Thunder Over Louisville 2026: Schedule, viewing areas, traffic impacts and more

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Thunder Over Louisville is the all-day event serving as the opening ceremony of the Kentucky Derby Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026. 

The theme for Thunder's 37th year is "Thunder in the U.S.A." in honor of a.m.erica's 250th anniversary. From the music to the fireworks to military aircraft involved, it'll be a celebration of all things red, white and blue.

The event is free to all who purchase a 2026 Pegasus Pin. The $7 pins are sold at hundreds of retailers in Louisville and southern Indiana.

There are plenty of vendors in viewing areas along the Ohio River, if you don't bring your own food and drink.

The day begins with an airshow that includes a variety of military aircraft and aerial acts, with a nighttime drone show before the fireworks. The big event is the 30-minute fireworks along the waterfront from two barges and the Second Street Bridge. It's the longest continuous fireworks show in the U.S.

Thunder forecast: 

Make sure to check the latest forecast from WDRB Meteorologists: 

CLICK HERE. 

Thunder Schedule:

• 9 a.m. North Great Lawn Opens (Pegasus Pin Admission) – Featuring the UPS Flight Deck Viewing Area.
• 9 a.m. Military Zone Sponsored by KCS Foundation & Waterproofing and South Great Lawn Opens – Featuring interactive displays and activities.
• 11 a.m. Thunder Chow Wagon @ Waterfront Park opens (Pegasus Pin Admission), Belvedere Opens (Pegasus Pin Admission), Big Four Bridge Lawn opens (Pegasus Pin Admission), ThunderWear merchandise booths open at 6 locations, Pegasus Pin booths open at 9 locations, Thunder on the Ground opens (ALL interactive experiences)
• 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pegasus Pin Street Tea.m.s & Booths open around venue
• 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Meijer Fa.m.ily Fun Zone at the Big Four Bridge open
• 2:30 p.m. – Miller Lite Music Stage in the Thunder Chow Wagon (2:30–5:30 p.m. La.m.pus Unplugged, 6-9 p.m. Soul Circus)
• 2:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. OHIO RIVER CLOSED TO COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC FOR AIR SHOW
• 3:00 p.m. – Air Show Begins/Official Thunder Broadcast on WLKY and Q103.1 3:00 p.m. – National Anthem performed by Male High School Choir; Salute featuring Paul Jones, WWII Pilot
• 3:00 p.m. – Wisconsin ANG F-35
• 3:10 p.m. – Grumman G-44 Widgeon (Mike Pratt)
• 3:18 p.m. – Ace Maker T-33 (Greg Colyer)
• 3:28 p.m. – USAF P-51 Demo
• 3:38 p.m. – USAF F-16 Demonstration Tea.m.
• 3:58 p.m. – USAF Heritage Flight
• 4:08 p.m. – Break
• 4:13 p.m. – Nick Coleman Waco Taperwing “KONG”
• 4:21 p.m. – Matt Younkin Twin Beech Aerobatics Demo (Day Show)
• 4:29 p.m. – USAF T-6 Formation
• 4:33 p.m. – USAF T-38 Formation
• 4:41 p.m. – LMPD River Patrol Rescue Demo
• 4:51 p.m. – Break
• 4:56 p.m. – KY ANG UH 60 Blackhawks
• 5:08 p.m. – KY ANG STS (HALO)
• 5:14 p.m. – KY ANG C-130J Formation
• 5:26 p.m. – Nick Coleman T-Craft
• 5:34 p.m. – CT-142 Royal Canadia Air Force
• 5:42 p.m. – LA ANG F-15C “The Bayou Militia”
• 5:52 p.m. – YAK-52 (Todd Reifert)
• 6:00 p.m. – Break
• 6:05 p.m. – MV-22 Osprey
• 6:11 p.m. – Britt Lincoln Extra 300
• 6:21 p.m. – Trojan Thunder T-28
• 6:31 p.m. – Charlie Morris Airshows
• 6:39 p.m. – YAK-52 (Todd Reifert)
• 6:47 p.m. – Smoke On! Aviation (Louisville, KY)
• 7:01 p.m. – Break
• 7:06 p.m. – Skyliners T-34 Mento
• 7:18 p.m. – Ace Maker (Greg Colyer – Twilight)
• 7:26 p.m. – Trojan Thunder T-28 (Twilight)
• 7:36 p.m. – USAF F-16 Demo Tea.m.
• 8:15 p.m. – Break
• 8:48 p.m. – Magic by Moonlight, Twin Beech Aerobatics Demo (Matt Younkin Airshows)
• 9:00 p.m. – Meijer Moment (Thunder Fans Help Light Up the Waterfront)
• 9:09 p.m. – Drone Show
• 9:27 p.m. – System Check: Clear Airspace
• 9:30 p.m. – Boom! Fireworks!
• 10:00 p.m. – Thunder FoodFest Continues at the Chow Wagon until 11 p.m.
• 11:00 p.m. – Ohio River opens to normal traffic.

