Thunder Views

Thunder Over Louisville is so massive that it can be seen from almost anywhere! There is plenty of public viewing along the wharf in downtown Louisville, Waterfront Park and along River Road, as well as viewing along the river in Southern Indiana.

Some of the Derby Festival’s top spots for viewing include: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder VIP Rooftop Party Presented by Kentucky Proud, Thunder Chow Wagon, North Great Lawn, West Belvedere, Meijer Family Fun Zone at Big Four Bridge, and East River Road.

There are also several local businesses and restaurants who partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival to offer Thunder parties with all the amenities.

Thunder Chow Wagon in Waterfront Park

  • Open 11AM – 11PM
  • Provides fabulous vantage points with additional entertainment, food, Beer Garden and Thunder Sound.
  • Admission is a 2024 Pegasus Pin. (NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS)

Meijer Family Fun Zone at the Big Four Bridge

  • Open Noon – 8 PM.
  • Features a variety of family-oriented activities; plus food, Beer Garden and Thunder Sound
  • Admission is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin. (NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.)

The North Great Lawn is a prime viewing area for the Air Show and fireworks

  • Opens at 9 AM.
  • Features food, Beer Garden and Thunder Sound.
  • Free admission with a 2024 Pegasus Pin. (NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.)

Viewing along River Road is always a popular place.

  • Open 11AM – 11PM.
  • Beer Garden
  • Admission is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin (NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.)

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party Presented by Kentucky Proud
The exclusive Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party Presented By Kentucky Proud is the only place to be on Thunder day. With catered meals featuring local Kentucky Proud ingredients, a full bar and day-long entertainment, it’s the ultimate in Southern hospitality. It also comes with parking! Tickets are $225 and can be purchased at ThunderOverLouisville.org or by calling (502) 584-FEST.

Thunder at Lynn Family Stadium
A club-record 11,365 attended last year’s Racing Louisville FC pro soccer game, air show and fireworks display. Another large crowd is expected in 2025 with the stadium also serving as the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Official Thunder Tailgate spot. Lots will open at 7 a.m. Stadium gates follow at 1 p.m. leading up to a 5 p.m. kickoff between the National Women’s Soccer League’s Racing Louisville and the Washington Spirit, who feature U.S. national team star Trinity Rodman. Thunder day ticket holders will receive a wristband allowing for reentry. More info: racingloufc.com/thunder/

Thunder at the Kentucky Center
Enjoy incredible views from all three levels of The Kentucky Center building and  live entertainment. Families will appreciate convenient access to The Center’s restrooms, activities for the kids, ample outdoor viewing space on the Belvedere, and food service and concessions without waiting in long lines. There will be multiple bars available where adults can enjoy a variety of beer, wine options, and specialty cocktails. More info: Kentuckycenter.org; 584-7774

Thunderblast, Kentucky Science Center
Experience the excitement of ThunderBlast at the Kentucky Science Center! This exclusive, family-friendly event offers some of the best riverside views in town for airplanes and fireworks. With engaging activities to keep the kids entertained, exclusive food trucks, clean bathrooms, and thrilling events both inside and out, you and your family are guaranteed to have a BLAST! More info: kysciencecenter.org; 502-561-6100

Thunder at Goodbounce Pickleball Yard
Goodbounce Pickleball Yard will be hosting our 4th annual thunder viewing party on Saturday, April 12 from 3 pm until 11pm. Beats provide by Loop and an air show from 2 pm until 5pm and entertainment! Food trucks, adult beverages, and family activities. General Admission $15.00. We also offer youth tickets for $5.00. We’ll be open rain or shine. This includes access to the indoor climate controlled bar. More info: goodbounce.com

Thunder at Kingfish
View the air and firework show from KingFish restaurant, where seating is available in three different areas – Inside, Lower Deck and Tent Seating. 601 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Inside Seating (Buffet featuring appetizers, dinner and dessert. The table is yours for the day. $210 per person). Lower Deck Seating on the outside of the restaurant (Buffet featuring appetizers, dinner and dessert. Table is yours for the day. $495 for a table of 4). Tent Seating in the parking lot (Buffet featuring appetizers, dinner and dessert. $100 per person). Also, a Beer Garden featuring music by the Wilson Brothers. Tickets are $25. Food and beverages available for purchase. More info: KingFishrestaurants.com

Thunder at Slugger 
Thunder at Slugger is back in 2025 with the return of baseball! Starting at Noon, enjoy a full day filled with family fun and a postgame concert on the field following the conclusion of the game. First pitch is 2:05 PM. The Crashers perform about an hour after conclusion of the game. More info: batsbaseball.com; 855-228-8497

Thunder at Upland Brewing Co.
Join us in the festivities at our Upland Jeffersonville location. We’re offering different kinds of tickets for different experiences: outdoor beer garden tickets and patio tickets as well as indoor tables and bar seating. Prices start at $160. More info: uplandbeer.com

The Jefferson
Enjoy breathtaking waterfront views from our private patio, offering the perfect vantage point for the airshow and fireworks. Choose a private cabana for an intimate, elevated experience or enjoy general admission standing room access to soak in the atmosphere. Indulge in all-day dining with a curated selection of gourmet bites and enjoy exclusive entry to our lively Beer Garden. A cash bar will be available, serving handcrafted cocktails, beer, and wine to keep the celebration going. VIP Private Cabanas (8 Guests) – $3,000, VIP General Admission Single Tickets – $125, Beer Garden – $50. More info: thejeffersonevents.com.