Booms with a View: Thunder Over Louisville Viewing Parties!

Did you know you don’t have to jet off to New York or Los Angeles to witness the largest annual fireworks show in the nation? That’s right—just pack your bags for Louisville and experience Thunder Over Louisville on April 12! This electrifying event kicks off two weeks of Derby Festival fun, leading up to the legendary Kentucky Derby.

Fireworks have been part of the Kentucky Derby Festival since the 1960s, but it wasn’t until a daytime celebration in 1990 that the idea for an evening spectacle took off. In 1991, Thunder Over Louisville lit up the night sky for the first time, and for over 30 years, more than 600,000 fans have gathered along the Ohio River to take in this jaw-dropping display.

But Thunder is more than just fireworks! All day long, the riverfront buzzes with excitement—from a heart-pounding airshow featuring military and civilian aircraft to delicious eats at the Chow Wagon, a family fun zone for the little ones, and much more. Then, as the sun sets, the sky erupts in a 30-minute pyrotechnic masterpiece that will leave you in awe.

Want the best seat in the house? We’ve rounded up some of the top spots to enjoy the day—whether you’re looking for VIP experiences with food and cocktails or free, family-friendly locations along the river. (Check back often! We’ll keep this list updated as new events are announced.)

So, mark your calendar and get ready for a weekend you won’t forget—because there’s nothing quite like Thunder Over Louisville!

Paid:

Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party | Waterside Parking Garage | 201 N. Brook Street
This exclusive VIP rooftop party is THE viewing party for Thunder Over Louisville. With one-of-a-kind views, your ticket includes frosty beverages, VIP Tent access, a parking pass (one for every four tickets), private restrooms (always a bonus during an all-day festival) and helps to fund this annual firework show.

Thunder Blast | Kentucky Science Center | 727 W. Main Street
With indoor exhibits to explore when the temperature outside gets too hot, exciting hands-on activities in the covered outdoor space, food trucks and so much more, everyone in your group will enjoy spending the day at the Kentucky Science Center’s largest annual family-friendly event Thunder Blast. There is even a VIP experience ticket option available that includes access to a seating area plus food and drink vouchers.

Thunder at the Center | Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts | 501 W. Main Street
Enjoy all the festivities of the day from the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts with three levels to watch the show or out on the Belvedere Lawn. Throughout the day there will be family-friendly activities, food, cocktails, and entertainment.

Thunder @ MAC | Muhammad Ali Center | 144 N. Sixth Street
Enjoy Thunder with the Greatest! With doors opening at noon, tickets include all-day access to exhibits, food, drinks, and first-come/first-serve viewing spots on the plaza or the parking garage.

Thunder Over Joe's | Joe's Crab Shack | 131 River Road
Reserve your seats now for up-close access to all the action at Joe’s Crab Shack where you'll fight over the last crab leg and not the crowds. You’ll be close to all the action and excitement of the planes buzzing by and the dazzling nighttime show.

Thunder On The Belle | Belle of Louisville | 401 W. River Road
Feel the thundering booms of the multi-colored fireworks from your front-row seats aboard the historic Belle of Louisville for a dockside celebration. With exclusive admission to the steamboat throughout the day, you can recharge with beverages and a catered meal.

Fun-Der Viewing Party | KFC Yum! Center | 1 Arena Plaza
You’ll “ohh and aww” as fireworks light up the night sky filling floor-to-ceiling windows. Throughout the day the top floor of the KFC Yum! Center will be bustling with family-friendly activities ranging from a magician and face painter to a DJ and balloon artist.

Thunder Pool Deck Bash | Galt House Hotel | 140 N. Fourth Street
Celebrate Thunder Over Louisville in style at the Galt House Hotel’s exclusive adults-only pool deck! Enjoy prime views, music, games, and great food at the Official Command Center for Thunder. Don’t miss this unforgettable night!

Thunder at Slugger | Louisville Bats & Louisville Slugger Field | 401 E. Main Street
Live Baseball + Thunder is back at Louisville Slugger Field! Secure your seats now for a full day of fun with the Bats taking on the Indianapolis Indians (first pitch is at 2:05 pm) as the airshow takes place overhead. Then enjoy a post-game concert on the field with the Louisville Crashers before the heart-pounding booms of Thunder Over Louisville fill the night sky.

Thunder Over Louisville | Lynn Family Stadium | 350 Adams Street
Last year, a record-breaking 11,365 fans packed the stands for Racing Louisville FC’s Thunder Over Louisville celebration, enjoying an action-packed day of pro soccer, an electrifying air show, and a breathtaking fireworks display. This year, another huge crowd is expected on Saturday, April 12, at the Butchertown stadium. With a ticket, you’ll get all-day access to the venue—including restrooms and concessions—so you can enjoy the excitement in comfort while taking in one of Louisville’s biggest events of the year!

Thunder Watch Party | Goodbounce Pickleball Yard | 1515 River Shore Drive
Get ready for Louisville’s biggest celebration! Enjoy food, drinks, fireworks, and pickleball at Goodbounce, with stunning riverfront views. Kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival in style—don’t miss out!

Thunder Over Louisville Rooftop Party | Copper & Kings Distillery | 1121 E. Washington Street
Head to Copper & Kings rooftop for their fourth annual Thunder Party. Nosh on appetizers and sip on cocktails while taking in spectacular nighttime skyline views filled with fireworks.

FREE:

If you can't make it to one of the viewing parties, here's a list of parks where you can set up camp for the day.

• Waterfront Park & Louisville Riverwalk – North Great Lawn; Chow Wagon area; Big 4 Lawn, Meijer Family Fun Zone*
• Eva Bandman Park
• Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park
  

*Free admission with a 2025 Pegasus Pin

Before heading downtown for the legendary fireworks show and all-day festival, be sure to check out these websites for helpful Thunder tips:

• Thunder Over Louisville Website
• Thunder Day Information – Parking suggestions, what to leave at home, etc.
• Thunder on the Ground - Yes, the main entertainment is in the sky, but there is plenty to do throughout the day that is on the ground.

If you’re on the Southern Indiana side of the river, check out these locations to see if they have any fun events planned: Kingfish Restaurant/On the Rocks Bar, Upland Brewing Company-Jeffersonville, Clucker's-Jeffersonville, Union Restaurant & Gameyard, Harry’s Taphouse & Kitchen, Parlour-Jeffersonville, and the Widow's Walk Ice Creamery.

You can also snag a prime spot at one of these places along the river -- Jeffersonville Riverfront, Van Dyke Park, Ashland Park, Riverstage Park, Fisherman's Wharf, or along the Ohio River Greenway.