Thunder in the sky! 

Thunder Over Louisville includes a day full of planes, helicopters and aerial demonstrations. Look to the sky over the Ohio River to see numerous aerobatic routines and some of the most unique aircraft in the country, many of them having a connection to the Louisville area. 

Highlights this year include include:

• Ace Maker T-33
• Britt Lincoln Extra 300
• Charlie Morris Airshows
• CT-142 Royal Canadia Air Force
• Grumman G-44 Widgeon
• KY ANG – C-130J Formation
• KY ANG STS (HALO)
• KY ANG – UH 60 Blackhawks
• LA ANG F-15C “The Bayou Militia”
• LMPD River Patrol Rescue Demo
• Matt Younkin Twin Beech 18
• MV-22 Osprey
• Skyliners T-34 Mento
• Smoke On Aviation
• Trojan Thunder T-28
• USAF F-16 Demo Tea.m.
• USAF Heritage Flight Formation
• USAF P-51 Demonstration
• USAF T-6 Formation
• USAF T-38 Formation
• Wisconsin ANG F-35
• Waco Taperwing “KONG”
• WV ANG “Charlie West” C130J-30 Super Hercules
• YAK-15

The Air Show starts at 3 p.m.

*PLEASE NOTE: Aircraft subject to change on show day.

Thunder Drone Show 

The sixth annual Drone Show produced by Starlight aerial Productions will return this year, lighting up the night sky over the Ohio River in different formations just before the start of the fireworks.

The drone show starts at 9 p.m., with fireworks blasting off around 9:30 p.m.

Locations and attractions on the waterfront

FoodFest and Thunder on the Ground open at 11 a.m.

Each location offers free admission with a Pegasus Pin, a beer garden, Thunder Sound and food vendors.

North Great Lawn: Opens at 9 a.m.

• Featuring the best views of the show, a beer garden, a variety of food and Thunder Sound
• The UPS Flight Deck is a prime viewing and photo-taking spot, with additional activities
• UofL Health first aid station

Military Zone & South Great Lawn: Opens at 11 a.m. 

• The KCS Foundation & Waterproofing Military Zone includes military displays, with the Kentucky National Guard, U.S. Air Force simulation trailer, pull-up challenge, U.S. Army sports inflatable zone, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy STEM challenge and VR experience, and "Wings of Blue" parachute tea.m. landing zone
• Additional activities
• And fa.m.ilies can enjoy the a.m.usement rides, including favorites Ali Baba, Bungy, Expo Wheel, Ha.m.pton Cars, Invasion, Lil Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, Music Express, Polar Express train, Sizzler, Ships Ahoy, Slide and Zumer
• Official Thunder Over Louisville merchandise and 2026 Pegasus Pins
• UofL Health first aid station

Thunder Chow Wagon: Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• As always, the delicious Chow Wagon® includes a Beer Garden, featuring Four Roses Bourbon, Miller Lite, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Old 502 Winery, Coca-Cola products and Red Bull
• The Miller Lite Music Stage features La.m.pus Unplugged from 2:30-5:30 p.m. and Soul Circuis from 6-9 p.m.
• No tents, stakes, tape or pets
• Admission is a 2026 Pegasus Pin

Meijer Fa.m.ily Fun Zone at the Big Four Bridge Lawn: Opens at 2 p.m.

