2026 thunder over patoka

Presented By Patoka Lake Area Year-round

Saturday, July 4

at dusk

PHOTO CREDIT: KELLY DAVENPORT PHOTOGRAPHY

On Saturday, July 4,

thousands of people will head to Patoka Lake to watch the huge fire rockets shoot into the sky over the clear water.

Whether near the Patoka Beach area, on a boat, or at one of the close-by ramps, the show will be a sight to see featuring premium, professional fireworks.

Patoka Lake Area Year-round (PLAY) presents the 22nd annual Thunder Over Patoka fireworks show at Patoka Lake, featuring larger displays this year to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.PLAY would like to encourage all area residents and visitors to make plans to attend.

Fireworks will start at dark. Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs, blankets, refreshments, and bug spray. If already camping at Patoka this weekend, there is no need to drive down to the beach area. Instead, go to section C of the Modern Campground for a viewing area of the fireworks display.

Come out and enjoy this spectacular show over the waters of Patoka!

The entrance fee of $7 per vehicle for Indiana residents ($15 out of state) is required for the Newton Stewart State Recreation Area, Patoka Reservoir, located north of Wickliffe Indiana, Highway 164.

For more information regarding this program or other interpretive events, call the Patoka Lake DNR at 812.338.5589.

PLAY would like to thank all supporters, including these top sponsors / donors:

  • timeless French Lick

  • Visit Dubois County

  • Crawford County Recreation & Tourism

  • Gilmore Log Homes / Patoka Lake Cabin Sales

  • Messmer for Congress

  • Springs valley Bank & Trust Company 

Additional significant sponsors / donors include:

  • Discover Southern Indiana

  • Dubois County Tire & Suplly

  • Benny’s Off The Water

  • blue river carp catfish bait company

  • Chickadee cafe

  • Ewing Printing Co.

  • Finn’s at Patoka Lake

  • frank & Tammy Cato / Rob & Paige Dukes

  • French Lick cabins

  • Jeff & Shellie Dukes & Family

  • Kelly Davenport Photography

  • The village at Patoka Lake

  • celebration ice

  • CHALL Illustration / Design

  • Jessica Burton, Indiana farm bureau insurance

  • Sander Catering

  • Rhett Neukam

  • Patoka Lake DNR

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"The visual spectacle of fireworks ignites a collective sense of patriotism, uniting diverse individuals under a common banner and fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie."—

Dr. Alan G. Wolfelt

PHOTO CREDIT: KELLY DAVENPORT PHOTOGRAPHY