(Note: For a complete list of 4th of July 2017 fireworks shows in Kentucky, click here.)

When it comes to celebrating Independence Day, fireworks are usually a big part of the festivities in honor of the “bombs bursting in air.” The children usually LOVE these shows, as do many adults. Watching the amazing colors and patterns burst into reality and then fade out of existence, leaving only smoke and a bit of debris in their wake. Every year the fireworks displays get better and better, so this year’s displays will likely blow last year’s shows out of the sky. Here are 6 of the best fireworks shows in Kentucky, followed by a complete listing of fireworks displays in Kentucky:

  1. Dawson Springs Riverside Park Independence Day Celebration.

Chris Breeze

Jennifer Kirkland This fun filled afternoon takes place at 901 W Arcadia Avenue in Riverside Park on July 1st. The festivitiels take place on July 1st from 6 till 930 pm with fireworks after dark. When the festivities start, participants will find Bluegrass Music, amazing barbecue via vendors, fun activities and finally, the display that will light up the night sky over the river.

  1. Fireworks at Kentucky Horse Park on 4089 Iron Works Prky in Lexington.

keithreed01

Alex Clinkinbeard This celebration begins on July 1st and ends on July 3rd at the campground. The fun starts at 10 am and ends at 10 pm daily, but the fireworks will take place at dusk on July 3rd. They are located at the campground so the horses and farm animals can avoid a fright.

  1. Freeman Lake Park Founder’s Day Celebration on 212 Freeman Lake Road in Elizabethtown.

Will Montague

Sarah Altendorf Patrons will get to see the renowned US Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, along with the 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard for entertainment. Shoney’s hosts a pie eating contest, there will be free face painting and children’s activities and the fireworks show starts at dark. This event is fun for the whole family, along with a colorful display in the skies above!

  1. Independence Day on the Riverfront of Broadway and Kentucky Avenue in Paducah.

Justin Rumaeo

Justin Rumaeo This celebration takes place on July 4th from 4 pm till 10 pm with fireworks at dusk. Attendees will enjoy live music on the Wilson Stage and there will be plenty of venders selling food and refreshments. This is a great place to celebrate Independence Day.

  1. LakeFest on 20 South Main Street, Jamestown Square in Jamestown.

USACE

Will Montague This event hosts an array of activities including beauty pagents, an antique car and tractor show, musical entertainment, and a 10k race. After all that, visitors hunker down for fun with the fireworks on July 2nd when the sun sets. The event lasts from 8am till 10 pm.

  1. Louisville Waterfront Park Independence Day Celebration.

Shannon Thompkins

Kaiju images Located on the Great Lawn of the Waterfront Park along the Ohio River on River Road, this event is 2nd to Thunder Over Louisville. The renowned Zambelli Internationale will be handling the firework portion of the festivities and the Louisville Orchestra will be performing for visitors. The event starts at 5 pm and the firework display takes place around 10 pm. There will be vendors, games, food, and lots of fun for the entire family.

Fourth of July 2015 in Louisville

Chris Breeze

Jennifer Kirkland

This fun filled afternoon takes place at 901 W Arcadia Avenue in Riverside Park on July 1st. The festivitiels take place on July 1st from 6 till 930 pm with fireworks after dark. When the festivities start, participants will find Bluegrass Music, amazing barbecue via vendors, fun activities and finally, the display that will light up the night sky over the river.

keithreed01

Alex Clinkinbeard

This celebration begins on July 1st and ends on July 3rd at the campground. The fun starts at 10 am and ends at 10 pm daily, but the fireworks will take place at dusk on July 3rd. They are located at the campground so the horses and farm animals can avoid a fright.

Will Montague

Sarah Altendorf

Patrons will get to see the renowned US Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, along with the 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard for entertainment. Shoney’s hosts a pie eating contest, there will be free face painting and children’s activities and the fireworks show starts at dark. This event is fun for the whole family, along with a colorful display in the skies above!

