It’s the biggest, brightest and loudest time of the year in Kentucky! Thunder Over Louisville, which lights up the sky with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the country, is Saturday, April 22, and Upland customers have the best seat in the house!

PURCHASE TICKETS

We’re excited to celebrate Thunder Over Louisville, described as the pinnacle of pyrotechnics, again this year, and we want to welcome you to join us in the festivities at our Upland Jeffersonville location. Trust us when we say the view from Indiana will be epic. Because we expect a big crowd, we’re currently selling tickets for the event. All the details are below, but please plan to purchase early if you want to ensure you have a seat!

What is Thunder Over Louisville?

Thunder Over Louisville is an air show and fireworks display that is famous well-beyond Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Derby Festival organizers, “What started as a better-than-average fireworks display has become the pinnacle of pyrotechnics. It is the nation’s largest annual fireworks event. It also is one of the top five air shows in the country. Thunder Over Louisville has made a lot of people happy, garnered international attention, entertained millions and given Greater Louisvillians something else to brag about. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of civic-minded companies like Caesars Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer, and UPS – Thunder continues to be THE special event that brings the community together before the first Saturday in May like no other celebration.

 

It was the summer of 1988 and a state park in Western Kentucky housed the Kentucky Derby Festival Board and Staff for an annual planning workshop. It was already decided to have an opening ceremony. Past Festival President Mike Berry recalls breaking into groups to work on various events. One group, led by WAVE 3 TV General Manager Guy Hempel, was charged with breaking new ground with new events. It was here that the shape of the first opening ceremonies began to form. It wasn’t yet Thunder, but it was the very first Opening Ceremonies of Derby Festival. Hettinger put together a live stage show to introduce the Festival theme song, a balloon release of about 20,000 multi-colored balloons, and daytime fireworks shells. It was held at Chow Wagon on the river. Hempel committed WAVE 3 TV to airing it live and broadcasting it live to the They’re Off! Luncheon crowd at the same time. About 10,000 folks showed up. As the fireworks were going off, it was asked if it could be done at night. “Absolutely!” he replied. The rest is history.”

When is Thunder Over Louisville?

The event is Saturday, April 22. Thunder Over Louisville consists of an air show and fireworks display. The air show should start around 3 p.m. and fireworks around 9:30 p.m. Our party will be from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., so feel free to join us for some of the time or every last minute. More details and FAQs about what to expect can be found here. 

Where is the Upland Thunder Over Louisville Watch Party?

At the Upland Brewing Company Jeffersonville location at 707 W. Riverside Dr. 47130.

Why should I go to the Thunder Over Louisville Watch Party?

Because it’s awesome! We have a great view, big patio and are right on the water of the Ohio River. We’ll have ample beer and bites!

How much are tickets to the Upland event?

We’re offering different kinds of tickets for different experiences: outdoor beer garden tickets and patio tickets. Garden tickets offer a family-friendly environment and start at $100 each. Patio tickets start at $200 and are 21+ only. Private tables and bar seating can be reserved. Find full details and buy your tickets here.

What is the Beer Garden?

Bring your favorite blankets and lawn chairs to our customizable and family-friendly Beer Garden section. Sit riverside as you view the action from the front row- space is first come first serve.

Beer Garden Menu:

Chips and Salsa
Hummus
Garden Salad
Smoked Pork
Slider Buns
Mac and Cheese
Vegetables
Roasted Potatoes
Cookies

What is the 21+ Party Section?

The 21+ Party Section is a private, 40 person section on our patio with preferential bar service. The section is partially covered by an awning to protect against weather conditions and a ticket to this section will guarantee access to all of our indoor and outdoor activities and accommodations.

21+ Menu:

Spinach Dip
Chips and Salsa
Hummus
Cheese Platters
Shrimp Cocktail
Garden Salad
Smoked Pork
Grilled Flank Steak
Fresh Salmon
Homemade Mac & Cheese
Vegetables
Roasted Potatoes
Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls
Assorted Desserts

When should I buy my tickets?

If you want to guarantee a seat, now! This is our Jeffersonville location’s busiest event of the year, and tickets historically go quickly. Find all ticket information and purchase here.