SIX SPONSORS TEAM UP TO SUPPORT 2026 SHOW
February 23, 2026. Louisville, KY. – In just over 50 days, one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks displays and top air shows in the country returns to light up the Louisville skyline! Thunder Over Louisville is set for Saturday, April 18. Kentucky Derby Festival released details about the 2026 event this morning, including unveiling the theme – “Thunder in the U.S.A.” Ford Motor Company makes its debut as the sixth Presenting Sponsor of this year’s show, joining Caesars Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer, UA Local 502 and UPS, who return again to support the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies.
“After nearly four decades, Thunder Over Louisville has become one of Kentucky’s most anticipated spring traditions,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “When Thunder returns on April 18, it will do more than kick off the Derby Festival season, it will bring our community together in a way only Thunder can.”
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this year’s Thunder show theme draws inspiration from the historic milestone. The day-long event has long showcased a patriotic spirit that you can see in the air show, hear in the soundtrack and feel in the energy of the crowd. Military partners have supported Thunder Over Louisville for more than three decades, with participation from across the U.S. Armed Forces. “Thunder in the U.S.A.” will take center stage in this year’s show and soundtrack, setting the tone for bold red, white and blue moments from start to finish. The 2026 event marks the 37th production of Thunder Over Louisville.
“Since the finale is the moment that everyone waits for in a fireworks show, we have always designed Thunder to be a 30-minute finale starting with the very first spark in the sky,” said Wayne Hettinger, Producer of Thunder Over Louisville. “And just when you think it can’t get any bigger, we add a finale on top of the finale. That is what makes Thunder so special and one-of-a-kind!”
Thunder’s impact extends far beyond its signature fireworks and air show. As a major tourism draw, Thunder Over Louisville generates an estimated $114 million in economic impact for the local community. Due to historic flooding, the event was unable to be held in 2025, marking only the second cancellation in its 36-year history.
“Thunder means so much to our community, not just as a celebration, but as an economic boost for local businesses,” Gibson said. “We’re grateful for the sponsors and partners who stand with us and help make this event possible year after year.”
Presenting Sponsors
This is Ford Motor Company’s first year as a Presenting Sponsor of Thunder Over Louisville. A longtime partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Ford has supported multiple events over the years, including Thunder on the Ground. UPS has been a Presenting Sponsor of Thunder Over Louisville for 36 consecutive years. Caesars, who has been a partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival since opening in Southern Indiana, is back for the 27th straight year as a Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 show. LG&E returns for the 20th year as a Presenting Sponsor. In addition to being a sponsor of Thunder, they sponsor the Festival’s Go Green Program, supporting efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. Also, in their 20th year as a Presenting Sponsor is Meijer. The Meijer Family Fun Zone returns to its location at the Big Four Bridge Lawn and offers a prime viewing space filled with family activities. UA Local 502 is in their second year as a Presenting Sponsor of Thunder. A Thunder partner since 2024, they help support transportation for on-the-ground staff and operations for the event.
Air & Drone Show
The Festival is planning another packed air show featuring both military and civilian aircraft. One of the main highlights is the U.S. Air Force Viper Demo. Guests can also expect flybys by multiple fighters, including the F-15, F-16 and F/A-18s from the United States Marine Corps, The V-22 Osprey makes a return this year, along with America’s newest frontline fighter, the F-35C. A special tactics demonstration featuring integration with the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade (Kentucky Army National Guard) and 123rd Special Tactics Squadron (Kentucky Air National Guard) is also planned for the 2026 show. Other highlights include: parachute demonstrations, large aircraft flybys, including the C-5M Galaxy, C-17, KC-135 and C-130Js, as well as Matt Younkin Twin Beech Aerobatics Demo, Britt Lincoln Extra 300 (MT), Nick Coleman’s custom Waco bi-plane “Kong,” SMOKE ON! Aviation, the Trojan Thunder Team, and Ace Maker Aviation. Additional details about the 2026 Thunder Air Show will be released closer to the show date.
The sixth annual Drone Show produced by Starlight Aerial Productions is another highlight of the 2026 show and will light up the nighttime sky as they fly over the Ohio River in different formations just before the fireworks begin.
The Fireworks
Thunder’s fireworks show is choreographed to an original soundtrack each year and Zambelli Fireworks will design the show again in 2026. On Thunder Day, the FoodFest and Thunder On the Ground open at 11 a.m., the Air Show starts at 3 p.m., the Drone & Night Show is at 9 p.m., and Fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m.
“The creation of the soundtrack is compared to designing and building a roller coaster ride. Music selections are edited and blended together to give the effect of climbing to the top, freefalling and gaining speed, with lots of twists and turns,” Hettinger said. “Setting the pace to launch the tonnage of fireworks in 30 minutes is critical to Thunder’s legacy. Get ready for non-stop excitement!”
VIP Viewing
For fans looking for a front-row seat to the show, tickets are on sale now for the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party Presented by Kentucky Proud. Tickets are $225 per person and can be purchased at ThunderOverLouisville.org. Admission includes premium viewing, Kentucky Proud cuisine, local and regional beers, specialty cocktails, snacks, tent access, VIP facilities and more.
Show Sponsors
Caesars Southern Indiana, Ford Motor Company, LG&E, Meijer, UA Local 502 and UPS are Presenting Sponsors of Thunder Over Louisville. Military Zone Sponsor: KCS Foundation and Waterproofing. Official Healthcare Provider: UofL Health. Official Bourbon: Four Roses Bourbon. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel. Official Soccer Partner: Lynn Family Stadium. Supporting Sponsor: Clark Material Handling Company. Official Broadcast Partners: WLKY and MIX 106.9.
