What better way to kick off the 2026 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference than by visiting Thunder Over Louisville - the nation’s top airshow and one of the largest annual fireworks shows in the country.
Thunder Over Louisville will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, so your chapter can enjoy this historic entertainment event, part of the Kentucky Derby Festival, before ICDC gets into full swing. We encourage chapters to make plans to arrive Friday night to take advantage of the all-day festivities on Saturday.
Since 1988, Thunder Over Louisville has served as the official opening session for the Kentucky Derby season, and we are so excited to incorporate it into this year’s #CDECAICDC experience. This isn't just another "fun night out." It's an opportunity to witness large-scale event production, corporate sponsorship in action, and crowd logistics - an immersive study in all things live experience. Plus, it's an indelible way to absorb Louisville’s cultural heartbeat.
Thunder Over Louisville can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, but here are a few different places throughout the city where you can make sure you get a great view. Be sure to include any special tickets or fees for this event when budget planning for your ICDC travel.
For Collegiate DECA, Thunder Over Louisville is more than fireworks—it's a living case study in event strategy, marketing synergy, and community engagement. Let’s start out ICDC with a BOOM!
Learn more about Thunder Over Louisville at thunderoverlouisville.org.
