Mt. Lebanon's Washington Road could become a new hot spot for outdoor entertainment this summer with plans for a noontime concert every Wednesday and a sidewalk festival the first Friday of each month.

More than 1,400 people work in the offices near uptown Mt. Lebanon, the central business district of the municipality, said Mame Bradley, program manager for Mt. Lebanon's commercial districts.

A new lunchtime concert series aims to get those workers away from their desks and onto the plaza at the new park, Clearview Common on Alfred Street and Washington Road, at noon every Wednesday, next week through Aug. 31.

The noontime concert series, called Sounds on Washington, is being underwritten by a $2,500 grant from Alberta Modern Hair and was organized by SoundColor Productions on Alfred Street.

"I just think it's a good thing," said Larry Alberta, owner of the salon, on Washington Road. "Everybody likes to come out on a nice day."

Performers will include the Maureen Budway Duo, the Karen Dryer Duo, Sal Ventura and others.

Clearview Common, a small, urban park, was completed this spring and cost $637,000. The project consolidated parking on a lower deck, added seating, terraced the landscape and added on-street parking on Alfred Street.

Original plans called for a fountain and pavilion but those were cut due to budget constraints.

Those features could be added if funding becomes available, said Mt. Lebanon Manager Stephen Feller.

Also in uptown, National City Presents First Fridays will return after a successful run last year.

Bradley said the sidewalk festival got off to a slow start last year, but, by its October event, attendance had blossomed to about 4,000 people.

The event, which does not close Washington Road, includes music, juried art exhibits, wine tasting, architectural tours, farmers markets, street performers, activities for children and in-store promotions at local businesses.

This year's festivals, from 6 to 9 p.m., will be themed. June 3 is Classics on Washington, with the dedication of Clearview Common at 7 p.m.

July 1 is Red, White, Rhythm and Blues, Aug. 5 is Latin Heat, Sept. 2 is Jazz on Washington and Oct. 7 is Oktoberfest. Children's activities are organized by South Arts Pittsburgh and the Mt. Lebanon Police Association.

National City Presents First Fridays costs about $13,500 to produce and is funded by grants from National City, the Washington Road Business and Professional Association, the Mt. Lebanon Police Association and the municipality, which kicks in $2,500.

For schedules and details, go to www.washingtonroad.com.