Happy 248th, America.
Independence Day falls on a Thursday this year — long weekend, anyone? — and there are lots of celebrations happening around Louisville throughout the holiday week.
Here are a few ways to celebrate the red, white, and blue around the 502:
Riverview Independence Festival, Riverview Park, 8202 Greenwood Rd., Louisville
Be among the first to wish America a happy birthday, a few days early. This free festival in the PRP area takes place Saturday, June 29, 5-10 p.m., and will include kids activities, musical performances from JD Shelburne, The Sheryl Rouse Band, and YAPA, and fireworks to wrap it all up.
194th Pekin 4th of July Festival, Various locations, Pekin, IN
The oldest consecutively-run Fourth of July celebration in the country is just about a 40-minute drive from Derby City. The two-day event starts on Wednesday, July 3, and includes a watermelon eating contest, basketball tournament, live music, and fireworks.
Waterfront Park Fourth of July, Big Four Lawn, 1101 E. River Rd., Louisville
The Louisville Orchestra provides the soundtrack to fireworks over the Ohio River, capping off a day of free, interactive science, art, and music education activities for the whole family + a talent contest. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, the day’s events include 25 singers, musicians, dancers, bands, and other performing artists. Pro tip: Bring a lawn chair.
Crescent Hill July 4th Festival, Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Ave., Louisville
This 39th-annual festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, and features free inflatable games + activities for kids, food and beer booths, a cake contest, and games of chance, all capped off by fireworks.
Paristown 4th of July, Paristown, 720 Brent St., Louisville
On Thusrday, July 4, shop curated collection of handmade goods, jewelry, candles, artwork, decor, and more at the Brent Street Artisan Market from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are required for more festivities in Christy’s Garden from 4 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., including live music from the Crashers + a doughnut eating contest. Free fireworks light up the sky at 9:45 p.m.
Mary M. Miller Fireworks Cruise, 131 W. River Rd., Louisville
This two-hour cruise aboard a steamboat will get you a up-close view of the Waterfront fireworks show on Thursday, July 4. Tickets are $29.99-$45.99, with food, drinks, and cocktails on offer.
July 4th Freedom Celebration, Wendell Moore Park, 1551 N. Highway 393, La Grange
This free Oldham County event will feature pool games at the aquatic center, with fireworks over the lake at 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Red, White, & Bluegrass Bash, Kentucky Kingdom, 937 Phillips Ln., Louisville
Included with admission to the park, this event runs from Thursday, July 4 to Saturday, July 6 and includes performances by bluegrass band Kentucky Blue, specialty food items, and fireworks — imagine the view from a roller coaster.
Bonus: Looking to fill out the rest of your summer events calendar? Check out our guide to summer events around Louisville.