PUTNAM — Aug. 4 will mark the fourth event in the season of First Fridays in Putnam and the evening promises to bring the sounds and colors of everyone’s favorite musicals and animated films. From 6 to 9 p.m.,  the outdoor art festival will see more than 50 art vendors, live music, family friendly activities, and art installations. Like all First Fridays, the event is free to the public and visitors are invited to discover the festival and the offerings of Putnam’s downtown, including al fresco dining, galleries, boutique shopping, and more. 

Thus far, the seventh season of First Fridays has celebrated three distinct film genres including science fiction, action & adventure, and classic films. The August event will jump into the whimsical word of musicals and animated films and the evening promises to be a fan-favorite for visitors of all ages. There will be reflections of beloved Broadway-inspired and Disney films throughout downtown and patrons are invited to join in by dressing as their favorite characters. 

As with all First Fridays events, music will be a prominent feature. The main stage will be a real treat with “Local Vocal – an ensemble of familiar NECT faces and voices singing the biggest hits from iconic movie musicals and animated films. Over in Union Square the Junkyard Heartstrings will provide soothing acoustic covers throughout the evening. 

The First Fridays Art Installations, which features local artists creating original work throughout each evening of the festival, will showcase the work of artist Freja Storm, a sculpture major at Massachusetts College. 

The fun continues at the Community Arts Table with an art project for all ages. August’s project is inspired by the Disney film, Moana, which tells the story of the strong-willed daughter of a chief of a Polynesian tribe who is chosen by the ocean to reunite a mystical relic with a goddess. Children are invited to create their own shell necklace, just like Moana’s! 

Above all else, First Fridays remains an art-based festival, and the Aug. 4 event will see a record number of art vendors lining Main Street and Union Square in downtown Putnam. Patrons are invited to peruse the wide variety of artisan wares while enjoying the early summer weather. Coupled with outdoor art vendors, the many galleries of Putnam will also feature openings and exhibitions. Stop by Arts & Framing to see featured artist Tom Krivacs, then head next door to The Flying Carpet Studio and their celebration of the musical Mary Poppins. Over at Artique, families can create their own mini canvases and which live art demonstrations. The Complex Performing & Creative Arts Centre will also be celebrating musicals with open rehearsals and mini performances throughout the building. And don’t miss Dub Apocalypse at The Stomping Ground. Downtown will be chock-full of art, performances, and projects all evening long.

For more info go to: www.discoverputnam.com.