Justin Rumaeo

This celebration takes place on July 4th from 4 pm till 10 pm with fireworks at dusk. Attendees will enjoy live music on the Wilson Stage and there will be plenty of venders selling food and refreshments. This is a great place to celebrate Independence Day.

USACE

This event hosts an array of activities including beauty pagents, an antique car and tractor show, musical entertainment, and a 10k race. After all that, visitors hunker down for fun with the fireworks on July 2nd when the sun sets. The event lasts from 8am till 10 pm.

Shannon Thompkins

Kaiju images

Located on the Great Lawn of the Waterfront Park along the Ohio River on River Road, this event is 2nd to Thunder Over Louisville. The renowned Zambelli Internationale will be handling the firework portion of the festivities and the Louisville Orchestra will be performing for visitors. The event starts at 5 pm and the firework display takes place around 10 pm. There will be vendors, games, food, and lots of fun for the entire family.

These shows are some of the best fireworks in Kentucky, with each one celebrating Independence Day to the fullest. The images displayed represent shows all across our state, not necessarily the exact event described, however, these explosive shows are the very definition of July fourth festivities. The time is near, so hope everyone has a fantastic Fourth of July in Kentucky!

Here is a list of the other fireworks shows in Kentucky for your convenience, including dates and times.

July 3rd

Berea*

Independence Day Celebration Berea City Park 6 Pirate Parkway Berea, Kentucky 5:00 p.m. Activities Begin Dark Fireworks

Bowling Green*

2015 Thunderfest Independence Day Celebration* National Corvette Museum 350 Corvette Dr. Bowling Green, Kentucky 3:00 p.m. Gates open 5:00 p.m. Activities, music, food, entertainment & more 9:15 p.m. Fireworks Admission $20 per carload (kids wristbands for inflatables are $10)

Buckhorn*

July 4th Fireworks* Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park 4441 Kentucky 1833 Buckhorn, Kentucky Day Live Entertainments, Food Dark Fireworks

Corbin*

4th of July Block Party* Main Street Corbin, Kentucky Evening Food, entertainment & fun Dark Fireworks

Elkton*

Todd County Independence Day Celebration* Elkton-Todd County Park Central High School 806 South Main Street Elkton, Kentucky Evening Food, Entertainment & more 9:15 p.m. Fireworks Free (Bring your chair or blanket)

Gilbertsville*

Kentucky Lake Big Bang* The Moors Resort & Marina 570 Moors Road Gilbertsville, Kentucky 9:00 p.m. Fireworks (Best viewed from the water due to very limited parking!)

Lebanon*

Lightning over Lebanon* Marion County Fairgrounds 415 Fairgrounds Road Lebanon, Kentucky Dark Fireworks

Louisville*

Old-Fashioned Crescent Hill 4th of July* Peterson-Dumesnil House in Crescent Hill Community Louisville, Kentucky 10 a.m. Events, art fair, activities, food and more. Dark Fireworks (Event takes place both July 3rd & July 4th)

Louisville Bats Baseball & Zambelli Fireworks Extravaganza* Louisville Slugger Field 401 East Main Street Louisville, Kentucky 6:45 p.m. Baseball After Game Fireworks (Admission Charged)

Newport*

Newport Motorcycle Rally* Riverfront Newport, Kentucky 12:00 noon Events begin with entertainment, games, food, bike show. Dark Fireworks Please click here for more information. (Fireworks also take place on July 4th)

Taylorsville*

Independence Day Fireworks* Possum Ridge Ramp Taylorsville Lake State Park Taylorsville, Kentucky Dark Fireworks Free, can be viewed from the park, Taylorsville Lake Marina, Possum Ridge Ramp or the water.

Winchester*

Freedom Fest* Lykins Park Winchester, Kentucky 5:00 p.m. Gates open for music, fun, food & more 10:00 p.m. Fireworks Free

July 4th

Bardstown*

The Stephen Foster Story Fourth of July Celebration* My Old Kentucky Home State Park Bardstown, Kentucky 7:00 p.m. Old-fashioned games on the lawn. 8:30 p.m. The Stephen Foster Story (Stephen Foster’s 187th Birthday) After the show Fireworks Admission charged, reserve seating recommended.

