The saying may be that "the third time is a charm," but 3rd Thursday, holding its third event on July 20, has been charming local listeners — and bringing them back for more — since its debut in May.

The monthly outdoor music festival on Palo Alto's California Avenue returns with a lineup of eight bands playing music in a variety of genres at spots up and down the street.

The July 20 event features two headliners. First up, presented by Palo Alto-based Earthwise Productions, is the Josh Thurston-Milgrom Quartet led by jazz bassist Thurston-Milgrom and featuring pianist, vocalist and composer Dawn Clement. Thurston-Milgrom and Clement are both featured at the Stanford Jazz Festival this summer. The quartet performs 6-7:30 p.m.

The event's second headliner, Leon Timbo Trio, takes the stage between 7:30 and 9 p.m., playing "transparent soul," which draws on vintage soul, gospel, folk, R&B, funk and dance music.

The two headliners will perform on the stage at Ash Street and California Avenue, a central spot in the Cal Ave neighborhood.

Because 3rd Thursday follows a festival format, most artists in the lineup — except for the headliners — will play at the same time, each offering a couple sets during the event.

Visitors can stroll California Avenue between El Camino Real and Park Boulevard and catch these artists performing throughout the night:

Joining in the festivities, some neighborhood restaurants will serve up food and drink specials while merchants feature special offers. Guests can also take part in a scavenger hunt hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, which asks them to find eight neighborhood businesses with special offer signs and take selfies at each spot.

3rd Thursday takes place July 20, 6-9 p.m. on California Avenue between El Camino Real and Park Boulevard in Palo Alto. Admission is free. For more information, visit 3rdthursday.fun.