Of course some festival events have already been going, but the big kick-off happens today over the Ohio River in downtown Louisville when Thunder over Louisville takes to the air.  This year’s theme is a “Boom with a View”.

The combination air-show and largest fireworks display in North America fires up today at 3:00 pm with the air show and the fireworks fire at 9:30pm (all times EDT).  This year’s airshow complement include the US Army Golden Knight’s parachute demonstration team, and at 5:38 pm, the US Air Force’s Thunderbirds take to the air to thrill the crowd.

Then at 9:30 it’s time for the boom!

Be sure to check the official Thunder website at  http://thunderoverlouisville.org/ for the latest on traffic and access to the show.  Part of the riverfront is closed due to the spring flooding, so make your plans accordingly.

You can watch the event live-streamed from WAVE TV 3 in Louisville.

To relive last year’s fireworks show: