THUNDER VIEWING OPTIONS ALONG THE RIVER

April 13, 2026. Louisville, KY – As one of the nation’s largest firework displays, Thunder Over Louisville can be seen for miles! There is plenty of free public viewing along the river in downtown Louisville, Waterfront Park and along River Road, as well as in Southern Indiana. There are also several local businesses and restaurants who partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival to offer Thunder parties with all the amenities.

Some of the Derby Festival’s top spots for viewing include: the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder VIP Rooftop Party Presented by Kentucky Proud, Thunder Chow Wagon, North Great Lawn, Meijer Family Fun Zone at Big Four Bridge and East River Road.

Thunder Viewing with Pegasus Pin Admission:

• The Thunder Chow Wagon in Waterfront Park
  Open 11 AM – 11 PM
  Provides fabulous vantage points with food, Beer Garden and Thunder Sound
  Live entertainment on the Miller Lite Music Stage
  NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.
• Meijer Family Fun Zone at the Big Four Bridge
  Open 2 PM – 9 PM
  Features a variety of family-oriented activities; plus food, Beer Garden and Thunder Sound
  NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.
• The North Great Lawn is a prime viewing area for the Air Show and fireworks.
  Opens at 9 AM
  Visit the UPS Flight Deck at the Overlook
  Features food, Beer Garden and Thunder Sound.
  NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.
• Viewing along River Road is always a popular place.
  Open 9 AM – 11 PM.
  Great views, family-oriented activities, plus food, Beer Garden and Thunder Sound
  NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.

Thunder Parties with Ticket Purchase:

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party Presented by Kentucky Proud
Features a VIP tent with catered meals featuring Kentucky Proud ingredients, a full bar, private restrooms, and day-long entertainment. It’s the ultimate in southern hospitality. It also comes with parking!
Tickets are $239 and can be purchased at ThunderOverLouisville.org or by calling (502) 584-FEST.

• Thunder at High Stakes Rooftop
  3 PM (Tickets are $150 for adults and $75 for children.)
  More info: cdale@firsthospitality.com
• Thunder at the Kentucky Center
  2 PM (Tickets are $64.40 for adults and $35.10 for children.)
  More info: kentuckycenter.org
• Thunderblast at Kentucky Science Center
  2 PM (Tickets start at $49 for adult members and $64 for non-adult members.)
  More info: kycenter.org/thunderblast
• Thunder at KingFish
  1:30 PM (Tickets start at $100.)
  More info: kingfishrestaurants.com
• Thunder at Lynn Family Stadium
  5 PM (Tickets start at $25.)
  More info: loucity.com/thunder
• Thunder at Slugger
  12 PM (Tickets start at $40.)
  More info: batsbaseball.com
• Thunder at Upland Brewing Co.
  1 PM (Tickets start at $193.)
  More info: uplandbeer.com

Thunder Over Louisville – the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – is one of the more than seventy events produced by the Kentucky Derby Festival in the Spring. The 2026 Thunder Over Louisville is set for Saturday, April 18.

2026 Thunder Over Louisville 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, Q103.1 and MIX 106.9.