LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The official kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival is a couple of weeks away. One of the largest annual fireworks shows in North America celebrates its 36th year. People from around the state and country will come to Louisville for Thunder Over Louisville. The event is normally two weeks before the Kentucky Derby, but when Easter falls on the same weekend as Thunder, KDF moves the show up a week, three-weeks before Derby.
WHEN IS THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE
The airshow and fireworks will take place on Saturday, April 12. The airshow begins at 3 p.m. Zambelli Fireworks International is once again in charge of lighting up the night sky over the Ohio River. Fireworks are set to start at 9:30 p.m.
HOW MUCH TO SEE THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE
A KDF Pegasus Pin will get you into Waterfront Park for free. Pins can be bought at area stores, banks and gas station; pins are also available online. The pins are $7 if you buy them before the event. They will be $10 at the venue.
FREE VIEWING AREAS
Louisville Tourism has several places to watch Thunder Over Louisville for free.
- Waterfront Park & Louisville Riverwalk – North Great Lawn; Chow Wagon area; Big 4 Lawn, Meijer Family Fun Zone*
- Eva Bandman Park – 1701 River Road
- Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park – 3730 River Road
*Free with a Pegasus Pin
THUNDER PARTIES
For those looking to have more of an experience for Thunder Over Louisville, there are several area parties the public can attend.
- Thunder at Upland Brewing Co.
WHERE TO PARK FOR THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE
KDF estimates the average attendance for Thunder is half a million people. It will take some preplanning for visitors to come up with a parking strategy.
The Festival recommends parking as far away as you can walk and plan on parking in areas to get you headed in the direction of town you want to go.
There are 52,000 public parking spots within a 10-block radius of the Ohio River. If you plan on using a city parking lot, you can pre-book online to find spaces av ailable from 6 a.m. until midnight…