• The Meijer Fa.m.ily Fun Zone runs from 2-9 p.m. and has plenty of fa.m.ily-friendly fun activities 
• Bounce house, free throw challenge, inflatable batting cage, face painting and more
• Enjoy refreshments from the Beer Garden along with a variety of food vendors

West River Road: Opens at 9 a.m.

• River Road between Bingha.m. and Fifth Street
• Airshow, Drones & Fireworks viewing along the Wharf!
• Rides: Fun House, Quads, Revenge of the Pirates, Round Up, Slide, Strawberries
• Official Thunder merchandise and 2026 Pegasus Pins
• UofL Health first aid station

Where to buy official Thunder merchandise, Pegasus Pins and event pins

• Chow Wagon
• South Great Lawn
• East Great Lawn
• 2nd and River Road
• 3rd and River Road
• 4th and River Road
• Merchant Row along Witherspoon Street

Helpful tips from the Kentucky Derby Festival 

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk some.
• Purchase a 2024 Pegasus Pin for $6 in advance, $7 at the gate.
• Arrive as early as practical for the best space. Food service starts at 3 p.m. at all sites, and the airshow begins at 3 p.m.
• Park as far away from the event area as you can comfortably walk. This will make exiting traffic easier.
• Use TARC buses to get to the event using normal routes. There is expanded service all day.
• P.A.R.C. or Riverside Garages in the area are accessible until full for special event rates, call 502-587-PARK for more information. All handicapped spaces are honored until full.
• Follow the LMPD traffic plan, and you’ll get home faster.

What to bring and what is banned

What to leave home:

• Drones
• Tents
• Canopies
• Stakes
• Tape/Rope
• Alcohol
• Glass bottles
• Grills
• Pets
• Bikes
• Skateboards
• Skates

What to bring:

• Picnic blankets
• Tarps limited to 10’x10’
• Plastic bottles
• Food
• Sunscreen 

Traffic changes and street closings 

The Clark Memorial Bridge will close at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, and will reopen by 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19. 

In addition, the Big Four Bridge will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 17, for the air show practice.

On Saturday, April 18, the Big Four Bridge will be closed from 10 a.m. to midnight with access to the bridge limited due to safety concerns. Signage about the closures will be posted around the pedestrian bridge. 

LMPD said even if you aren't attending the festivities, you could be affected by the traffic as people head home.

"One of the big things at the end of the night, if you park where you watch it, it really helps the traffic plan," KDF President Matt Gibson said.

Below is a list of street closures and no parking zones in Louisville for Thunder, courtesy of the Louisville Metro Police Department:

Louisville Street closures:

9:30 a.m. (Thursday, April 16, 2026) to 3 p.m. (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

• Floyd Street (northbound) from Washington Street to Witherspoon Street
• Clark Memorial Bridge (2nd Street Bridge) from Main Street to Court Avenue

10:30 a.m. (Friday, April 17, 2026) to 2 p.m. (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

• West River Road from 6th Street to Bingha.m. Way
• 4th Street from Galt House Turnaround to West River Road
• Bingha.m. Way (west of Joe's Crab Shack) from River Road to Witherspoon Street

11 a.m. (Friday, April 17, 2026) to 9 a.m. (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

• Witherspoon Street from Brook Street to Preston Street
• East River Road from Preston Street to Witherspoon Street

12:01 a.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026) to 9 a.m. (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

• Rowan Street from 10th Street to 11th Street
• 10th Street from Main Street to Rowan Street

8 a.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026) to 1 a.m. (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

