LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The official kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival is a couple of weeks away. One of the largest annual fireworks shows in North America celebrates its 36th year. People from around the state and country will come to Louisville for Thunder Over Louisville. The event is normally two weeks before the Kentucky Derby, but when Easter falls on the same weekend as Thunder, KDF moves the show up a week, three-weeks before Derby.
WHEN IS THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE
The airshow and fireworks will take place on Saturday, April 12. The airshow begins at 3 p.m. Zambelli Fireworks International is once again in charge of lighting up the night sky over the Ohio River. Fireworks are set to start at 9:30 p.m.
HOW MUCH TO SEE THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE
A KDF Pegasus Pin will get you into Waterfront Park for free. Pins can be bought at area stores, banks and gas station; pins are also available online. The pins are $7 if you buy them before the event. They will be $10 at the venue.
FREE VIEWING AREAS
Louisville Tourism has several places to watch Thunder Over Louisville for free.
- Waterfront Park & Louisville Riverwalk - North Great Lawn; Chow Wagon area; Big 4 Lawn, Meijer Family Fun Zone*
- Eva Bandman Park - 1701 River Road
- Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park - 3730 River Road
*Free with a Pegasus Pin
THUNDER PARTIES
For those looking to have more of an experience for Thunder Over Louisville, there are several area parties the public can attend.
WHERE TO PARK FOR THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE
KDF estimates the average attendance for Thunder is half a million people. It will take some preplanning for visitors to come up with a parking strategy.
The Festival recommends parking as far away as you can walk and plan on parking in areas to get you headed in the direction of town you want to go.
There are 52,000 public parking spots within a 10-block radius of the Ohio River. If you plan on using a city parking lot, you can pre-book online to find spaces av ailable from 6 a.m. until midnight.
Smart options for getting to Thunder Over Louisville include carpooling, riding TARC or riding a bicycle. Be aware, bikes, skateboards and skates are not allowed in the event area. But there is free valet bicycle parking located at the northeast corner of Witherspoon Street and Preston Street, just north of Slugger Field. The facility opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
Louisville Metro Police have routes to help visitors get out of downtown after Thunder.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE
A Pegasus Pin will get you in free so it should be the one accessory visitors have.
The weather is often unpredictable. Highs for the day have ranged from mid-40’s to mid-80’s. There have been years where it has been sunny and hot and other years where it’s been raining and cold. Pay attention to the weather the week of the event.
In general it is good to dress in layers. Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Sunsceen is important even if its a cloudy day. If showers are predicted, rain gear is good to have.
Regardless of the weather, comfortable shoes should be a must. Visitors will more than likely be doing a lot of walking.
WHAT ISN’T ALLOWED AT THUNDER
As mentioned earlier, skateboard and skates are not allowed in the venue.
Do not bring pets, tents, stakes, caution tape or anything to rope off areas of Waterfront Park.
Glass bottles, grills, alcohol and weapons are also prohibitted.
For more information about the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, follow the Spectrum News 1 special section.
