logo_cox_evergreen_white-768x447.png.webp

Thunder Over Louisville, the annual kickoff event of the Kentucky Derby Festival, is a signature airshow and fireworks display held in Louisville, Kentucky.

What began as a simple fireworks display marking the beginning of Derby season has evolved into the nation’s largest annual fireworks show. Each year, on the first Saturday of May, the Louisville community and surrounding counties come together to celebrate one of the most anticipated events of the year. Thunder Over Louisville has entertained millions and remains one of the highest-attended annual events in the region.

How It All Began

The tradition dates back to 1988, when the Kentucky Derby Festival Board organized the first official Derby season kickoff. That year, they held a series of planning workshops and a colorful balloon release at a state park in Western Kentucky. The event gathered 10,000 community members and featured the release of 20,000 balloons into the sky.

To the crowd’s surprise, fireworks lit up the sky during the balloon release — a moment that was aired live on WAVE 3 TV. The celebration was so well received that it became an annual tradition, growing year after year into what we now know as Thunder Over Louisville, one of the nation’s most spectacular fireworks and airshow events.

Thunder and the Derby Festival

If you're planning to attend Thunder Over Louisville, the festival's official website provides everything you need to prepare. In addition to the big show, the Kentucky Derby Festival includes a two-week schedule of events leading up to Derby Day — a celebration of local culture, entertainment, and of course, Kentucky bourbon.

Shop Kentucky bourbons

Bourbon Joins Thunder Over Louisville

Kentucky isn’t just known for the Derby and Thunder Over Louisville — it’s also globally recognized for producing exceptional bourbon and American whiskey. Every year, the Thunder Over Louisville celebration includes the release of an official bourbon to mark the occasion.

In 2022, Cox’s and Evergreen Liquors Spirit Shoppe proudly released the Official Bourbon of Thunder – a special batch of Four Roses Single Barrel.

This highly allocated bourbon was available exclusively at Evergreen Liquors in Middletown. It was one of the most sought-after releases to date. To mark the occasion, Brent Elliott, Master Distiller of Four Roses, appeared at Evergreen Liquors to sign bottles — making the release even more memorable for local bourbon fans.

Bonus Facts About Thunder Over Louisville

The name “Thunder Over Louisville” was inspired by the powerful sound of fireworks rolling across the city.

WHAS-TV held exclusive broadcast rights from 1991 to 2003 before it rotated among other stations.

The airshow is ranked among the top five in the country and features more than 100 planes, including UPS’ Boeing 767 and the Kentucky Air National Guard’s C-130.

The fireworks setup includes 250 tons of launching tubes — some 10 feet high and 12 inches in diameter — and nearly 700 miles of wire connecting 20 firing computers for musical synchronization.

In 2007, Thunder drew its largest recorded crowd: 850,000 people.

If Easter falls on Thunder weekend, the show is moved to the prior weekend.

For 2024, a new drone show featuring 50 drones in formation will precede the fireworks.

Planning for Derby Season?

Whether you’re heading to the waterfront or hosting a Thunder Over Louisville watch party at home, make sure your bar is stocked. Cox’s Louisville is your go-to source for premium Kentucky bourbons, exclusive releases, and expert recommendations for Derby festivities.

Stock up for Derby at Cox’s