Louisville Independence Day Celebrations, Fireworks, and Parades

Like any U.S. city, Louisville, Kentucky, celebrates the Fourth of July with American flag-waving parades, food, fireworks, live music, and historical reenactments. Patriotic spirit reaches its peak around this summer holiday and the Derby City embraces it fully, providing festive entertainment and activities in abundance. Keep in mind, though, that many July Fourth events have been altered or canceled in 2020. Check the details below and websites of the organizers for more information.

01 of 09

Bullitt Blast

This event has been canceled in 2020. Bullitt County puts on a two-day festival in honor of America's birthday. It usually takes place at Shepherdsville City Park near the end of June and features food stalls, carnival rides, and children's activities. Live music and competitions throughout the day lead into a terrific evening fireworks display over the Salt River.

02 of 09

Riverview Independence Festival

The Riverview Independence Festival has been canceled in 2020. It typically takes place at Riverview Park in southwest Louisville the weekend of or prior to July Fourth. In the past, the festival has included country music artists Cale Dodds, Bailey James, Justin Paul Lewis, and Shane Dawson Band. There is also plenty for the kids to do, between the rock wall, puppet shows, mad science experiments, and more. The fireworks start around 10 p.m.

03 of 09

Riverfront Independence Day Celebration

The 2020 Riverfront Independence Day Celebration in New Albany, Indiana—a suburb of Louisville—has been postponed to later in the year. It typically takes over the Riverfront Amphitheater on July 3 from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., featuring live concerts from artists like Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers and the local-favorite Louisville Crashers before a fireworks display.

04 of 09

Crescent Hill 4th of July Festival

This event has been canceled in 2020. Crescent Hill's 4th of July Festival spans an entire weekend, starting with an art fair, kids' activities, two stages of live music, food trucks, and a beer booth early in the days, and contests, field games, and fireworks in the evenings. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 3 and 4 at the Peterson Dumesnil House.

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05 of 09

Waterfront Park Fourth of July

Waterfront Park's annual Fourth of July celebration is canceled in 2020. In past years, the Zambelli fireworks display has been set off from a barge on the Ohio River. The festival was scheduled to include an installation of 15,000 U.S. flags on Harbor Lawn, not to mention the run-of-the-mill festival offerings: food, family entertainment, cultural attractions, and more. Best of all, the annual festival is free to attend.

06 of 09

Belle of Louisville Fireworks Cruises

Belle_of_Louisville_2 — Wikimedia Commons

With most of Louisville's fireworks displays being canceled this year, there will be no light show at which to marvel from the deck of the Belle of Louisville or Mary M. Miller, two of the city's most iconic boats. Normally, the ships would offer special sunset cruises on the night of July Fourth so that passengers can get a brilliant view of the pyrotechnics from the water. Reservations are recommended. The cruises depart around 8:30 p.m. and return two hours later.

07 of 09

Locust Grove

Locust Grove—a 55-acre, 18th-century National Historic Landmark—is slated to kick off Independence Day weekend with a virtual discussion on "Hamilton" led by historian Dr. Richard Bell on July 3. On Saturday, July 4, there will be a full-day party on the grounds featuring readings of the Declaration of Independence, historic trades demonstrations, and reenactments. Food and beverage will be available for purchase, but attendees are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn. The festivities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Jeffersonville Independence Day Celebrations

Jeffersonville, Indiana, usually celebrates the holiday with a mass community gathering in Warder Park, featuring a ceremony led by veterans and officials, patriotic songs, and the awarding of trophies for parade contest winners; however, the event will be limited in 2020 to the parade only. The route has even been extended to allow for more social distancing. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. starting at Spring Street.

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09 of 09

The Flea Off Market

The Flea Off Market is a combination pop-up flea market, art fair, and street party in Louisville's Nulu district. It can include up to 100 vendors, food trucks, and a bar with local craft beers, cocktails, and live music and while it's not exactly a Fourth of July-centered event, there is usually one over the holiday weekend. The dates for 2020 are July 3 through 5, but keep up to date on any changes via the event's website.