Thunder Over Louisville Returns With Big Crowds, Business Boost, and Spectacle

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of the nation’s largest fireworks and air shows is set to return, kicking off the Kentucky Derby Festival with a major celebration in downtown Louisville.

Preparations are already underway across the city, from event setups along the waterfront to displays like an iconic American flag from past shows now featured inside the Galt House lobby.

Zambelli Fireworks, the company behind the show, says this year’s production aims to be bigger and more memorable while also honoring the nation’s 250th birthday.

“So we always try to come back bigger and better than ever,” said Zach Taminosian, Zambelli Fireworks vice president. “We always want to include lots of surprises for the audience. That’s our job.”

Louisville Tourism expects around 500,000 attendees and projects an estimated $10.4 million economic impact from the event.

“After a year without Thunder Over Louisville, its return delivers a significant financial boost for Louisville,” said Rosanne Mastin, communications and public affairs manager for Louisville Tourism. “As one of Louisville’s top 16 economic drivers, Thunder jumpstarts our two-week Kentucky Derby Festival season, drawing an estimated 500,000 spectators to the Ohio River, generating a meaningful weekend impact for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.”

Downtown businesses are preparing for a surge in visitors. Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of the Louisville Downtown Partnership, said the influx of people will significantly increase foot traffic.

“When you add 500,000 people to an area that are coming to see an event in a day, you see a ton more foot traffic; there’s just a lot more pedestrian activity,” she said. “People are having a good time together. Community being with community.”

She noted that 2025 saw lower hotel occupancy and fewer downtown visits, largely due to the event’s cancellation because of flooding.

“So when we are reporting next year, our 2026 numbers, we expect us to be up to normal,” Fleischaker said.

City crews and downtown ambassadors have been preparing the area following the winter season, while organizers say they are eager for the public to experience the show.

“It’s our job to make everybody smile,” Taminosian said.

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