Bowling Green's Fourth of July: Thunderfest at Ephram White Park, Beech Bend and Hot Rods fireworks. City rules: fireworks noon to 11 p.m. July 4, 18 and up.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page is updated each year. The 2027 Fourth of July schedule has not been announced, so the events below are from July 2026, as listed on the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s 2026 calendar of events. The fireworks rules come from the Bowling Green Fire Department, 270-393-3702.

Bowling Green celebrates the Fourth of July over two nights: a music festival and fireworks the evening of July 3, then fireworks at Beech Bend and the ballpark on July 4. The Fourth of July 2027 falls on a Sunday. We will update this page with the 2027 times and places as organizers announce them, usually in June.

Who to call

  • Fireworks rules and permits: Bowling Green Fire Department, 270-393-3702
  • Fireworks complaints, noise: Bowling Green Police non-emergency, 270-393-4000
  • Outside the city limits: Warren County Sheriff’s Office, 270-842-1633

Last year’s shows (July 2026)

Date Event Where
Friday, July 3, 2026 Thunderfest Fireworks Show and Music Festival Ephram White Park
Saturday, July 4, 2026 July 4 Fireworks at Beech Bend Beech Bend Amusement Park, beechbend.com
Saturday, July 4, 2026 Bowling Green Hot Rods Fourth of July Spectacular Bowling Green Ballpark, 270-901-2121
Saturday, July 4, 2026 U.S. Independence Day Bicycle Parade Downtown Bowling Green
Saturday, July 4, 2026 Fourth of July Celebration Jackson’s Orchard, 270-781-5303
Saturday, July 4, 2026 Freedom Gallery opening Aviation Heritage Park, 270-421-4885

Times were set by each organizer; check their pages for 2027.

Fireworks rules inside Bowling Green

The city’s fireworks ordinance, Ordinance BG2011-51, and the Fire Department’s fireworks page set these rules inside the city limits:

  • When: noon to 10 p.m. from June 27 through July 3 and on July 5; noon to 11 p.m. on July 4.
  • Who: fireworks may not be sold or given to anyone under 18 and may only be used by someone 18 or older.
  • Where: at least 200 feet from any building, vehicle or other person. Never on public property, including public roads.
  • Other days: a fireworks show on any other date needs a Special Discharge Permit from the Fire Department. The city’s fireworks guide and permit (PDF) explains how to apply.

Outside the city limits, Warren County and Kentucky law apply; ask the sheriff’s office.

Fireworks safety

The Bowling Green Fire Department’s advice:

  • Never let children light fireworks; young people suffer most fireworks injuries.
  • Sparklers burn at several hundred degrees and cause major burns if touched.
  • Wear eye protection around lit fireworks.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
  • Keep a hose and a bucket of water nearby, and put used fireworks in the bucket.
  • If your clothes catch fire: stop, drop and roll.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Fourth of July fireworks in Bowling Green, Kentucky?

In 2026 the main shows were Thunderfest at Ephram White Park on July 3, and fireworks at Beech Bend and the Bowling Green Hot Rods’ Fourth of July Spectacular at Bowling Green Ballpark on July 4. The 2027 schedule had not been announced as of October 2026.

When can you shoot fireworks in Bowling Green, Ky.?

Inside the city limits, from noon to 10 p.m. June 27 through July 3 and on July 5, and from noon to 11 p.m. on July 4, under the city’s fireworks ordinance.

How old do you have to be to buy fireworks in Bowling Green?

The city says fireworks may not be sold or given to anyone under 18 and may only be used by people 18 or older.

Can I shoot fireworks in the street in Bowling Green?

No. The city bans setting off fireworks on public property, including public roads, and you must be at least 200 feet from any building, vehicle or other person.