7 things you can't bring to Thunder Over Louisville 2022 at Waterfront Park

Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·4 min read

The Kentucky Derby Festival's Thunder Over Louisville 2022 will again take over the Louisvill'es downtown waterfront on April 23, with a fireworks display and air show that kicks off at 3 p.m.

For those heading to the show, here's what you need to know about what you can and can't bring and other pieces of advice to make your long Thunder day a success.

When is Thunder Over Louisville?

Waterfront Park opens at 11 a.m. and the Meijer Family Fun Zone, Ford's Thunder on the Ground, and Thunder Chow Wagon open at 11 a.m. The air show begins at 3 p.m. with fireworks starting after dark, usually sometime around 9:30 p.m.

Download this Thunder Over Louisville guide: Cell service may be spotty! Have this saved on your phone

How does much it cost to go to Thunder Over Louisville?

The Courier Journal sends off fireworks after emerging victorious from claims fight! Just kidding. This was from Thunder Over Louisville.
The Courier Journal sends off fireworks after emerging victorious from claims fight! Just kidding. This was from Thunder Over Louisville.

Admission to all festival-run areas requires a 2022 Pegasus Pin, which is $6 in advance or $7 at the gate.  A pin is good for admission to many Kentucky Derby Festival events through May 7.

More: From rooftop parties to Slugger Field, here are 12+ places to watch Thunder Over Louisville

What can I bring to Thunder Over Louisville?

First, bring your patience. This is not an event for the crowd-shy.

Second, take some day-of-show photos of your children to show police officers in case they get lost.

We also can't recommend enough that you bring some toilet paper or tissues (Thunder pots can run out).

It's also not a bad idea to download a radio app on your phone to keep up to date on the events of the day. Air show commentary will be on MIX 106.9.

Lastly, a full tank of gas is a must. Downtown Louisville and Jeffersonville will be like parking lots from 9:45 p.m. to eternity.

You may like: How did ignorance help create Thunder Over Louisville? A Qu0026A with the man behind the show

What can't I bring to Thunder Over Louisville?

For safety reasons, the following are not permitted in the event area, which goes south from the Ohio River to Main Street between Clay Street to 10th Street and includes the Thunder Chow Wagon, Meijer Family Fun Zone on the West Belvedere and North Great Lawn viewing area.

  • Outside alcohol or any liquid in glass bottles. Plastic bottles and food are fine and vendors selling food and alcohol will be plentiful.

  • Anything that flies via remote control but especially drones. This is an airshow and such things are banned by the FAA.

  • Leave your tents, canopies, stakes, pennant lines, and hammocks at home. Picnic blankets, tarps (limited to 10-inch-by-10-inch) and lawn chairs are OK.

  • No taping or roping off of areas

  • Charcoal or propane grills

  • No pets

  • Bikes, skateboards and skates are not allowed in the viewing areas including rental bikes and scooters. If you ride your bicycle to Thunder Over Louisville, you can park it at the “Free Valet Bicycle Parking” located on the northeast corner of Witherspoon Street and Preston Street, north of Slugger Field.  The facility is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bring a lock.

You may like: Kentucky Derby Festival 2022 schedule: Thunder Over Louisville, Pegasus Parade and more

What should I wear to Thunder Over Louisville?

First, be sure to dress in layers as the temperature can vary throughout the day along the river. Sunscreen and a hat are a must-have, regardless of the weather.

Wearing comfortable shoes is a must. That means sturdy sneakers.

Earplugs for you and your children will help with the loud noises from the air and fireworks shows. It will help protect your eardrums.

Where should I park for Thunder Over Louisville?

If you drive, you should plan to park as far away from the event area as you can comfortably walk. You'll be grateful at the end of the night when you walk past all the cars waiting in lines.

More: Heading downtown for Thunder Over Louisville? Here's what to know in advance about parking

Can I take TARC to Waterfront Park for Thunder Over Louisville?

Two T-38 fighter jets pass over Bowman Field during the Thunder Over Louisville Airshow. April 17, 2020
Two T-38 fighter jets pass over Bowman Field during the Thunder Over Louisville Airshow. April 17, 2020

Use TARC buses to get to the event using normal routes. The agency will expand its services downtown all day.

Find more information at thunderoverlouisville.org.

Reach Features News Clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Thunder Over Louisville 2022 guide: What you can and can't bring