On Saturday, April 23rd, 2005 Thunder will light up the sky. The World's most unique fireworks and light extravaganza, Thunder Over Louisville has been the largest show of its kind in America for the past ten years. It remains the largest annual pyrotechnics show in the United States.
Air Show Start Time: 3pm
Fireworks: 9:30pm - 10pm
View Thunder Over Louisville- Hot Tips!!
Thunder Over Louisville is such a massive show, it can be seen from just about anywhere in the Downtown Louisville area and Southern Indiana waterfront. Even some of the hills of local parks offer stunning views of the fireworks. However, if you want to fully appreciate the show, you need to be in eyesight of the Second Street Bridge. This is the stage for one of Thunder's signature effects, the fireworks waterfall. The entire bridge serves as a backdrop for this dramatic effect that is always a show highlight.
Waterfront Park on the Louisville side is probably the most preferred viewing location. The best part is that it's absolutely free public viewing for Thunder. The Derby Festival provides vending units and portacans (Thunder Pots!) along River Road. Park as far away from the park as you can comfortably walk. This will help you get out of the traffic that is just a fact of life with the show. Please be patient when exiting. Remember, around 500,000 of your closest friends and neighbors are trying to leave the venue at exactly the same time you are!
The Derby Festival Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park will have additional entertainment on the Budweiser True Music Talent Stage. The Waterfront Park location admission is free with a 2005 Pegasus Pin ($3 sponsorships available at the gate) and offers the shortest lines to food, beverage and Thunder Pots! Listen to live music in between your favorite air show acts. The Chow Wagon also offers air show commentators and the fireworks music soundtrack over the Thunder Sound System.
There will also be a Thunder Beer Garden at the Belvedere, including your favorite drinks and concessions. Overlooking the Ohio River, the Belvedere provides prime viewing for the show. Admission to the Beer Garden is also free with a 2005 Pegasus Pin.
After Thunder rolls, hang out at the Waterfront Chow Wagon and Belvedere Beer Garden until 11 pm to wind down and wait for most of the traffic to clear, as the music and fun continues.
Southern Indiana Side
Most of the viewing in Southern Indiana is on private property, so keep that in mind if you don't have a ticket to one of the restaurant or hotel parties. In Jeffersonville, Indiana , the area between the Clark and Kennedy bridges will be very limited. To accommodate the crowds, more viewing areas have been developed between Fort and Pearl Street on Riverside Drive, east of the Kennedy bridge.
