Places To See Fireworks and Celebrate The 4th of July In Kentucky

Do you smell that? It’s the familiar scent of burning charcoal (and some of that Canadian smoke) as backyard cookouts and lake getaways ramp up in the middle of summer. This weekend, America will celebrate its birthday as early 4th of July celebrations begin nationwide, from the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam.

In Kentucky, proud Americans will have several birthday party options from now through the 4th, ranging from parades, concerts, and festivals to boating, swimming, and the longtime tradition of igniting fireworks. My neighbors love the latter so much they shoot fireworks on July 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, too. They’re very patriotic, those neighbors of mine. Nobody loves America at 11 p.m. on a Monday as much as they do. God bless them and all the dogs within a one-mile radius that sing along. 

Should you be interested in celebrating the land that we love and you are located within the Bluegrass or nearby, may I suggest any of the following 4th of July events, activities, and fireworks spectaculars around Kentucky:

Lexington

We’ll start in Central Kentucky in the city that brings us all together, Lexington. The downtown parade and Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular will be held Tuesday (parade at noon, fireworks at 10 p.m.). Still, there is a long list of other patriotic events around the city, beginning with Red, White, and Blues at Moondance Amphitheater.

Louisville

The state’s biggest city, Louisville, will launch the 4th of July fireworks from the usual spot on the waterfront. The Waterfront Park Fourth of July with the Louisville Orchestra will begin at 5 p.m. on the 4th, with fireworks scheduled to go airborne at 10 p.m. at the conclusion of the orchestra’s performance. The orchestra will start at 8:30 p.m.

Bowling Green

The Hot Rods host the Asheville Tourists (it’s the name of a Minor League Baseball team, not a bunch of tourists bussed into Warren County from Asheville, North Carolina) in a six-game series at Bowling Green Ballpark. Baseball is as American as the iPhone and Keeping Up With The Kardashians, so what better way to celebrate than taking in America’s pastime?

Grab a hot dog and stay for the fireworks after Tuesday’s series opener.

Owensboro

The city of Owensboro is ready to welcome its residents and visitors to the annual All-American Fourth of July event on the waterfront. There will be MULTIPLE fireworks shows, so, like the local BBQ, you can debate which is better.

Go early to enjoy the live music and, of course, the local BBQ.

Covington

If Cincinnati and the surrounding areas survive the Swifties this weekend, the Sisters of Notre Dame will host the 101st edition of their 4th of July Festival in Covington on Tuesday. Cincinnati will have the best fireworks.

But first, those Swifties are already all over Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for Taylor’s two-night stop on her stadium tour.

Georgetown

The Scott County Kiwanis Club will promptly roll through downtown Georgetown at 11 a.m. as part of the annual Independence Day Parade. This year’s theme is “Dreams Come True in the Red, White and Blue.”

Fireworks will begin Tuesday at dusk.

Pikeville

Tonight, the Doobie Brothers will rock out Appalachian Wireless Arena to lead off all of Pikeville’s 4th of July weekend festivities. Once you’re done listening to the music, stick around through the weekend until Tuesday’s holiday festival at Pikeville City Park.

Richmond

Get to the 4th of July Extravaganza at Lake Reba if you need something to do in or around Madison County. She’ll tell you all about it right here…

Madisonville

You won’t believe the musical lineup set to perform at 4th Fest in Madisonville. Ever heard of Clay Walker? He headlines Country Night tonight. How about Vanilla Ice? He headlines the 90s Party tomorrow night. There will be plenty to do and see at historic Madisonville City Park.

Elizabethtown

Find a seat with a view of the sky for Fireworks Over E-Town. Elizabethtown’s annual fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. on the 4th with a lift-off from University Drive. Park at ECTC’s campus for a good view from the car. The lot opens at 7.

Frankfort

2023 marks the first year that Frankfort’s annual fireworks show will be called the “Foxie Tracey” July 4th Fireworks Display. Renamed for the Korean War veteran who started Frankfort’s fireworks show in 1958, this is the 65th year for fireworks in our state’s capital.

Foxie Tracey participated in every fireworks show, from the first one he launched in 1958 until his death last year.

Paducah

Paducah’s riverfront will host its Independence Day Celebration with a full evening of fun on the 4th. There will be two stages of live music leading into the fireworks show at dusk.

Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell’s Independence Day party will include a concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and Stone Temple Pilots with special guest Cassadee Pope. The show is free and open to the public at Division Parade Field. Fireworks will end the night.

For the fireworks display nearest you, go outside on the night of the 4th and look up.