From rooftop parties to Slugger Field, 12+ places to watch Thunder Over Louisville

Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal

April 17, 2023 at 5:01 AM·8 min read

Thunder Over Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Festival's marquee event, 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 2023 event, is "Through the Decades" and this year takes place on Saturday, April 22.

"We have all become a little more nostalgic over the last few years because of those special events we have missed, and now we have an even greater appreciation for those traditions," Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO, said previously. "We wanted the theme for this year's show to pay tribute to those favorite Thunder memories our Festival Fans have experienced across the decades."

While fireworks have played a role in The Kentucky Derby Festival since the 1960s, the spark of the idea to create a pyrotechnics spectacular launched in 1991 when the first Thunder was held downtown over the Ohio River.

For those looking to watch the show while avoiding the massive crowds at Waterfront Park, where attendance has hit 600,000 in the past, here are more than 12 places you can go to watch Thunder Over Louisville.

Where to watch Thunder Over Louisville 2023

Thunder at the Kentucky Center

Spectators look on during the fireworks at Thunder Over Louisville on Saturday night. April 23, 2022

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 a variety of beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Performers include Redline Performing Arts and Juggernaut Jug Band.

WHERE: 501 W. Main St.

WHEN: April 22, 2-10 p.m. Kentucky Center Garage opens at 9 a.m.

COST: Tickets start at $50, $25 for children; $57, and $32 for children for tickets and a Pegasus pin. Thunder buffet, $35, $15 for ages 12 and younger. Pre-paid reserved parking is $21; parking day of Thunder is $20 and is first come basis.

MORE INFORMATION: kentuckyperformingarts.org.

Kentucky Science Center ThunderBlast

WHAT: One of the largest family-friendly events during Thunder Over Louisville with some of the best views in town for airplanes and fireworks plus fun-filled activities to keep the kids entertained, exhibits, food trucks, hands-on learning activities, and an outdoor play area for children.

WHERE: 727 W. Main St.

WHEN: April 22, 2-10 p.m.

COST: $60, $45 Kentucky Science Center members, free for children under age 2. VIP: $125, $100 Kentucky Science Center members and includes all the regular ThunderBlast fun, plus exclusive access to a waterfront tented viewing area with tables, chairs, portable restrooms, and handwashing stations. Each VIP ticket also includes 1 voucher for use with any food vendor and 2 drink tickets good for water, soda, beer, or wine.

MORE INFORMATION: kysciencecenter.org.

Thunder Over Louisville Rooftop Party

Thousands crowded the shoreline in Jeffersonville and Clarksville to watch the fireworks during 2019 Thunder Over Louisville. April 13, 2019

WHAT: Rooftop viewing of Thunder Over Louisville; appetizers (3-5 p.m.) and dinner with Kentucky Proud cuisine (5:30-7:30 pm.); complimentary bar with local and regional beers, specialty cocktails and more, VIP tent access and private restrooms. Presented by Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

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

WHEN: April 22, 2:30-10 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $165.

MORE INFORMATION: VIP sold out. eventbrite.com.

Thunder @ The Jefferson

The fireworks show for Thunder Over Louisville on the Indiana side..April 23, 2022

WHAT: Thunder Over Louisville Watch Party with pre-fireworks concert by music by Kevin & Lauren and post-concert by The Kevin Jaggers Band and a DJ all day.

WHERE: 715 W. Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville, Indiana

WHEN: April 22, 1-11:30 p.m.

COST: General admission, $75; VIP starts at $150

MORE INFORMATION: thejeffersonvenue.com.

Cooper & Kings Distillery Thunder Rolls: A Rooftop Viewing Party

WHAT: A rooftop viewing of the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display, an open bar of Copper & Kings craft cocktails and highballs along with passed appetizers prepared by Chef Josh Lehman. For ages 21 and older.

WHERE: Copper & Kings Distillery, 1121 E. Washington St.

WHEN: April 22, 7-10:30 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $165

MORE INFORMATION: Refunds are not available in the case of inclement weather. eventbrite.com.

Thunder Over Joe's Crab Shack

Fireworks light up Louisville and southern Indiana as Thunder Over Louisville kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival.April 13, 2019

WHAT: Watch the fireworks and air show while dining on Joe's famous dishes and desserts. Choose from tasty options like classic steam pots, crab buckets, and shrimp samplers.

WHERE: 131 W. River Road

WHEN: April 22, 3-11:30 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $250 for adults, $150 for children includes a prix fixe menu and priority seating; $275 for adults, $175 for children includes preferred deck seating, prix fixe menu, and a retail coupon for a future visit.

MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com.

Thunder Over Louisville at Upland Brewery

Thunder Over Louisville fireworks on Saturday, April 23, 2022

WHAT: Bring the family and enjoy the riverside beer garden while watching the air and fireworks shows. Your ticket includes food, entertainment, bar, and outdoor restrooms.

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

WHEN: April 22, 1 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $100

MORE INFORMATION: Space is first come first served, please bring chairs and blankets. eventbrite.com.

