As summer heat waves sweep across the United States, people are gearing up for unique entertainment options that take environmental impacts into consideration. For years, summertime celebrations like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day have featured patriotic fireworks displays. However, many municipalities have had to ban fireworks because of the environmental hazards they pose, most notably, the risk of igniting wildfires.

With ongoing increases in global warming, extreme wildfires have become increasingly prevalent. Dry vegetation and summer winds easily lead to fire outbreaks, conditions that can be exacerbated by fireworks. Even when launched from barges over water as a fire prevention measure, fireworks still pose significant environmental hazards. The fumes from spent fireworks contribute to degraded air quality, while the loud explosions cause noise pollution. This noise pollution has been proven detrimental to people with sensitivities, such as veterans suffering from PTSD, as well as to pets and wildlife.

Fortunately, drone technology has proven to be an excellent replacement for traditional fireworks displays. When drone shows were first introduced, they were a novelty. But advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations have made drone light shows a new norm for nighttime aerial entertainment. Now, hundreds to thousands of drones can be synchronized to animate complex images choreographed to storytelling music, creating incredible shows.

To kick off the summer holiday season over Memorial Day weekend, Big Bear, California, canceled its regularly planned fireworks show in favor of a silent drone show. The region is home to protected wildlife like bald eagles, particularly a beloved mated pair, Jackie and Shadow, who have been live streamed on YouTube for several years. The pair recently hatched several eaglets, and to protect the young birds still in the nest, fireworks were replaced with drones. Locals and visitors alike could tune into a radio station to listen to a presentation prior to the drone show and music accompanying the event.

From June 20 to 21, 2025, Muskegon in western Michigan held an event to raise awareness for veteran resources that aimed to break a world record by combining more than 500 drones with 200 electric vehicles. “The electric vehicles will sync to music,” explained event coordinator Jamal Steward. “They will flash their lights and do a light display show while 500‑plus drones, what we’re calling the Drone Swarm, will also be in sync. So, you’re going to have both aerial and ground footage of a synchronized light show with sound and just amazing patterns that will really blow your mind and just give you kind of a wow experience.” On the 20th, adjudicators from the Guinness Book of World Records were on hand for this first-of-its-kind fusion show.

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, many locations have already announced drone light shows as alternatives to traditional fireworks. For the third consecutive year, Rancho Palos Verdes, about 30 miles southwest of Los Angeles, California, will host a patriotic drone show for the holiday. After recent devastating wildfires in LA, continuing the new drone tradition is more important than ever. In a community where fireworks are now banned, the latest drone technology is a welcome replacement. “Every year it seems like the drone technology gets a little bit better and a little bit more exciting,” said Lisa Welstead, the Recreation Program Coordinator for Rancho Palos Verdes.

Meanwhile, in Coppell, Texas, the Coppell Police Department announced on their Facebook page that they will host a Fourth of July celebratory drone show. The city has also recently banned fireworks in an effort to prevent wildfire outbreaks. While details of the show have not been made public, the Facebook post states, “The drone show planned for our Independence Day celebration Celebrate Coppell: Party in the Park is going to be so good, you won’t even need to launch your own!”

Dozens of other Fourth of July drone shows have already been announced. Some of these shows, like the annual Macy’s celebration, will combine drones with fireworks for a unique experience. As drone technology continues to advance, these eco-friendly light shows offer a stunning and safer alternative to traditional fireworks, reshaping how communities celebrate patriotic holidays. Embracing drone innovation not only protects our environment and wildlife but also creates unforgettable experiences for all.

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