Promotional poster for Waterfront Park Fourth of July event featuring local talent and Ford sponsorship.

Waterfront Park Fourth of July featuring Waterfront’s Most Talented
Sponsored by Ford

When: Friday, July 4th
Where: Waterfront Park Big Four Lawn
Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Join us at Waterfront Park on Friday, July 4, for a festive celebration of our nation’s birthday, highlighted by the return of “Waterfront’s Most Talented!” This exciting variety show, produced in collaboration with Jou Jou Presents, will showcase over a dozen outstanding local and regional performers.

The event takes place on the Big Four Lawn, offering a comfortable, shaded tree grove and a stunning view of the Big Four Bridge, illuminated in red, white, and blue for the occasion.

Festivities begin at 5:00 PM with family-friendly activities and a live DJ. Opening ceremonies start at 6:45 PM, followed by a performance of the National Anthem by American Idol’s Layla Spring. The evening culminates with a special performance by D’Corey Johnson and a spectacular fireworks display over the Ohio River at 10:00 PM.

Event Schedule:

5:00 PM – Family activities and live DJ

5:00–8:30 PM – Kosair for Kids Children’s Area featuring family-friendly games and activities focused on science, music, art, and nature

6:45 PM – Opening ceremonies and National Anthem sung by Layla Spring

7:00 PM – Talent showcase begins
Hwy 22, Sami Riggs, Quiet Confidence, Adrian Mangrum, Danny Hoppenjans & Mason Hutchinson, Samuel James, Lux Crucis, Marco Frias, Kid Cypher, Michael Moeller, Tahjena Muldrow, Elizabeth Weaver, TM Group, and Miragge

Special Performance: D’Corey Johnson

10:00 PM – Fireworks over the Ohio River

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and patriotic spirit for a night to remember.

The fun-filled evening for all ages is made possible through generous support of the following organizations: Ford Motor Company, Brown-Forman, Kosair for Kids, Louisville Metro, UAW 862, IBEW 369, Teamsters 89, Teamsters 783, Jefferson County Teachers Association, UFCW 227, IUE-CWA 83761, LIUNA 576, Plumbers & Pipefitters – UA Local 502, Absolute Services, Build My Place, Anza, WHAS 11, Bearno’s Pizza, Kentucky Center, Nugent Sand Company, Simon Signs, Greater Louisville Central Labor Council, Friends of Waterfront Park, Kentucky Science Center, Jugband Jubilee, and Primo Foto.

The event is FREE thanks to our valuable sponsors and donors like you!

Prohibited Items

Leave the following items at home—they are not permitted inside the event:

  • Glass containers
  • Coolers
  • Fireworks
  • Pets
  • Outside food or alcohol
  • Drones
  • Amplification Devices
  • Signage over 24” x 24”
  • Tents and Canopies

Items welcomed:

  • Blankets
  • Lawn Chairs
  • Sunscreen
  • Refillable water bottles
Click the map above to view full screen.
Two women sit on swings in the park.
A child smiles as they swing in the park.
A man in shorts featuring the American flag fans himself with a frisbee as he looks onto the crowd and American flag in the distance.
A large crowd on the Big Four Lawn sit with a stage in the background.
A smiling man with a ukulele and microphone.
A woman with sunglasses hula-hoops with people in the background gathered around a tent.
A grown-up and small child do art projects at a table.
Two children work on art on a table with markers scattered about.
A smiling woman and children conduct experiments at a activity table.
People walking with a red, white and blue balloon arch in the background.
A crowd sits on the Big Four Lawn with a large American flag hanging in the distance.
An adult stands at a table selling sauces.
Three police officers pose with a woman in a red t-shirt who is smiling and showing a peace sign.
Children grabbing water bottles from a tub of ice and water.
A woman and child sit in a vehicle at a touch-a-truck activity.
Two children smile on the metal bumper of a firetruck.
Two children lay on a blanket in the grass enjoying snacks.
A couple sits in lounge chairs with a Local UAW union sign in the background.
A child is held by an adult hold a small American flag in their hands.
A couple lounges on a blanket spread out on grass.
A child enjoys a snack in a lawn chair with a crowd in the background.
A crowd sits on concrete steps looking off into the distance with a red, white and blue balloon arch in the background.
Young performer singing into microphone with large American flag backdrop and 'Louisville’s Very Own D’Corey Johnson' T-shirt.
An adult clapping and smiling.
Two musicians play violin with a harpist in the background.
Conductor of Louisville Orchestra, Teddy Abrams.
A couple smiles for a picture.
Nighttime view of fireworks erupting over a stage featuring a large American flag.

Want to sponsor this event? Visit Sponsor an Event.  

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