Best spots (free and exclusive) to watch the Thunder Over Louisville airshow, fireworks

Robert Shipman
Louisville Courier Journal

Thunder Over Louisville is back in 2019 with a bang.

It's the second largest fireworks display in the country, and thousands will flock from all over to see bright colors light up the sky, accompanied by fairy tale-themed music, and more than 35 sky-high airshows. 

And will all the mayhem, you may need some guidance discovering which spots around Louisville and Southern Indiana are primo for your viewing pleasure. 

In Louisville, neighborhoods like Phoenix Hill and Portland have great views of the city, as do Waterfront Park (which is right on the river), Cherokee Park and Iroquois Park.

In Southern Indiana, there's the Falls of the Ohio in Clarksville with its unobstructed view, plus the bustling New Albany andJeffersonville river fronts.

Plan your Thunder trip:Your guide to Thunder Over Louisville: Everything to know

Here are some of the swankier and more exclusive areas where you can eat and drink  while watching from the best spots, away from the crowds:

8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen

350 W. Chestnut St., 2-11 p.m. Saturday

Elevate your experience and watch the show above the crowds. Price includes free parking, reserved private area, barbecue buffet and a pig roast. $35 adults, $12 children. 

Belle of Louisville

Fourth and River Road, 3-10 p.m. Saturday

Thunder Over Louisville Dockside will have a buffet, cash bar and concessions. Reservations are required. $100 per person. More info at belleoflouisville.org/cruises-all.

Buckhead Mountain Grill

707 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, 2-10 p.m. Saturday

This year will be Buckhead's 23rd annual Thunder watch party. You can see the airshow and fireworks at their popular private lawn on the Ohio. All tickets for the family-friendly event include a dinner buffet, hors d’oeuvres, nonalcoholic beverages, and access to the lawn, bars and bathrooms. "Also enjoy the official Thunder Over Louisville audio broadcast from our outdoor PA system, a kids arts & crafts area, and more," according to the Buckhead Mountain Grill website.

Bridge and Barrel

Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel, 700 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, 1-11 p.m. Saturday.

Features a large buffet, live music and comfortable seating for the fireworks and air show. Tickets start at $125.

Galt House

140 N. 4th St., Friday and Saturday

Overnight accommodations in a nonview guest room Friday and Saturday. Guests, including children who are walking, are required to wear wristbands to have hotel access. Nonview: $598.00 plus tax. Includes room, six wristbands, and one parking pass and access to pool deck fireworks viewing area. An additional two wristbands per guestroom may be purchased for $50 each. Saturday only, nonview room starts at $299 plus tax. Includes room, four wristbands. For more info, visit galthouse.com.

Gravely Brewing Co. 

514 Baxter Ave., 4-11:30 p.m. Saturday

Thunderstruck is back. Gravely's will tap its signature double IPA in honor of Thunder and Mayan Street Food will offer Arbol Chile Wings & Loaded Beer Cheese Nachos all day. Snag limited tickets to soak in the skyline view from their deck on the Upper Beer Garden. 

Joe's Crab Shack 

131 River Road, 3-11:30 p.m. Saturday

Get a front-row seat to all the action while savoring a meal at Joe's Crab Shack's 30th watch party. "With priority seating, you'll take in every firework pop and plane zoom with your friends and family. Instead of fighting the crowds, fight over the last crab leg in your own reserved seating area." $250 premium adult, $150 premium child, $200 standard adult, $100 standard child.

Kentucky Science Center

 727 W. Main St., 2-11 p.m. Saturday.​​​​​

The Kentucky Science Center’s ThunderBlast features access to the center’s exhibit galleries, bounce houses and slides, creative face art ($5), food trucks, activities for kids led by Science Center educators, science demonstrations and access to the Science Center’s four-story theater. Food vendors include: The Slinky Dog; Chew on This, Steel City Pops; Smokin’ Grub BBQ; El Mambo; Spotz Gelato; Doh Si Dough; Blackbeard Espresso and Subway. $50, $35 for children; $40, $25 for children for members. 502-561-100; kysciencecenter.org. 

KingFish 

 601 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, 1:30-9 p.m. Saturday

See live music from local bands Most Wanted and The Boogie Men in the beer garden for Thunder Over Louisville. They'll be rocking throughout the day and tickets are just $20. The restaurant will offer options for seating indoors, $175 per person and $87.50 for ages 10 and younger. On the lower deck, $410 per table of four; tent seating, $85 per person. Each option includes appetizer and dinner buffets. To make reservations, call 502-339-0565.

KFC Yum Center

1 Arena Plaza, 1:30-11:59 p.m. Saturday

The Yum Center has several options for your Thunder viewing pleasure. There's the FUN-DER Block Party, a free event with activities for the whole family. The Spirit Room and Woodford Reserve "Funder" parties will have panoramic views of the fireworks and air show, dinner and dessert buffet, access to private restrooms, cash bar, in and out privileges, complimentary parking pass per table.

Rabbit Hole

711 E. Jefferson St., 2-11 p.m. Saturday.

Hors d’oeuvres from Mayan café and 2 cocktails. Tickets start at $150; parking pass an additional $50. eventbrite.com. 

Slugger Field

401 E. Main St., 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday

Buy a ticket to Thunder at Slugger and enjoy all of the excitement from inside the ballpark. "Purchase a ticket to Thunder at Slugger and you'll have a reserved seat for the entire event. Plus, enjoy access to clean restrooms and a variety of concessions," according to milb.com/louisville/tickets/thunderoverlouisville

9th Annual Thunder Lounge

201 N. Brook St., 3-10 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets are $120 and include food and cocktails.