The beloved River Days fireworks show is still on — but this year, there’s a change of plans.
Instead of capping off Sunday night’s River Days festivities downtown, the fireworks will now light up the sky on Labor Day Monday, September 1, at Earl Thomas Conley Park.
What’s going on?
According to the River Days Team and Friends of Portsmouth, the change came down to one thing: safety.
“For years, we’ve launched fireworks from the Kentucky side of the Ohio River,” the team explained. “But this year, every licensed fireworks operator we contacted refused to use that location — they say it’s no longer safe.”
Attempts to find an Ohio-side solution didn’t pan out either. “We looked at launching downtown,” they added, “but because of safety laws and proximity to structures like the floodwall, we’d be limited to dinky little shells no one could even see.”
They even considered launching from a floating barge. But after exploring dozens of alternatives, Earl Thomas Conley Park emerged as the best location — offering space, safety, and visibility for a show “worth doing.”
New Plan, Same Spark
🎆 Labor Day Fireworks Show
📍 Earl Thomas Conley Park
📅 Monday, September 1
⏰ After Sunset (exact time TBA)
💸 Free to attend!
The team says moving the fireworks to Monday also makes logistical sense. “We can’t be in two places at once,” they noted. “Sunday night is packed downtown with concerts, vendors, and contests. Moving fireworks to Labor Day lets us end the weekend with a bang — literally.”
What About a Drone Show?
Fans of modern tech have suggested a drone light show instead — citing environmental benefits, reusability, and safety. Organizers say they love the idea and did look into it.
But don’t expect a drone swarm over Portsmouth just yet. “You would NOT believe what they cost!” the team said. “Like, hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hopefully as the tech improves, prices will come down and it’ll be a great option for the future.”
Looking Ahead: Riverfront Renaissance
The River Days team also reminded residents that fireworks will eventually return to their traditional downtown location — thanks to a major investment in riverfront redevelopment.
Last year, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a $34 million grant to transform the Portsmouth riverfront, including a new amphitheater, upgrades to Alexandria Park, and new recreational paths along the water. Once complete, the River Days celebration — fireworks and all — is expected to return to the newly revitalized riverfront.
