LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Many Independence Day celebrations are back after COVID-19 pretty much put public celebrations on ice in 2020.
WHAS11 News is listing events on both sides of the river where you can enjoy the holiday safely with family and friends.
KENTUCKY
Fourth of July Weekend in Paristown presented by Jack Daniels
July 2-4
The second annual Paristown fireworks show is accompanied by three days of live music and food trucks. The fireworks show starts at 9:45 p.m. Sunday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on the Fourth, while gates open at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
A daily pass costs $10, while weekend passes are $25. Kids 10 and under can get in free with a ticket-holding adult.
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4th of July Weekend Grown Folks Celebration
The Old Walnut Street
1300 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard
July 3
7 p.m. to 1 a.m. (VIP early entry 6:30 p.m.)
This celebration is pegged as the 30 and up affair where you can dress to impress. There will be entertainment from The Sheryl Rouse Band, DJ John Q and DJ Steve Nice.
Cost: $20 General Admission or $45 VIP (you get hors d’oeuvres and reserved seating)
There will also be a cash bar!
For more information call (502) 482-3494
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Nina West
Play Louisville
1101 East Washington Street
July 3
RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Nina West is putting on a special show at Play Louisville. The shows will take place at 9 p.m., 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.
There will also be a special meet and greet with Nina.
Cost: $20 for general admission or $25 for general admission with meet and greet.
For more information and how to purchase tickets, click here.
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Thunder Over Radcliff
411 West Lincoln Trail Boulevard
July 3
This is the city's fourth annual celebration! They are urging visitors to bring their own lawn chairs and chill out around their vehicles to watch the show.
There will be food and other entertainment.
Before you go, officials said when you park, you can't leave until the end of the show.
Fireworks start at 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information on this event, click here.
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Reading of Declaration of Independence
Steps of Louisville Metro Hall 527 West Jefferson Street
July 4
Local politicians gather at the steps of Metro Hall to deliver a reading of the Declaration of Independence beginning at 9 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Louisville Jefferson County Democrat Party.
Notable readers include U.S. Representative John Yarmuth (3rd District) Shively Mayor Beverly Chester Burton and Metro Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (3rd District).
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Louisville Orchestra Waterfront 4th
Waterfront Park
July 4
After COVID-19 sideline public plans to celebrate Independence Day, the sounds of the Louisville Orchestra will take over Waterfront Park.
The Orchestra’s performance will feature music from their upcoming season and a moving tribute called “breathe/burn: an elegy” by Joel Thompson. It will be dedicated to the memory of Breonna Taylor. There will also be other special moments to look forward to.
The concert will be in coordination with Danny Wimmer Presents: Live on the Lawn.
Newgrass music superstar Sam Bush will headline the festivities. Dubbed the founder of “Newgrass” music, Bush has delighted audiences for more than 30 years since his time with the group New Grass Revival by blending bluegrass with genres such as rock and reggae.
The event opens at 6:30 p.m. and officials say lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Outside coolers, glass or pets are not allowed.
Cost: Free but there will be festival food and drinks for purchase.
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Anchorage Presbyterian Church Parade
11403 Park Road
July 4
Officials say that everyone can take part in this year’s parade. They are allowing motorized vehicles, horses, bikers, walkers, strollers and wagons. There will be a picnic at Wagner Park following the conclusion of the parade.
The church is encouraging everyone to get in the patriotic spirit.
Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 4 p.m.
For more information, click here.
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Devon & Kaylee at Parlour On Frankfort
2636 Frankfort Avenue
July 4
This hometown acoustic duo is putting on a special set for the holiday from 4-7 p.m., featuring covers of popular songs across multiple genres. They will also perform some of their original material too!
Cost: Free but make sure your grab some pizza and wings while you're having a good time!
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Belle of Louisville
Fireworks Cruise
Fourth Street Wharf
July 4
The holiday will make a perfect night for a cruise on the Ohio River. The two-hour cruise starting at 8:30 p.m. will have the backdrop of fireworks presented by Waterfront Park.
Cost: $35.99 for adults; $34.99 for seniors (65+); $19.50 for kids (5-14) and free for those 4 and under.
There will also be snacks, drinks and adult beverages for sale.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Locus Grove Free Independence Day Celebration
561 Blankenbaker Lane
July 4
The Historic Locus Grove is hosting free Fourth of July festivities, including two showings of the new "Unfolding the Story" tour, walkthroughs of the house, a reading of the Declaration of Independence a reading of "What to the Slave is the 4th of July" by Frederick Douglass and more.
Advanced tickets are encouraged, and are available on the Locus Grove website. Additional parking is also available, with a shuttle taking people to and from Dunn Elementary from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
INDIANA
JEFFERSONVILLE
Jeffersonville 4th of July Parade
July 3rd
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
100-500 blocks of Spring Street
Officials said due to COVID-19, there will not be a celebration afterward in Warder Park.
For more information, click here.
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NEW ALBANY
New Albany Shoreline Independence Day Celebration
July 3rd
100 E. Water Street
6 p.m.
Join the City of New Albany as they celebrate Independence Day along the New Albany shoreline. There will be performances at the Riverfront Amphitheater along with food and drink from venders. Kids can also have fun with inflatables and games!
Fireworks will take place after dark!
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