PUTNAM — After five exciting evenings of art in the 20 century, First Fridays arrives at the dawn of the digital age in the 21st century. With this final evening of the 2015 season, the October 2nd event will celebrate the major shift toward computer-generated art – a medium that has changed the way fine art, film, and music are created and consumed. Speaking of consumed… for the second year in a row, the October event will feature the First Fridays Zombie Fashion Show. All of this, combined with dozens of art vendors, gallery openings, and live performances will make it an evening to remember.

With a focus on the impact of digital photography and social media, the Community Arts table will feature a digital photo shoot. Patrons of all ages can pose in front of a variety of backgrounds and have their photo uploaded on the Discover Putnam Facebook page. In addition, the Amazing Taylors will be creating movie magic, using their handmade puppets, with an interactive stop motion movie production. Once created, the movie will play on a loop throughout the evening.

October’s event will also feature the talented bother/sister duo VulGarrity as the headlining band. VulGarrity utilizes technology to enhance their live performances with the use of loop pedals, which allows them to play drums, guitar, bass and keys all at once, in addition to executing vocal harmonies. As well, the duo switches instruments during their live performances, often during the same song without missing a beat. Look for VulGarrity on Main Street throughout the evening. Rounding out the live music scheduled for the October event, the Junkyard Heartstrings, an acoustic duo based in Eastern Connecticut, will play from 6:30-8:30 pm in Union Square. This husband and wife team performs songs from the ’60s to the present in a variety of genres. 

The entertainment for Oct. 2 is not just limited to live music. Back from the dead, the Zombie Fashion show returns to bring out legions of ghoulishly dressed participants. The zombie genre of film and television has always celebrated the artistry of how special effects – both man-made and digital – can transform the human form to something truly terrifying. With this in mind, all ages are invited to come out in their undead-best and register to walk in the 2nd Annual Zombie Fashion show. Last year’s event saw over 30 zombies walk the runway for prizes. For 2015, the event will feature three categories: Youth, Group/Family, and Adult, with prizes awarded to the top three in each category. For those interested in registering, send a private message to facebook.com/discoverputnam, or head over to the Putnam Business Association booth at the festival before 7:15 pm the evening of the event. Visitors are also encouraged to look out for zombie and monster makeup demonstrations.

First Fridays is all about celebrating art, and the Oct. 2 event will feature approximately 40 arts and crafts vendors lining Main Street and Union Square. There will also be a variety of gallery and studio openings during the evening. Patrons are encouraged to visit the downtown shops, galleries and eateries during the festival. The October event will also be the last opportunity to catch an Art Attack – the signature surprise act of art that is produced by the Putnam Arts Council.