Open Daily:
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Current Time:
2:53 AM
Directions:
727 W Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 561-6100
[email protected]
×
Open Daily:
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Current Time:
2:53 AM
Directions:
727 W Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 561-6100
[email protected]
Kentucky Science Center is open 7 days a week, 9:30AM–5PM. Tickets can be purchased online.

ThunderBlast Details

ThunderBlast Details

Kentucky Science Center’s ThunderBlast is our annual family-friendly event during Thunder Over Louisville. With some of the best views in town for airplanes and fireworks plus fun-filled activities to keep the kids entertained, exclusive food trucks, clean indoor bathrooms, and exciting happenings inside and out, you and the family will have a BLAST!

Event Date

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Hours

2-10:15 PM (Fireworks starting approximately at 9:30PM). Kentucky Science Center is open exclusively to ThunderBlast guests from 2-10:15PM. Check-in for ThunderBlast begins at 2PM at the parking lot entrance located at 8th and Washington Streets.

Tickets

MEMBER ADMISSION: ON-SALE FEBRUARY 2, 9AM
GENERAL ADMISSION: ON-SALE FEBRUARY 16, 9AM

BUY TICKETS

Parking

Our parking lot is closed for the festivities and parking is not included with your ThunderBlast ticket. Nearby parking possibilities include the Advocacy Parking Garage, located at 701 W. Jefferson Street between 7th and 8th Streets, 2 blocks south of Kentucky Science Center, the Mueller Surface Lot at 125 S. 8th St. between 8th and Market Streets and the 21C Garage at 705 W Market Street. Or click here to find parking. On-street parking is prohibited downtown and on major routes during Thunder Over Louisville.

Check-In

Bring your transaction number to the ThunderBlast check-in tent located at 8th and Washington Streets (main entrance of Kentucky Science Center parking lot) to receive your wristbands. There is no check-in at Kentucky Science Center main entrance on Main Street. Check-in will begin at 2PM. Wristbands must be left on throughout the day for in/out access to ThunderBlast and Kentucky Science Center.

View / Seating / Sound

Tickets do not include a reserved seat. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Please do not bring tents or large umbrellas. People with accessibility needs will have access to a reserved viewing area. Official Kentucky Derby Festival Thunder Soundtrack will broadcast the air show and fireworks. The air show and fireworks are viewable outside; there are minimal vantage points inside Kentucky Science Center. Lawn chairs are not allowed inside Kentucky Science Center.

Included with your ticket:

  • A river-side view of the Thunder Over Louisville air show and fireworks inside a secure area.
  • Access to Kentucky Science Center’s permanent exhibit galleries to ThunderBlast guests only from 2-10:15PM. All guests must have a ThunderBlast wristband to enter Kentucky Science Center.
  • Access to indoor restrooms. Portable restrooms will also be available in the outdoor ThunderBlast event area.
  • Guests will have the opportunity to participate in fun, hands-on activities! Science activity stations will be available 2-9:30PM inside Kentucky Science Center and 2-9PM outside in the ThunderBlast event area. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Movies

Movies will be shown in the 4-story theater throughout the day to ThunderBlast attendees for an additional fee.

Demonstrations

Check back soon for a schedule of activities

Do Science Gift Shop

Open 2–10PM to shop and support Kentucky Science Center’s mission and programming. A smaller pop-up location will be outside in the exclusive ThunderBlast area as well.

Food & Beverage Vendors

ThunderBlast guests enjoy exclusive access to a variety of food and drink options for purchase by various local food trucks. ThunderBlast guests can also visit the Subway restaurant located adjacent to Kentucky Science Center to purchase food and drink. No outside food or drinks are permitted at ThunderBlast except Subway.

What to bring to ThunderBlast:

  • Backpacks no larger than 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
  • The transaction number located on your receipt for admission and theater tickets
  • Lawn chairs and blankets (lawn chairs are not permitted in Kentucky Science Center; the only exception is for the 10:15PM film when a chair-check will be provided)
  • Cash or credit card for food vendors, souvenirs, and movie tickets
  • Identification/proof of age for purchase of alcoholic beverages
  • Personal umbrellas (no golf umbrellas, standard size only)
  • Strollers (identified as having 1-2 seats with a small compartment in a mostly vertical stance)
  • Small wagons are permitted (only outside)

What to leave:

Security will be checking bags at the entrance to ThunderBlast.

  • Tents or canopies
  • Weather pods
  • Golf umbrellas
  • Coolers
  • Alcohol and illegal substances
  • Drones
  • Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
  • Fireworks/sparklers/related explosives
  • Firearms/weapons
  • Pets, except for trained service animals
  • Grills
  • Food and drinks (Food or drinks for dietary restrictions & purchased at Subway are allowed)
  • Laser lights/pointers
  • Personal music players without headphones
  • Portable speakers/sound systems
  • Projectile Items
  • Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate

Additional questions?