Nothing says summer like celebrating the Fourth of July 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 is a list of fireworks shows and other Independence Day events taking place in the Louisville area from June 30 through July 6:
Fanfare for the 4th
WHAT:Join the Louisville Chorus for its final performance of the season, "Fanfare for the 4th," an annual tribute to America and our troops.
WHERE:Beargrass Christian Church, 4100 Shelbyville Road
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WHEN:June 30, 3 p.m.
COST:$25, $2 seniors, $5 students, free for active military
MORE INFORMATION:louisvillechorus.org.
Louisville Bats vs. Indianapolis Indians
WHAT:Kick off the 4th of July early, watch the bats in their Star and Stripes uniforms, and enjoy an extended post-game fireworks show.
WHERE:Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St.
WHEN:July 3, 7:05 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:Tickets start at $9. milb.com/louisville/tickets/promotions.
New Albany Shoreline Independence Day Celebration
WHAT: Celebrate the 4th of July with music by Rumors, live music, food trucks, and fireworks. Sponsored by Caesars Foundation of Floyd County.
WHERE: New Albany Shoreline, 100 E. Water St., New Albany, Indiana
WHEN: July 3, 6 p.m. Fireworks at dark.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. gosoin.com.
Waterfront Park 4th of July
WHAT:Celebrate the 4th of July at Waterfront Park with a variety show "Waterfront’s Most Talented" featuring local and regional performers.To mark Waterfront Park's 4th of July 25th anniversary, Waterfront Park has partnered with Jou Jou Presets to produce a talent show that will include singers, musicians, dancers, bands, comedians, and performing artists. Following the show there will be fireworks.
WHERE:Big Four Lawn, Waterfront Park, downtown Louisville
WHEN:July 4, 5-10 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.
Belle of Louisville Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
WHAT:Enjoy this two-hour sunset cruise and watch the fireworks display presented by Waterfront Park. Music by DJ Jill. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase with a full bar.
WHERE:Fourth and River Road
WHEN:July 4. Board at 7:30 p.m.; cruise 8:30-10:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:Tickets are $45.99 for adults (13-64), $43.99 for seniors (65 and older), $29.99 for children (3-12) and free for children 2 and younger. belleoflouisville.org.
Kentucky Kingdom Red, White, and Bluegrass Bash
WHAT:Celebrate Independence Day at Kentucky Kingdom with bluegrass music by Kentucky Blue (Bluegrass Bakery Patio, noon to 5:30 p.m. July 4-6), rides, swimming and water rides at Hurrican Bay, specialty foods (Bluegrass Bakery, Casa Mia, Swampwater Jack’s and Bourbon Craft House) and fireworks.
WHERE:937 Phillips Lane
WHEN:July 4-6
MORE INFORMATION:Admission starts at $29. Parking $12. kentuckykingdom.com.
Crescent Hill 4th of July Festival
WHAT:Find one-of-a-kind treasures at the artist booth. There will also be a food court, cake wheel, fun zone, silent auction, pet contest, military vehicle displays, field games, and fireworks. Entertainment by The Falklanders, The 202nd Single Barrel Brass Band, and Bomar and Ritter.
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.
4th of July at Locust Grove
WHAT:Celebrate Independence Day in 19th-century style at Historic Locust Grove. Highlights include the Naturalization Ceremony (noon at the pavilion), where new citizens will be welcomed into the community. Enjoy family-friendly activities, educational exhibits, and interactive discussions that explore the values of independence and active citizenship. StageOne will read stories of citizenship, civics, voting, and much more (10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., in the auditorium). Sponsored by Independence Bank
WHERE:561 Blankenbaker Lane
WHEN:July 4, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: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 is 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.
5th Annual Paristown Fourth of July Celebration
WHAT:Features a free outdoor artisan market with a curated collection of handmade goods, jewelry, candles, artwork, and decor on Brent Street; Jeff’s Donuts' “Donut Hole Eating Contest,” with a $1,000 grand prize; music by the Crashers and a Zambelli fireworks show. The Kroger Fresh Express will offer free train rides from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Presented by Jack Daniels.
WHERE:Christy’s Garden, Paristown Arts & Entertainment District, 720 Brent St.
WHEN:July 4. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (on Brent Street). Concert and fireworks: gates open at 4 p.m.; The Crashers, 6:30-9:45 p.m.; Donut Hole Eating Contest, 8 p.m.; fireworks, 9:45 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:Admission is free for the outdoor market. Concert and fireworks tickets are $15 in advance, $18 the day of the show, and include access to Christy’s Gardens, Brent Street, bars, The Village Market Food Hall eateries, and the outdoor artisan vendor market, free for ages 10 and younger. VIP is $100 and includes general admission, two complimentary craft co*cktails, and VIP-only access to The Cafe's air-conditioned atrium, bathrooms, tables, and VIP bar. Reserved picnic tables are available ‘add-on ticket' for $100 (seats 4-6). paristown.com.
Simpsonville's The Boom
WHAT:Enjoy music, food and drinks, and a fireworks show.
WHERE:Corner of Buck Creek Road and US 60.
WHEN:July 4. Gates open at 7 p.m., fireworks at dark
MORE INFORMATION:Parking is 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, costume contest, and food. Walkers are welcome
WHERE:Begins and ends at St. Matthews Baptist Church, 3515 Grandview Ave.
WHEN:July 4, 8 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION:Proceeds benefit St. Matthews Area Ministries and St. Matthews Baptist Church's "Love 40207" program. Registration is $35 the day of the race and includes a choice of unisex short-sleeved tech shirt or women’s tech tank, free race photos, a goodie bag and door prizes. rivercityraces.com/upcoming-events-1/2024/7/4/st-matthews-independence-day-5k.
July 4th Freedom Celebration
WHAT:Spend July 4th at Wendell Moore Park for pool games at the aquatic center and top off your celebration with a fireworks display over the lake.
WHERE:Wendell Moore Park, 1551 N. Highway 393, La Grange
WHEN:July 4. Fireworks at 10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:Bring your chairs and blankets. Free.touroldham.com/venue/wendell-moore-park.
Sellersburg 4th of July Celebration
WHAT: Celebrate Independence Day with food, music by the Rumors, shaved ice from Yello Sno Shaved Ice, and fireworks (at dark).
WHERE: The American Legion, 412 N New Albany St., Sellersburg, Indiana
WHEN: July 4. Activities start at 11 a.m.; fireworks, dark
MORE INFORMATION: Free. sellersburg.org.
Louisville Orchestra Independence Day Weekend Concert
WHAT:Louisville Orchestra, under the direction of Teddy Abrams, with vocalists Jason Clayborn, Daria Raymore, Teaira Dunn, CeCe Dunn, Latiana Clayborn, will present 'Play America,' a concert celebrating Independence Day (8 p.m.). The festivities kick off with a variety of food trucks, Spotz Gelato, Kona Ice, Bamba Eggroll, Ramiro's Cantina & Bar, Big Moe's BBQ, and Hot Buns. The Family Field will have musical performances, balloon creations, inflatable houses, face painting and crafts.
WHERE: America Place at River Ridge, 101 Logistics Ave., Jeffersonville, Indiana
WHEN: July 5, 6 p.m.; concert 8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Picnic tables and shaded tents are available for dining. Free, but attendees are encouraged to register at LouisvilleOrchestra.org/play-america.
Red, White & Brew
WHAT:Celebrate America’s birthday with brews and live entertainment. Specials: $3 Michelob Ultra, $4 White Claw, $7 Rizz Fizz and $20 86oz. Cherry Firecracker Bucket.
WHERE:Howl at the Moon, Fourth Street Live!, 411 S. Fourth St.
WHEN:July 5, 6 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:4thstlive.com/events/20240705-red-white-and-brew.
German American Club Independence Day Cookout
WHAT: Wear your stars and stripes and celebrate Independence Day weekend at the German American Club cookout. There will be burgers and hot dogs, and the kitchen will have side dishes. The Rounder Brothers will perform (6 p.m.).
WHERE: 1840 Lincoln Ave.
WHEN: July 6, 4 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:facebook.com/share/jEZz8RGhJVrLPnwr/?mibextid=9l3rBW.
Reach Features Clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com
