LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The wait is over! The theme has finally been announced for this year's Thunder Over Louisville.
In less than two months, one of the country's top fireworks displays and air shows will light up the Louisville skyline.
The daylong event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on the Waterfront, and this year's theme is very fitting – "Celebrating Derby 150."
According to the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF), this year’s theme is inspired by the running of the 150th Kentucky Derby and celebrating this historic milestone in our city. Officials made sure to note that Derby season elements will be incorporated into the show, including the “Call to the Post” in the Thunder soundtrack.
This year also marks the 35th year of Thunder Over Louisville.
“Thunder has become more than fireworks and an air show over the last three decades," Matt Gibson, president and CEO of KDF, said. "It’s an annual rite of spring in Kentucky, a signature attraction for tourism in Louisville and the Bluegrass, and an event that unites our entire community along the banks of both sides of the Ohio River."
Thunder Over Louisville's firework show is choreographed to an original soundtrack each year.
“As you can imagine, over the past 35 years, there has been a tremendous amount of music chosen to develop the Thunder soundtrack. Our challenge has always been to keep it exciting and powerful while incorporating new music trends,” Wayne Hettinger, producer of Thunder Over Louisville, said. “The pace of this year’s soundtrack is a mix of current music that guarantees to make you weak in the knees and looking for something to hang on to for the finale.”
Aside from the fireworks, Thunder Over Louisville has a drone and night show that will fly over the Ohio River in different formations just before the fireworks start.
The festival is also planning another packed air show line-up this year featuring both military and civilian aircraft. Highlights include the Air Force Viper Demo and Heritage Flight, Air Force C-17 Demo, Navy Growler with Legacy Flight, U.S. Air Force Wings of Blue, and many more. More details about the air show will be released closer to the event.
On Thunder Day, the FoodFest and Thunder On the Ground will open at 11 a.m., the air show will start at 3 p.m., the drone and night show will start at 9 p.m., and fireworks will blast off at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now for the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder VIP Rooftop Party. Tickets are $200 per person and can be purchased here. Admission includes premium viewing, Kentucky Proud cuisine, local and regional beers, specialty cocktails, private restrooms and more.
For more information about Thunder Over Louisville, please click here.
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