Where to watch Thunder Over Louisville in 2025

Thunder Over Louisville, one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays, will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
The theme for the 2025 event is “Happy Thunder: It’s Glow Time.”
The event, which includes an air show consistently ranked in the top five nationally, kicks off the two weeks of Kentucky Derby Festival events.
There are numerous watch parties scheduled on both the Kentucky and Indiana sides of the Ohio River.

Hear the rumble, see the boom and watch the sky light up at Thunder Over Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s marquee event.

Thunder Over Louisville, which takes place this year on Saturday, April 12, is one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks shows and the air show is consistently ranked in the top five in the country. The theme of the 2025 event, is “Happy Thunder: It’s Glow Time.”

The first official Thunder Over Louisville took place in 1991. The year prior, the “opening ceremonies” were hosted at then Cardinal Stadium to kick off the celebration for the Kentucky Derby, featuring a firework show and artist Janie Frickie.

Over time, the event has evolved into one of the nation’s best fireworks displays and air shows and the official community kick off for the two weeks of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 70 plus events leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be held at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3.

Thunder Over Louisville’s 2025 official broadcast partners are WHAS-11 and MIX 106.9.

Here are 17 places where you can watch Thunder Over Louisville near downtown Louisville.

Thunder Over Louisville events and watch parties in Louisville this year

WHAT: Rooftop viewing of the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display features appetizers by chef Josh Lehman, open bar and more. For ages 21 and older.

WHERE: Copper & Kings Distillery, 1121 E. Washington St., 3rd Floor Rooftop

WHEN: April 12, 7-10:30 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $162 (includes 20% gratuity) per person for general admission and includes appetizers, open bar and table that seats four (first come, first serve); $1,200 for VIP (includes 20% gratuity) includes reserved table for four, guaranteed indoor seating in case of inclement weather, bottle of prosecco, chef’s Amuse Bouche upon arrival, open bar with dedicated service, VIP exclusive eats and appetizers.

MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/thunder-over-louisville-rooftop-party-tickets

WHAT: Enjoy an indoor unbeatable panoramic family-friendly viewing party of the fireworks and air show, snacks, dinner and dessert, DJ, restrooms, photo booth, entertainment throughout the day, mini golf, game yard, balloon artist, craft corner, cash bar, in-and-out privileges and arena parking.

2025 Schedule of events:

2:30 p.m.: Doors open
4:30 and 8 p.m.: FUN-DER Bingo
9:30 p.m.: Fireworks
10 p.m.: Glow Dance Party
11 p.m.: Event ends

WHERE: Top floor Spirit Room, KFC Yum! Center, One Arena Plaza

WHEN: April 12, 2:30-11 p.m.

COST: Spirit Room Viewing Party, $500 for a table of two; $940 for a table of four; $1,350 for a table of six; $2,150 for a table of 10 and includes one parking pass. Parking passes are $40.

MORE INFORMATION: kfcyumcenter.com/events/detail/fun-der-viewing-party-25.

WHAT: Soak up the excitement at the Galt House Hotel, the official Command Center for Thunder. The adult-only pool deck party features exclusive access to the pool deck, delicious food, live music, a front row seat to all of the events on Thunder Day and cash bars. Acoustic band from 3-6 p.m. and a DJ from 6-9 p.m.

WHERE: Pool Deck, Galt House, 140 N. Fourth St. (West Tower – 2nd Floor)

WHEN: April 12, 2:30-11 p.m.

COST: $150 per person includes access to the buffet; $1,500 for a table of eight includes two bottles of Kendall Jackson Wine, a dedicated server, and a reserved table seating area

MORE INFORMATION: For ages 21 and older. No outside chairs, umbrellas, coolers, food, or drinks are permitted. Clear bags or purses only. eventbrite.com/e/galt-house-thunder-bash-on-the-pool-deck-tickets

WHAT: Thunder viewing party with music by Loop, food trucks (Dave’s Grill, Triple Crown BBQ, Sweet and Savory and more), adult beverages and kid zone with jumpy houses.

WHERE: Goodbounce Pickleball Yard and Bar, 1515 River Shore Drive

WHEN: April 12, 2-11 p.m.

COST: $15, $5 for ages 12 and younger. Tent packages available.

MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/thunder-at-goodbounce-pickleball-yard-tickets

WHAT: One of the largest family-friendly ways to enjoy Thunder Over Louisville with some of the best views in town for airplanes and fireworks. The Kentucky Science Center ThunderBlast also includes kid-friendly activities, exhibits, food trucks (Annie Up Pizza Cone, Fistful of Tacos & Gelato Gilberto), hands-on learning activities, and an outdoor play area for children with inflatables. ThunderBlast attendees can add a movie tickets ($5) to their experience day of at check-in or in advance by phone. Enjoy the four-story theater experience.

Movie Showtimes for ThunderBlast:

3, 5 and 7 p.m.: “Serengeti”
4 and 6 p.m.: “SuperPower Dogs”
10:15 p.m.: “Space: The New Frontier”

WHERE: 727 W. Main St.

WHEN: April 12, 2-10 p.m.

COST: $64 for ages 18 and older, $59 for ages 2-17, $234 for a family four-pack, $565 for a family 10 pack; $49 for ages 18 and older, $44 for ages 2-17, $174 for a family four-pack and $415 for a family 10 pack for Kentucky Science Center members, free for children under age 2.

MORE INFORMATION: 502-561-6100; kysciencecenter.org/thunderblast

WHAT: Rooftop viewing of Thunder Over Louisville with appetizers (served 3-5 p.m.), a catered meal featuring local Kentucky Proud ingredients (6-7:30 p.m.), complimentary bar with local and regional beers, specialty cocktails, VIP tent access and private restrooms. Presented by Kentucky Proud.

WHERE: Waterside Parking Garage Rooftop, 201 N. Brook St.

WHEN: April 12, 3:30-10:30 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $225 and includes a buffet dinner, drinks, private restrooms, premium viewing area and parking pass for every four tickets purchased. Premium reserved table of eight is $3,000 and includes everything plus reserved seating, table-side cocktail service and four parking passes per table.

MORE INFORMATION: thunderoverlouisville.org/thunder-vip-rooftop-party.

WHAT: Watch the fireworks and air show from one of the best views by the river while dining on Joe’s famous dishes and desserts. Choose from classic boils, shrimp samplers and more. Tickets also include full access to the Thunder Down Under party (for ages 21 and older), includes an outdoor bar area set up for the day only with a DJ will be spinning all afternoon, a limited bar and food menu will be available.

WHERE: 131 W. River Road

WHEN: April 12, 3:30-11 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $275 for adults, $175 for children includes assigned seat inside the restaurant, appetizers, soup and salad, dinner entree, dessert buffet, and first-come, first-served seating on the patio for the air and fireworks show; $300 for adults, $200 for children includes assigned seat inside the restaurant, appetizers, soup and salad, dinner entree, dessert buffet, premium gift bag, and reserved seating on the patio for the air and fireworks show.

MORE INFORMATION: joescrabshack.com/event/Thunder-Over-Joes.

WHAT: Admission includes a viewing of the show from all three levels of The Kentucky Center, outdoor viewing space on the Belvedere, access to restrooms, activities for children, entertainment, food service and concessions. Multiple bars are available with beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Performers include Bourbon Britches, karaoke by Redline Performing Arts, Hip Hop Dance Classes from Louisville Dance Alliance’s Josh Ford, trivia games, free face painting and more.

WHERE: The Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.

WHEN: April 12, 2-10 p.m. Kentucky Center Garage opens at 9 a.m.

COST: Tickets start at $55, $30 for ages 12 and younger. Pre-paid reserved parking is $25; parking day of Thunder is $25 and is on a first-come basis.

MORE INFORMATION: Guest ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Chairs and blankets are allowed but must be set up outside. kentuckyperformingarts.org.

WHAT: Make Louisville Slugger Field your home base for Thunder Over Louisville. A ticket includes baseball game, a view of air show and fireworks, concert, food, and fun. Presented by Koorsen Fire and Security.

WHERE: Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St.

WHEN: April 12, gates open at 1 p.m.

2025 schedule of events:

noon.: Gates open.
2:05: First pitch, Louisville Bats vs Indianapolis Indians. 30 minutes after conclusion of game The Crashers will perform
9 p.m.: Fireworks show

COST: Tickets start at $35

MORE INFORMATION: milb.com/louisville/tickets/thunderoverlouisville.

WHAT: Lynn Family Stadium is the official tailgate sponsor for Thunder Over Louisville. Stadium parking lots will open all day for Thunder Over Louisville to view air show and fireworks. Racing Louisville FC hosts the Washington Spirit at 5 p.m. After the fireworks, attendees can avoid any traffic with the stadium open until midnight.

