One of the things that makes 4th Friday so special is the variety of things to see and do. Downtown offers a treasure trove of options on any given day, but the fourth Friday of the month is something special because this is when all the galleries and businesses roll out the red carpet for visitors. It is when new exhibits open, when performers pop up at venues throughout the downtown area and businesses and restaurants stay open late and routinely offer great deals and specials. This month 4th Friday falls on Feb. 26. 

If you haven’t been by the Arts Council lately, come check out the latest exhibit: Romare Bearden: Beat of a Different Drum. Bearden’s work includes collage, watercolor and ink pieces that are vibrant and colorful with a distinctive voice. Bearden’s children’s book, Li’l Dan the Drummer Boy is part of the display. The exhibit runs through March 5. Find out more at http://www.theartscouncil.com.

Cape Fear Studios, opens Chikyu No (of the Earth). This exhibit features the work of member ceramic artist Guy Jencks and oil paintings by member artist Annette Szczekutek. Works will include vibrant painting and garden lanterns, totems, various birdhouses and bird feeders. With Spring in mind, there will be plenty of art for sale just waiting to add a breath of fresh air to any home or garden. There is an opening reception at 6 p.m. http://www.capefearstudios.com.

Fascinate-U is a delightful place for youngsters on any day, but 4th Fridays are special. During this event, admission is free and children can enjoy free play from 7-9 p.m. Fascinate-U offers programs throughout the month  which include but are not limited to Super Science Saturdays, camps events and birthday party specials. Find out more about at Fascinate-u.com.

The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum rolls out several new exhibits this month and 4th Friday visitors will get to see them all because the museum is open from 6-9 p.m. for this event. In conjunction with the museum the second floor of the Market House is open and features the educational exhibit “Dr. E. E. Smith”  from 6 to 10 p.m.  This exhibit is in addition to the permanent exhibit, A View from the Square: A History of Downtown Fayetteville. Call the museum at 433-1457 for more information.

The Ellington-White Contemporary Art Gallery at 113 Gillespie St. opens the Cumberland County Schools Art Teacher Exhibition at 4th Friday. The reception runs from 5-9 p.m. Find out more about the gallery at http://www.ellington-white.com.

Jazz fans won’t want to miss the Jazz Series at Marquis Market. Enjoy the ambiance of Downtown Fayetteville while listening to live jazz. It starts at 8 p.m. Find out more at the Marquis Market Facebook page.

Headquarters Library is set to host The Piney Woods Boys. The band plays traditional string band  Bluegrass music. They will be at the library from 7-9 p.m. Headquarters Library is located at 300 Maiden Lane.

Find out more about 4th Friday at www.theartscouncil.com or by calling 323-1776.