the public as is the exhibit.

Live music adds an exciting aspect of 4th Friday. This month, the Cumberland County Public Library hosts a band called Second Time Around. It is a 15-piece band that plays a wide variety of classics. They play everything from Aretha Franklin to Santana. The live music is free and is available from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The library is located at 300 Maiden Ln.

Downtown Fayetteville is also full of amazing history showcases in multiple exhibits. The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum has a model train room and artifacts dealing with the history of transportation. For 4th Friday there is also a City Market with crafts and local produce for sale. The rotating exhibit features North Carolina pottery and is entitled Utility to Unique. It is focused on the evolution of North Carolina pottery. The museum is located at 325 Franklin street and will be open from 8p.m. until 10 p.m.

Find out more about 4th Friday at www.theartscouncil.com or www.faydta.org.