Buchanan*

Independence Day Celebration* Paris Landing State Park 16055 Highway 79 N Buchanan, Tennessee 5:00 p.m. Music and More 9:00 p.m. Fireworks

Cadiz*

4th of July Fireworks* Lake Barkley State Park 3500 State Park Rd. Cadiz, Kentucky

Dark Fireworks

Calvert City*

Ameribration Celebration* Memorial & Doctor’s Parks Calvert City, Kentucky 10 a.m. Car Show, Kid’s Train Rides & More at Memorial Park 1:00 p.m. Music at Memorial Park 7:00 p.m. Parade on 5th Avenue 8:00 p.m. Free Watermelon at Memorial Park 9:00 p.m. Fireworks at Doctor’s Park on 5th Avenue

Campbellsville*

Campbellsville=Taylor County 4th of July Celebration* Miller Park Campbellsville, Kentucky All Day Activities Dark Fireworks

Carrollton*

July 4th Fireworks* Point Park 2nd & Main Carrollton, Kentucky 7:00 p.m. Activities, food and more Dark Fireworks

Columbia

4th of July Fireworks (waiting for information for 2014) Fairgrounds 413 Fairgrounds St. (Hwy. 206) Columbia, Kentucky 6:00 p.m. Family Fun & Games 9:00 p.m. Fireworks

Eddyville*

Thunder over Eddy Bay* Eddy Creek Marina Resort 7612 State Road 93 South Eddyville, Kentucky Evening Entertainment & More Dusk Fireworks

Elizabethtown*

Founder’s Day Celebration* Blue Heron Way Freeman Lake Park Elizabethtown, Kentucky 5:00 p.m. Kid’s Water Park, Vendors 6:00 p.m. Shoney’s Pie Eating Contest 7:00 p.m. Flag Presentation 10:00 p.m. Fireworks

Frankfort

4th of July Fireworks (No information yet for 2015) Capital View Park E/W Connector – Glenns Creek Rd. Frankfort, KY Dark Fireworks

Georgetown*

July 4th Fireworks* Brooking Park Georgetown, Kentucky 11:00 a.m. 4th of July Parade Afterno Events & Food 9:00 p.m. Fireworks

Fireworks over Kentucky Dam* Kentucky Dam Marina 466 Marina Drive Gilbertsville, Kentucky 7:00 p.m. Free Concert Dark Fireworks

Hardin*

4th of July Fireworks* Kenlake State Resort Park 542 Kenlake Road Hardin, Kentucky Dusk Fireworks

Hartford

Sparks in the Park (Waiting for information on 2015) Ohio County Park 2300 Hwy. 69 North Hartford, Kentucky 6:00 p.m. Event Begins Dark Fireworks FREE

Henderson*

Independence Bank Fourth of July Celebration* Riverfront 101 N. Water St. Henderson, Kentucky 5:30 p.m. Live Music, Food, Kids’ Activities Dark Fireworks

Independence*

4th of July Celebration* Memorial Park Independence, Kentucky 3:00 p.m. Parade After Parade Food, fun, entertainment & more. 10:00 p.m. Fireworks Please click here for more information.

Jamestown*

Lake Cumberland July 4th Celebration* Lake Cumberland State Dock Marina 6365 State Dock Marina Jamestown, Kentucky 8:30 p.m.Karaoke on the Dock Dark Fireworks

Lexington*

Fourth of July Festival* Main Street Lexington, KY 9:00 a.m. Downtown Street Festival 2:00 p.m. Parade down Main Street 7:30 p.m. Thursday night live at Cheapside park 10:00 p.m. Fireworks over Downtown Lexington FREE

Livermore*

Independence Day Celebration Riverfront Livermore, Kentucky Afternoon/Evening: Music & more Dark Fireworks

