Dozens of firework displays planned in Evansville — including ‘Fireworks on the Ohio’ Downtown

WNIN | By Ella Nelson

Published July 1, 2025 at 6:47 PM CDT

The audience of thousands watches the downtown Evansville Fireworks at the bank of the Ohio River July 4, 2022. Law enforcement is discouraging attendees from bringing their own fireworks to the event this year.

Local law enforcement wants to remind people to take precautions to safely enjoy the holiday; residents are encouraged to keep firework safety in mind when watching and igniting their own

There will be an increase in local law enforcement presence this Friday across Evansville.

Downtown Evansville’s Fireworks on the Ohio event is expected to attract thousands of attendees. This means Riverside Drive will be closed to traffic between Cherry Street and Court Street — which is not much different from the closures put in place by the sinkhole.

Sgt. Anthony Aussieker with the Evansville Police Department (EPD) said there will be more officers on the riverfront for the event.

“Because we’re expecting a large crowd down there so we will have increased officer presence — more officers on staff than typical,” he said. “But that’s just to make sure that they can handle and help everyone that’s gonna be down there.”

Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson wants to remind people to leave personal fireworks at home if they are going down to the riverfront.

“Nothing ruins a fireworks display, enjoyed by a crowd, than somebody who thinks it’s a good idea to throw firecrackers or bottle rockets inside of a crowd,” he said.

Robinson said anyone under eighteen is not allowed to possess fireworks without adult supervision.

It is legal to set off fireworks in Indiana on the fourth from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Aussieker said while there is an uptick in Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) incidents in the summer, they are not specific to the 4th of July holiday. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office will have extra officers looking for drunk drivers.

Riverside Drive and the amphitheater area fill up prior to the July 4, 2022 fireworks.

More on Fireworks on the Ohio

The annual Fireworks on the Ohio display is this Friday. There will be food trucks and free activities along Riverside Drive leading up to the show.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the firework show, which is set to begin around 9:15 p.m.

There will be a performance from the Evansville Boom Squad — a performing drumline and dance group consisting of students ages 4 through 17.

A list of prohibited items can be found on Downtown Evansville’s social media, which include personal fireworks and non-service animals.

First Friday on Haynie’s Corner will also be happening starting at 4 p.m.

Free parking will be available at the Third Street and Sycamore Street parking garages as well as the Civic Center Back forty lot.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WNIN to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Give to grow our local reporting today. Donate