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Thunder Over Louisville
Thunder Over Louisville 2025 - Watch the free live stream. Find full TV coverage and radio feed
Thunder Over Louisville Is The Spectacle That Lights Up the Sky.
Prepare to be dazzled as Thunder Over Louisville kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival with an awe-inspiring blend of airshows and fireworks that will leave you breathless. Each year, the skyline erupts into a kaleidoscope of colour and sound, marking the start of Louisville’s biggest and most anticipated celebration.
Dubbed “the largest annual fireworks display in North America”, Thunder Over Louisville has been a must-see spectacle since its debut in 1989. The city’s waterfront transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, drawing massive crowds to witness the explosive displays, heart-pounding air performances, and lively entertainment that make this event truly legendary.
But it’s far more than just a fireworks show. Thunder Over Louisville brings the thrill of aviation to life, with daring pilots performing aerial stunts and precision manoeuvres that leave the audience spellbound. The thundering roar of jet engines, the sparkling cascades of light over the Ohio River, and the buzz of excitement in the air combine to create an unforgettable sensory experience.
With crowds often exceeding 500,000, it’s essential to arrive early and stake out your viewing spot to ensure the best experience. Planning ahead is key—pack your snacks, drinks, and essentials, and take note of bathroom locations to avoid getting stuck in the bustling throng as the day unfolds.
Whether you're marvelling at the pyrotechnic artistry or gazing skyward as jets perform daring loops and dives, Thunder Over Louisville is a bucket-list event that delivers a spectacular start to Derby season—and a day you’ll never forget.
Thunder over Louisville Date
Thunder Over Louisville will take place on 12th April 2025 with the fireworks scheduled for 9.30pm (ET).
Event Schedule
The Airshow is due to begin at 3pm at Waterfront Park
Drone Show just after 9pm
Fireworks 9.30pm
Popular viewing areas include:
Thunder Chow Wagon on Waterfront Park
Slugger Field
North Great Lawn
Riverfront Plaza
Southern Indiana Avenue
Clark Memorial Bridge
Meijer family fun zone on West Belvedere
Big Four Bridge on East River Road
One of the best vantage points to be had is at the Thunder over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party, which offers appetizers and dinner from Kentucky Proud Cuisine, complimentary bar, private restrooms, VIP tent access, as well as the best views of the air show and the fireworks.
Get your tickets for this event here: VIP Rooftop Party
TV, Live Streaming
There is live TV and radio broadcast coverage of the event each year, making it easy to watch live online streaming if you can't make it in person. Check out the following stations:
Thunder over Louisville coverage Wave 3
Coverage on WDRB
Coverage on WLKY
There is also live radio feed via local station WVEZ 106.9 PLAY, who will be broadcasting a live feed of the entire Thunder over Louisville soundtrack:
Hotels and Accommodation
Louisville is generally busy throughout the Kentucky Derby festival, and in terms of sheer numbers the Thunder over Louisville weekend is the busiest time so we recommend you make your hotel reservation as soon as you can to get the best prices.
You can check availability and make reservations for local hotels here.
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