Louisville Orchestra Waterfront 4th* Waterfront Park 129 E. River Rd. Louisville, KY 5:00 p.m. Kids area, music, food, fun & more. 8:30 p.m. Louisville Orchestra performs live. 10:00 p.m. Fireworks over the Ohio River Admission: Free

Lucas*

4th of July Fireworks* Barren River Lake State Resort Park 1149 State Park Rd. Lucas, Kentucky 6:00 p.m. Live Entertainment 9:00 p.m. Fireworks (Bring your chair and blankets)

Madisonville*

Madisonville 4thFest Fireworks* Madisonville City Park Madisonville, Kentucky 5:30 p.m. Activities, entertainment & more. Dark Fireworks

Morgantown*

Green River Catfish Festival* Charles Black City Park Morgantown, Kentucky 9:00 a.m. Gates open for catfish cook-off & more. 12 noon Carnival rides, music & more Twilight Fireworks

Mt. Sterling*

4th of July Celebration* Old Silo Silver Lake Drive Mt. Sterling, Kentucky 6:00 p.m. Events begin Dark Fireworks

Munfordville*

Hart County Fair* Hart County Fairgrounds US 31W South Munfordville, KY Afternoon Carnival Rides, Shows, Displays Dark Fireworks

Murray*

Freedomfest* Highway 641 North near Kroger & Central Park Murray, Kentucky 7:00 a.m. 5k Run (Primary Care Medical Center) 7:00 a.m. Gary Taylor Memorial Breakfast (First United Methodist Church) 7:30 a.m. Veteran’s Remembrance Ceremony (Chestnut Park) 8:45 a.m. Main Street Mile (Sparks Hall) 9:30 a.m. Freedom Fest Parade (Main Street) 4:00 p.m. Cruise-In Car Show (Stewart Stadium) 6:00 p.m. Family Night in the Park (Central Park) 8:00 p.m. Town & Gown Community Band (Lovett Auditorium) 9:30 p.m. Fireworks (sponsored by Briggs & Stratton)

Newport Motorcycle Rally* Riverfront Newport, Kentucky 12:00 noon Events begin with entertainment, games, food, bike show. Dark Fireworks Please click here for more information. (Fireworks also take place on July 3rd)

Owensboro*

All-American Fourth of July* McConnell Plaza and RiverPark Center Patio Owensboro, Kentucky 5:00 p.m. Music begins, food, fun, activities. 8:10 p.m. Owensboro Symphony Orchestra 9:00 p.m. Fireworks over the Ohio River

Freedom Bash & Fireworks Display* Diamond Lake Resort 7301 Hobbs Road Owensboro, Kentucky Evening Activities and events Dark Fireworks

Paris Landing State Park*

Pikeville*

July 4th Celebration* City Park Huffman & Main Streets Pikeville, Kentucky 5:00 p.m. Food, fun, contests. Dark Fireworks

Prestonsburg*

4th of July Fireworks* Downtown Prestonsburg, Kentucky Dark Fireworks

Richmond*

4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza* Lake Reba Recreational Complex 2000 Gibson Bay Drive Richmond, Kentucky 5:00 p.m. Music &Food, Kids’ Activities 10:00 p.m. Fireworks Admission $5 (Bring your chair or blanket)

Rough River Dam*

4th of July Fireworks* Rough River Dam State Resort Park 450 Lodge Road Falls of Rough, Kentucky 9:00 p.m. Fireworks

Shepherdsville*

4th of July Bullitt Blast* City Park Shepherdsville, Kentucky 12 Noon Food, Rides, Activities, Live Music 9:30 p.m. Fireworks Admission and non-priority parking are free.

Somerset*

SomerBlast SomerSplash Waterpark Somerset, Kentucky 10:00 a.m. Water Park Opens 6:00 p.m. Events begin with food, entertainment & fun. 10:00 p.m. Fireworks Please click here for more information.

Versailles*

2016 Fourth of July Celebration* County Park Versailles, KY 6:00 p.m. Park Opens for food, fun and entertainment Dark Fireworks Admission charged.

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