Staff writer Laurie McGowan highlights four events you can celebrate on the Fourth of July.

The Fourth at Forty

The 40 Watt Club is putting a spin on its Fourth of July festivities with a hip-hop showcase of nine great acts. Performers include famous battle rapper Bear, local teen rapper Gus D, a clean lyricist with insane vocal effects Keelan “Fresh” Knox, young and aspiring artist Mikey P, hip-hop’s finest poet Profound Breath, Southern rapper RedKlay and comical rapper and multi-media extraordinaire Richie Rich with Hot Ham and Str8 Jacket. The next two acts are the stars and stripes of the night. Paperboy from local hip hop group The Future Ape Tapes will be performing with Athens MC and hip-hop artist Tommy Valentine, who has finally returned to the spotlight ready to rhyme.

Where: 40 Watt, 18+

When: 10 p.m.

Cost: $5 (21+), $7 (under 21)

Star Spangled Classic

For a family-friendly Fourth of July celebration, one can make their way toward Bishop Park for an ACC Independence Day summertime tradition of exciting fireworks and entertainment at the annual Star Spangled Classic. In addition to the fireworks display, the park will also have live music by the Classic City Band and Power Play, family games, concessions and the community birthday cake served and shared with everyone.

Where: Bishop Park

When: 6 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.)

Cost: Free

4th of July with Terrapin

Commemorating Independence Day Terrapin-style, the local brewing company will host a pre-fireworks brewery tour of its 40,000- square-foot brewing facilities on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Along with Saturday’s tour, Terrapin will feature Spike’s new cask – Firkin Cask – and will provide the All American Imperial Pilsner on tap with matching glasses designed especially for this year’s Fourth of July weekend.

Where: Terrapin Beer Co.

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cost: $8 (tasting glass)

Red, White & Brewgrass

Hosted by Packway Handle Band and The Melting Point, this will be the first Red White & Brewgrass Festival. Fortunately, not only will Packway Handle Band be co-hosting, but they will also be performing. An Athens favorite, The Corduroy Road will also make an appearance in the lineup performing a genre of music that can be solely defined as American. With 14 incredible bluegrass acts on two stages and all the brew one can drink, this is the event to make a traditional celebration of our nation’s independence.

Where: Melting Point, 18+

When: noon-midnight

Cost: $10 (students) $16 (adv) $20 (door)