• 2nd Street from Main Street to West River Road/ Interstate 64
• Frankfort Avenue from River Road to Story Avenue
• Witherspoon Street from 2nd Street to Brook Street
• Witherspoon Street from Preston Street to Adams Street
• Washington Street from 1st Street to 2nd Street
• Preston Street from Main Street to Witherspoon Street
• Floyd Street from Main Street to Witherspoon Street
• Brook Street from Main Street to Witherspoon Street
• 1st Street from Main Street to Witherspoon Street
• 3rd Street from Main Street to West River Road

8:30 p.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026) to 11:30 p.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

• Interstate 65 northbound from Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) to Interstate 64
• Interstate 65 southbound from Interstate 265 (Indiana) to Interstate 64
• Interstate 64 westbound from Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) to 22nd Street
• Interstate 64 eastbound from Interstate 264 (Shawnee Expressway) to Interstate 65
• Interstate 71 southbound from Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway) to Interstate 65

12:01 a.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026) to 9 a.m. (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

• 3rd Street exit ra.m.p from Interstate 64 westbound to West River Road
• 2nd Street entrance ra.m.p from Witherspoon Street to Interstate 64 eastbound

6 p.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026) to 11:30 p.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

• Muha.m.mad Ali Boulevard entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 65 northbound

8 p.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026) to 11:30 p.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

• Interstate 64 exit ra.m.p to Story Avenue
• Interstate 71 exit ra.m.p to Zorn Avenue northbound
• Interstate 71 exit ra.m.p to Zorn Avenue southbound
• Preston Street entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 65 northbound
• St. Catherine Street entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 65 northbound
• 9th Street entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 64 eastbound
• 9th Street entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 64 westbound
• 22nd Street entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 64 eastbound
• Zorn Avenue entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 71 southbound
• Grinstead Drive entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 64 westbound
• Cannons Lane entrance ra.m.p to Interstate 64 westbound

Louisville Emergency Route (only authorized emergency vehicles can use these routes)

6:30 p.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026) to 11:30 p.m. (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

• Muha.m.mad Ali Boulevard from Roy Wilkins Boulevard (9th Street) to Clay Street
• 2nd Street from Main Street to Jacob Street

Louisville no parking zones

10 a.m. (April 17, 2026) to 12:01 a.m. (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

• West River Road from 8th Street to Bingha.m. Way
• Bingha.m. Way from West River Road to Witherspoon Street
• Witherspoon Street from Bingha.m. Way to North Preston Street
• East River Road from North Preston Street to Witherspoon Street

12:01 a.m. (April 18, 2026) to 12:01 a.m. (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

• River Road from Witherspoon Street to Blankenbaker Lane
• Witherspoon Street from 2nd Street to River Road
• Washington Street from 2nd Street to Preston Street
• Main Street from Story Avenue to 22nd Street
• Market Street from Baxter Avenue to 10th Street
• Jefferson Street from Preston Street to Roy Wilkins Boulevard (9th Street)
• Liberty Street from Baxter Avenue to Roy Wilkins Boulevard (9th Street)
• Muha.m.mad Ali Boulevard from Clay Street to Roy Wilkins Boulevard (9th Street)
• Chestnut Street from 1st Street to Roy Wilkins Boulevard (9th Street)
• Broadway from Barret Avenue to 12th Street
• Jacob Street from 2nd Street to 1st Street
• Kentucky Street from 6th Street to 4th Street
• Oak Street from Floyd Street to 8th Street
• Jackson Street from Main Street to Market Street
• Preston Street from Witherspoon Street to Woodbine Street
• Floyd Street from Witherspoon Street to Muha.m.mad Ali Boulevard
• Brook Street from Witherspoon Street to Muha.m.mad Ali Boulevard
• 1st Street from Witherspoon Street to College Street
• 1st Street from College Street to Cardinal Boulevard
• 2nd Street from Main Street to College Street
• 3rd Street from West River Road to Eastern Parkway
• 4th Street from River Road to Winkler Avenue
• 5th Street from Main Street to Broadway
• Armory Place from Liberty Street to Muha.m.mad Ali Boulevard
• 6th Street from River Road to Hill Street
• 7th Street from Washington Street to Liberty Street
• 7th Street from Myrtle Street to Algonquin Parkway
• 8th Street from Washington Street to Broadway
• 9th Street from Main Street to Market Street
• Roy Wilkins Boulevard (9th Street) from Market Street to Myrtle Street
• 15th Street from Main Street to Portland Avenue
• 22nd Street from Bank Street to Northwestern Parkway
• Portland Avenue from 15th Street to 22nd Street
• Baxter Avenue from Main Street to Broadway
• South Johnson Street from Market Street to Story Avenue
• Lexington Road from Baxter Avenue to Payne Street
• Mellwood Avenue from Spring Street to Zorn Avenue
• Story Avenue from Main Street to Frankfort Avenue
• Ada.m.s Street from Witherspoon Street to Story Avenue
• Spring Street from Story Avenue to Lexington Road
• Frankfort Avenue from River Road to Story Avenue
• Baxter Avenue from Broadway to Highland Avenue
• Ca.m.pbell Street from Ada.m.s Street to Water Street

TARC Fare-Free Service 

TARC is offering fare-free service all day Thunder Day, Saturday, April 18, 2026. To get people home faster, TARC will have five post-Thunder boarding stops within blocks of the waterfront. These stops will be for passengers immediately after the fireworks and the only downtown options. TARC will also add 50 additional buses to Saturday's service for the expected increase of passengers. 

Passengers traveling to and from southern Indiana should be aware cross-river buses will not make return trips after 8 p.m. due to bridge closures. 

Thunder in southern Indiana

Residents in Jeffersonville, Indiana, who live in the event area have guest parking passes to allow them, and their guests, to enter their neighborhood through a police checkpoint. 

Residents do not need a pass, but must present a valid photo ID and proof of residency or ownership to access the area.

Officials say all vehicles must be parked on private property, and each guest vehicle must have a designated parking space.

There will be several street closures in both Jeffersonville and Clarksville, which have not been posted yet — as of April 15. Many roads will be restricted to residents and emergency vehicles only.

After Thunder, police recommend having a route planned, and consider heading East where traffic will be less congested. All traffic will be directed to the nearest interstate ra.m.p.

There will also be a first aid and lost child booth in both Jeffersonville and Clarksville.

The Town of Clarksville says residential side streets in the south end will begin restricting traffic access between 6 a.m. and noon Saturday. After noon, access will be limited to residents with a pass or driver's license.

There will be no parking allowed on Main Street beginning Friday evening. The road fully closes at 8 a.m. Saturday, meaning no vehicles in or out. Officials said any cars left on Main Street will be stuck until the roads reopen.

The Clarksville Police Department shared a list of tips on its Facebook page. The department said there will be several paid parking lots available, including at the swimming pool, Colgate plant and local churches. Side streets are not available for parking unless you have a pass. 

All traffic in the south end of the town will exit the sa.m.e way. Police said around 9 p.m. Saturday, all roads will become one-ways feeding onto South Clark, then Harrison, then west onto Brown Station Way. Main Street and Riverside will be restricted to police vehicles.

History of Thunder Over Louisville 

The Kentucky Derby Festival had its first “opening ceremonies” event in 1990 at Cardinal Stadium featuring recording artist Janie Frickie and a fireworks show. That led to the first “Thunder” in 1991, held downtown over the Ohio River.

According to the KDF website, the show has become the region’s largest annual event, attracting a regional and even national audience. The air show was slowly added as a way to stagger the crowd entering the event and provide entertainment before the 9:30 p.m. fireworks portion.

The air show is now an event of its own and ranks in the top 5 air shows in the nation. Thunder Over Louisville has made a lot of people happy, garnered international attention, entertained millions and given Greater Louisvillians something else to brag about.

Learn more about Thunder on the Kentucky Derby Festival website, click here. 

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