Thunder at Lynn Family Stadium

Two birds sit on a log as the lights of downtown Louisville glow in the background before the start of the fireworks at the 2022 Thunder Over Louisville event. April 23, 2022

WHAT: Stadium and parking lots will open for Thunder Over Louisville. Guests will receive a wristband allowing for re-entry to the building. Tickets include access to restrooms, the stadium’s food and beverage offerings, and family-friendly games and activities. Louisville City FC's away game at the Charleston Battery (7:30 p.m.) will be shown on the Lynn Family Stadium’s video board and a countdown to the fireworks show. Following the show, Racing Louisville FC’s (10:30 p.m.) game at Portland Thorns FC will also be broadcast in the stadium.

WHERE: 350 Adams St.

WHEN: April 22. The parking lot will open at 6 a.m. for parking and tailgating; the stadium will open at 11 a.m.

COST: Tickets start at $25; parking is $25

MORE INFORMATION: loucity.com/lynnfamilystadium.

Thunder at Slugger Field

A fighter jet flies above Jeffersonville during a practice run the day before 2022 Thunder Over Louisville. An F-15 Strike Eagle as well as F-16 Vipers will be on display. April 22, 2022

WHAT: Make Louisville Slugger Field your home base for Thunder Over Louisville. A ticket includes a reserved seat to the baseball game (Louisville Bats vs Charlotte Knights, 2:05 p.m.), air show, postgame concert and Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show.

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

WHEN: April 22, gates open at noon

COST: Lawn tickets are $30, reserved seats $41-$56. Purchase a 3-Game Thunder Pack and receive a ticket for the Bats' largest fireworks shows of the year, Thunder at Slugger, on July 3, and Aug. 26, starting at $55.

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

Fun-der Viewing Party

Beechcraft flies patterns over the Ohio River for Thunder Over Louisville airshow practice on Friday afternoon.
April 20, 2017. — Beechcraft flies patterns over the Ohio River for Thunder Over Louisville airshow practice on Friday afternoon. April 20, 2017.

WHAT: Enjoy a panoramic view of the fireworks and air show, dinner and dessert buffet, DJ, restrooms, photo booth, entertainment throughout the day, cash bar, arena garage parking, in and out privileges and arena parking.

WHERE: Top floor Spirit Room, One Arena Plaza

WHEN: April 22, 3-11 p.m.

COST: Spirit Room Viewing Party, $1,950 for a table of 10; $1,200 for a table of 6; $840 for a table of 4; $430 for a table of 2

MORE INFORMATION: kfcyumcenter.com.

Fun-der Garage Party

The American flag created by lighted drones hover above the crowd in Clarksville at the 2022 Thunder Over Louisville event. April 23, 2022

WHAT: Fun activities for the whole family to enjoy from inflatables, yard games, a beer garden and live DJ sets. Presented by Starry, B96.5 and Magic 101.3.

WHERE: North Truck Bay (a covered area located on River Road), KFC Yum! Center, One Arena Plaza

WHEN: April 22, 4 p.m.

COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION: kfcyumcenter.com.

Fun-der Rabbit Hole Lounge Viewing Party

Crowds fill the Great Lawn during the Thunder Over Louisville air show on Saturday at Waterfront Park. April 23, 2022

WHAT: Front row seat to fireworks, silent disco, Rabbit Hole bourbon tasting, heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, games and more.

WHERE: KFC Yum! Center, One Arena Plaza

WHEN: April 22, 5 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $150, $175 with bourbon tastings

MORE INFORMATION: For ages 21 and older. kfcyumcenter.com.

Thunder at KingFish Restaurant

WHAT: View the air and firework show from KingFish restaurant with tent seating, buffet and full cash bar.

WHERE: 601 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana

WHEN: April 22, gates open at 1 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $107

MORE INFORMATION: Bring fold-up chairs. Parking is not included. To make reservations, eventbrite.com.

Thunder at Goodbounce Pickleball Yard

A lightning bolt made by drones hovers above the crowd in Clarksville before the start of the fireworks at the 2022 Thunder Over Louisville event. April 23, 2022

WHAT: Thunder viewing party with music by Thumper and the Plaid Rabbits (7 p.m. and after the fireworks), food trucks (Happy Belly Bistro, MozzaPi and more), a smores cart and shaved ice for kids. The game yard will have cornhole and bocce ball and fire pits.

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

WHEN: April 22, noon to 11 p.m.

COST: Tickets start at $10. Parking $50

MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com.

Thunder at the Parks

A UPS cargo plane flies over the Lewis and Clark bridge during the Thunder Over Louisville air show on Saturday at Waterfront Park. April 23, 2022

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; Louisville Watertower Park, 3005 River Road; Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park, 3730 River Road; Van Dyke Park, 331 Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville; Riverstage Park, 100 W Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville; Fisherman's Wharf, 500 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville

WHEN: April 22

MORE INFORMATION: gotolouisville.com.

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

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Where to watch Thunder Over Louisville in 2023

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