WLKY Broadcasts Louisville's Thunder Over Festival Live

The annual air show and fireworks display will be livestreamed for at-home viewers.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:51pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold black silhouettes of aircraft and bursts of color representing fireworks, conveying the energy and spectacle of the Thunder Over Louisville event.WLKY's live broadcast of the annual Thunder Over Louisville air show and fireworks display brings the excitement of this beloved festival to viewers at home.Louisville Today

WLKY will provide live coverage of the 2026 Thunder Over Louisville festival, the annual air show and fireworks display that kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival. The broadcast will run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on April 18, 2026, allowing viewers to enjoy the event from the comfort of their homes despite expected rainy and chilly weather.

Why it matters

Thunder Over Louisville is a beloved annual tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to the Louisville waterfront. The live broadcast allows those unable to attend in person, whether due to weather or other constraints, to still experience the excitement of the air show and fireworks.

The details

WLKY's live coverage will showcase the full Thunder Over Louisville event, including the air show featuring military and civilian aircraft as well as the grand finale fireworks display over the Ohio River. The broadcast will be available to stream on WLKY's website and mobile app, providing viewers with multiple ways to tune in.

  • The live broadcast will air from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on April 18, 2026.
  • Thunder Over Louisville is an annual event that kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival each spring.

The players

WLKY

A local television station serving the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area.

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The takeaway

The live broadcast of Thunder Over Louisville on WLKY allows those unable to attend the event in person to still experience the excitement and spectacle of the air show and fireworks from the comfort of their own homes.