Happy 4th of July! Here's where to see fireworks in Louisville
Nothing says summer like celebrating the Fourth of July with friends and family with grilled food, parades, concerts, and, of course, fireworks. July 4, also known as Independence Day, is the federal holiday set aside to commemorate the Continental Congress formally adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Here's a list of fireworks shows taking place in the Louisville area on July 4:
Waterfront Park 4th of July
WHAT: The celebration features music by the Louisville Orchestra, family activities, food trucks, festival food, and a fireworks display. Fireworks approximately 10 p.m. Family-friendly activities from 5-8:30 p.m. throughout the park and include face painting, balloon art, and bounce houses. Louisville Orchestra performs at 8:30 p.m.; fireworks at 10 p.m. Presented by the Marshall Family Foundation.
WHERE: Great Lawn, Waterfront Park, downtown Louisville
WHEN: July 4, 5 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Coolers, glass, fireworks, pets, outside food and alcohol are not permitted. There will be bicycle racks to lock up bicycles on site. Unopened bottles of water are permitted. Free. ourwaterfront.org/annual-events/fourth-of-july-at-waterfront-park.
Belle of Louisville Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
WHAT: Sit back and relax on this two-hour sunset cruise and watch the fireworks display presented by Waterfront Park. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase and a full bar.
WHERE: Fourth and River Road
WHEN: July 3-4. Board at 7:30 p.m.; cruise 8:30-10:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets are $44.99 for adults (15-64), $43.99 for seniors (65 and older), $19.99 for children (5-14) and free for children 4 and younger. belleoflouisville.org.
Crescent Hill 4th of July Festival
WHAT: Find one-of-a-kind treasures at the juried art show; a food court with food trucks, ice cream vendors and craft beer; kids zone with inflatables, John the Balloon Guy and more. Also silent auction, pet contest, cake wheel, children's field games (on the lawn), raffle, tour of the Peterson-Dumesnil House and military vehicles on display. Fireworks: America’s 247th Birthday Celebration! The musical theme is "We Are One America" (10 p.m.). Music by Derby City Dandies, The Falklanders, La Petite Musique, Bomar & Ritter and All That Band.
WHERE: Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Ave.
WHEN: July 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. For a complete schedule go to: crescenthill.us.
Independence Day Celebration: Summer on the Farm
WHAT: Celebrate Independence Day in 19th-century style at Historic Locust Grove. Activities include the walk-through the historic house, first-person interpreter portrayals, public readings of the Declaration of Independence and excerpts from Frederick Douglass' speech ‘What to the Slave is the Fourth of July, and more. Sponsored by Independence Bank
WHERE: 561 Blankenbaker Lane
WHEN: July 4, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Food trucks will be on-site with food and drinks, or bring a picnic lunch. Admission is free. 502-897-9845; locustgrove.org.
Jeffersonville 4th of July Parade
WHAT: Jeffersonville celebrates freedom with the Jeffersonville Celebrates Freedom Parade. Following the parade a celebration in Warder Park (109 E. Court Ave., Jeffersonville) honoring veterans.
WHERE: Along Spring Street from 100 to 500 blocks of Spring St., Jeffersonville, Indiana.
WHEN: July 4, 10 a.m. to noon
MORE INFORMATION: Food and drinks will be available for purchase. jeffmainstreet.org.
Paristown Fourth of July Celebration
WHAT: Features a free outdoor artisan market on Brent Street; Jeff’s Donuts' inaugural “Donut Eating Contest,” with a $1,000 grand prize (sponsored by Fante’s Coffee); music by the Crashers and Zambelli fireworks show. Presented by Jack Daniels. The Kroger Fresh Express will offer free train rides from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a donation of a canned good or non-perishable food item. Benefits Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation.
WHERE: Christy’s Garden, Paristown Arts & Entertainment District, 720 Brent St.
WHEN: July 4. Market is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (on Brent Street.). Concert and fireworks: gates open at 5 p.m.; The Crashers, 6:30 p.m.; fireworks, 9:45 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Admission is free for the outdoor market. Concert and fireworks: tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of the show and include access to bars, The Village Market Food Hall eateries, and the outdoor artisan vendor market. VIP is $45 and includes general admission and VIP-only access to The Cafe's air-conditioned atrium, bathrooms, tables, bar, and patio. Tables are available for $125 including a reserved table on the garden lawn with six chairs (does not include access to VIP-only areas). paristown.com.
Simpsonsville's The Boom
WHAT: Fireworks show with pre-show activities at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. Before the fireworks enjoy shopping, food, treats, concessions, face painting for kids, music by Flotus (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and The Habit (4-7 pm.), pre-show party with a DJ. Select a spot along US 60 or bring a blanket/chair to the park.
WHERE: Pre-show activities at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, 1155 Buck Creek Road, Simpsonville. Watch the fireworks show at the Corner of Buck Creek road and US 60.
WHEN: July 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fireworks (10 p.m.)
MORE INFORMATION: Parking located along US 60, Simpsonville Park and Wiche Park. Free. simpsonvilleparks.com.
St. Matthews Independence Day 5K
WHAT: Part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Awards, door prizes, costumes contest and food. Walkers and virtual runners are welcome
WHERE: Begins and ends at St. Matthews Baptist Church, 3515 Grandview Avenue
WHEN: July 4, 8 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds benefit St. Matthews Area Ministries (St. MAM) and St. Matthews Baptist Church's "Love 40207" program. Registration, $30 through June 30; $35 day of race and includes choice of unisex short sleeve tech shirt or women’s tech tank, free race photos, McDonald's coupons, door prizes, post race massage and post race coffee, bagels and fruit. rivercityraces.com/upcoming-events-1/2023/7/4/st-matthews-independence-day-5k.
July 4 Freedom Celebration
WHAT: Top off your 4th of July celebration with this fireworks display over the lake at Wendell Moore Park.
WHERE: Wendell Moore Park, 1551 N. Highway 393, La Grange
WHEN: July 4, 10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Bring your chairs and blankets. Free. touroldham.com/venue/wendell-moore-park/
Reach Features Clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 4th of July in Louisville: Where to see fireworks to celebrate
