Progress Is Baton Rouge, the next wave of activists trying to raise the bar on the Red Stick, meets tonight for the first time to hear Mayor Kip Holden speak about his bond initiative. “Our parents and grandparents have been reluctant about the bond,” says Brian Jones, an organizer, “but the next generation wants to invest in the city for our future kids and grandkids.” Those curious about getting involved will meet at 333 Bistreaux on Third Street downtown tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A modern movement by fringe artists to host their own shows gained popularity a decade ago with 200 Government Street (any young urban professionals remember that?). Then came the ultra-fun, toy-themed Artful Dodger off State Street and later the Backyard Gallery off Nicholson. Now, acquaint yourself with the new “super-cool” art show, Stabbed in the Art. Even less structured than previous artist-hosted shows, Stabbed in the Art’s loose, BYOB vibe is a salon-style show that has tons of local works stacked up in its Garden District Home at 1284 Perkins Rd. near the Garden District Animal Hospital. Friday night. Music by DJ OttO. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday.

The best thing about liberty is having choice, and downtown offers several choices in Independence Day entertainment. The USS KIDD celebrates Independence Day along the levee under the sunshine. Enjoy live music downtown, a mock air attack on the KIDD and much more. The celebration ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the Mississippi River. It’s what the majority of Baton Rougeans do for Independence Day. Noon. Free. Details at usskidd.com.

If you’re not into big crowds, get an intimate view of the fireworks from the Shaw Center rooftop, as the LSU Museum of Art hosts Rouge, White and Blue, their annual fundraiser with plenty of culinary treats and music. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $150. Details at lsumoa.com. (Photo by Rebecca Breeden)

Bringing the children along but afraid of getting separated in the crazy levee crowds? Consider going to Fourth on the 4th, a family-friendly party on the fourth-floor terrace of the Shaw Center. Enjoy live music, fireworks, all-American fried chicken, soda pops and margaritas. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for children under 12. Party starts at 6 p.m.

Throwing a last-minute party and are scrambling around for ideas? Take a deep breath and begin America’s favorite holiday at the Farmers Market for the Star-Spangled Saturday featuring a Patriotic Picnic with cooking demos, crafts, baked goods, music, face-painting. Chef Jaime Hernandez teaches an easy gazpacho, tomato jam and watermelon salad, and most of the ingredients can be found at the market. 8 a.m. to noon.

Take the quick 40-minute drive up Hwy. 67 to historic Clinton for the city’s annual Red, White and Blueberry Festival. Friday opens with a ceremony and street dance, complete with food and fireworks. Saturday the festival features a blueberry cook-off, various blueberry products, games, booths and a community market. Details at clintonla.com.

Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin' continues its summer concert series this week with a July Fourth performance by American Idol’s David Cook, who just released his latest album Analog Heart. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. 7 p.m. The park’s general admission price gets you to the shows. Call 753-3333 for advanced reserved seating.