Mt. Lebanon is gearing up for another summer of outdoor entertainment with First Fridays and Sidewalk Saturdays, a series of music, shopping and food events on Washington Road, the town's main street.

New this year will be Ultra Party, a fund-raiser and outdoor festival for everyone, with emphasis on the 22- to 35-year-old set, scheduled for Aug. 3.

This is the fourth year for First Fridays, free evening festivals that celebrate the first Friday of each month, from 6 to 9 p.m. Several thousand people attended each festival last year. Each week has a theme.

It kicks off June 1 with Country and Bluegrass night. On tap is: Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers, Double Shot Vocal Band, Dallas Marks, magician David Lawrence and Ben Sota, from Zany Umbrella Circus.

July 6 is "Red, White, Rhythm and Blues" with Jill West and the Blues Attack, Olga Watkins Duo, Double Shot Vocal Band and Dan Kamin.

Aug. 3 is "Ultra Friday," with the Pump Fakes, Stilt-walker Dr. Jay, the Clown Gordoon and Dan Kamin.

Then, from 8 p.m. to midnight, Ultra Party gears up. Unlike First Fridays, there will be admission charge to be determined, with wristbands. Guests who are at least 21 will be permitted to purchase beer and food booths will enliven the street, which will be closed from Castle Shannon Boulevard to Cedar Boulevard. Alfred Street also will be closed so the band, Velveeta, can play there, said Mt. Lebanon Public Information Officer Susan Morgans.

Ultra Party, which is being put together by the young professionals group LEBO, is a benefit for the Autism Center of Pittsburgh.

Sept. 7 features "Latin Heat" with Azucar, Tanqueros de Ley, David Lawrence, Howard Mincone and the Clown Gordoon.

Oct. 5 is the heritage festival with Cueball, Double Shot, Junior Tamburitzans of the South Hills, Dick Tady Orchestra, Dr. Jay and Ben Sota.

First Fridays is produced jointly by the Washington Road Business and Professional Association and the municipality of Mt. Lebanon. The major sponsor is National City Bank.

While First Fridays are only once a month, Sidewalk Saturdays are every week starting June 2. It's the second year for the free outdoor event, which includes a farmers market and concerts.

The Mt. Lebanon Partnership Farmers' Market is from 8 a.m. to noon. The market also will be open May 19 and May 26.

Several restaurants on Washington Road will be open for breakfast or brunch, and the concert series Sounds on Washington, which is sponsored by Alberta Modern Hair, kicks off at 11 a.m.

The concert lineup includes: June 2, Jeff Miller; June 9, the Arnold Family Band; June 16, Brad Yoder; June 23, Robbie Klein Trio; June 30, Chris Smedley.

July 7 is Dave Romesberg; July 14, Karen Jordan; July 21, Mark Shuttleworth; July 28, Sal Ventura.

Aug. 4 is Olga Watkins Duo; Aug. 11, Alicia Deeny; Aug. 18, Double Shot Vocal Band and Aug. 25 is Cueball.

Sept. 1 is to be announced.

Sidewalk Saturdays are sponsored by the Mt. Lebanon Partnership and the Washington Road Business and Professional Association.