WHERE: 350 Adams St.

WHEN: April 12. The parking lot will open at 7 a.m.; stadium gates open at 1 p.m.

Thunder at Lynn Family Stadium’s 2025 schedule

7 a.m.: Parking lots open
1 p.m.: Stadium gates open
3 p.m.: Thunder air show starts
5 p.m.: Racing Louisville vs. Washington Spirit
9:30 p.m.: Fireworks show
10 pm.: Last call
11 p.m.: Stadium closes
midnight: Parking lots close

COST: Tickets start at $25; parking starts at $85

MORE INFORMATION: Thunder day ticket holders will receive a wristband allowing for reentry. 502-568-2489; racingloufc.com/thunder.

WHAT: Enjoy a family-friendly day of activities during Thunder Over Louisville from a premier downtown Louisville destination to view the air and the fireworks shows. Admission includes all-day access to exhibits, indoor bathrooms, food, and drinks throughout the museum.

WHERE: Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th St.

WHEN: April 12, noon to 10 p.m.

COST: $65, $50 for ages 12 and younger

MORE INFORMATION: alicenter.org/events/thunder-mac-2025.

WHAT: Watch the WHAS broadcast of Thunder Over Louisville live on the giant screen and a late night showing of the movie “Minecraft.” Rated PG.

WHERE: Sauerbeck Family Drive-In, 3210 D.W. Griffith Lane, LaGrange, Kentucky

WHEN: April 12. Gates open at 7:45 p.m.

COST: Free to watch Thunder. Minecraft, $11, $9 for seniors and first responders, $6 for ages 3-12, free for 2 and younger.

MORE INFORMATION: The concession stand will be open. sauerbeckfamilydrivein.com.

2025 Thunder Over Louisville events, watch parties in southern Indiana

WHAT: Enjoy the fun of Thunder Over Louisville at the Jefferson’s Beer Garden with all day access to the best view of Thunder imaginable, food vendors and cash bar.

WHERE: The Jefferson, 715 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana

WHEN: April 12, 1-11 p.m.

COST: $50, VIP $125 and includes lunch and dinner service, private cash bar, and all-day access to The Jefferson’s Beer Garden.

MORE INFORMATION: For ages 21 and older. Bring your own chair or blanket. thejeffersonevents.com/thunder-over-louisville

WHAT: View the air and firework show from KingFish restaurant with tent, inside and lower deck seating, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a cash bar.

WHERE: 601 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana

WHEN: April 12, gates open at 1 p.m.

COST: $210 per person for inside seating; $495 for a table of 4 on the lower deck; $100 per person for tent seating

MORE INFORMATION: kingfishrestaurants.com/thunder-over-louisville-2

WHAT: Bring the family and enjoy the riverside beer garden while watching the air and fireworks shows. Tickets include all-you-can-eat buffet, entertainment, a bar, games and activities for all ages throughout the day.

WHERE: Upland Jeffersonville, 707 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville, Indiana

WHEN: April 12, 1-11 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $160

MORE INFORMATION: uplandbeer.com/thunder-over-louisville

WHAT: Watch Thunder Over Louisville at the one of the premier spots on the banks of the Ohio River in Southern Indiana with views of downtown Louisville and the Ohio River. Admission includes hot dog, chips and soda (free), access to the ice cream menu with 20% off, outdoor seating and a raffle ticket for prize drawings. Reserved seating available for two, four, six, and eight person parties (include the table/chairs). There will also be “bring your own” table/chair areas available if you prefer.

WHERE: Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery, 415 E. Riverside Drive, Clarksville, Indiana

WHEN: April 12, noon to 11 p.m.

COST: $125, $75 for ages 1-12, free for children under 1-year-old

MORE INFORMATION: widowswalkicecreamery.com/thunder-over-widows-walk

Thunder at the Parks

WHAT: For those who can’t make it to one of the Thunder parties, enjoy Thunder Over Louisville at parks along the river.

WHERE: Eva Bandman Park, 1701 River Road; Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park, 3730 River Road; Riverstage Park, 100 W Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville, Indiana; Fisherman’s Wharf, 500 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, Indiana

WHEN: April 12

Reach Features News Clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.

Where to watch Thunder Over Louisville in 2025

Thunder Over Louisville events and watch parties in Louisville this year

2025 Thunder Over Louisville events, watch parties in southern Indiana

Thunder at the Parks

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