Thunder Over Louisville Returns in 2026

Annual fireworks show and air show to take place in April ahead of Kentucky Derby Festival

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:19am

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A minimalist, graphic illustration using bold black silhouettes and high-contrast red and white colors to represent military jets, fireworks, and the Louisville skyline, capturing the celebratory spirit of the Thunder Over Louisville event.The annual Thunder Over Louisville air show and fireworks display kicks off two weeks of festivities leading up to the Kentucky Derby.Louisville Today

The annual Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show and air show is set to return in 2026, kicking off the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. The event, which draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, will take place on April 19, 2026 along the Ohio River waterfront.

Why it matters

Thunder Over Louisville is the largest annual fireworks display in North America and the official start of the Kentucky Derby Festival, one of the biggest celebrations in the state. The event brings a major economic boost to Louisville, drawing visitors from across the region and providing a high-profile showcase for the city.

The details

The 2026 edition of Thunder Over Louisville will feature a full day of air show performances by military and civilian aircraft, culminating in a massive 30-minute fireworks display over the Ohio River. The event is organized by the Kentucky Derby Festival, a nonprofit that has produced the celebration for over 60 years.

  • Thunder Over Louisville is scheduled for April 19, 2026.
  • The two-week Kentucky Derby Festival runs from April 19 to May 2, 2026.

The players

Kentucky Derby Festival

A nonprofit organization that has produced the annual Kentucky Derby Festival celebration in Louisville for over 60 years.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

A bourbon distillery and visitor center in Louisville that has partnered with the Kentucky Derby Festival to produce a special commemorative bourbon bottle.

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What they’re saying

“Thunder Over Louisville is the perfect way to kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival and get the city excited for the big race.”

— Matt Gibson, CEO, Kentucky Derby Festival

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Thunder Over Louisville event will go on sale in early 2026, with details on viewing locations, parking, and other logistics to be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

As one of Louisville's most iconic annual events, Thunder Over Louisville remains a must-see spectacle that celebrates the city's rich history and culture leading up to the Kentucky Derby.