– A bird’s nest incorporating fiber optic cable is a striking sign of how much debris from fiber-guided FPVs now litters the landscape of Ukraine. Other images show fields glittering with fibers like spiderwebs where dozens of drones have passed overhead. Meanwhile social media fills with hide-and-seek videos as Ukrainian drone pilots use their new ability to go […]
The ZALA T-20 unmanned aircraft system underwent a comprehensive modernisation, during which a number of design and technological improvements were implemented to improve its flight performance and expand its operational capabilities. A key change was the optimisation of the fuselage design, which reduced aerodynamic drag and improved overall flight efficiency. The installation of new-generation batteries […]
– L3Harris Technologies has received a new contract through the U.S. Department of Defense for additional VAMPIRE systems, which neutralize unmanned aerial threats. The new order builds on the first delivery and installation of the VAMPIRE systems in 2023 in support of European operations. VAMPIRE, or Vehicle Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment, delivers advanced […]
– Intellition, an emerging innovator in drone services for mountain resort operations, has achieved a critical milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by securing its first waiver for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. This regulatory approval includes the integration of uAvionix’s Casia G ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) system, marking a key step […]
(News and commentary.) Europe stands at a critical juncture in defense technology development, with two massive initiatives promising to reshape the continent’s military capabilities. The €800 billion Readiness 2030 plan and the €7.953 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) represent unprecedented investments in European defense autonomy. But will these programs successfully catalyze growth in Europe’s nascent […]
New European manufacturing and sales hub to enhance local production and meet growing demand DroneShield Invests in European Growth Australian counter-drone technology company DroneShield has announced a major expansion into Europe. The company will establish its first overseas manufacturing and assembly facility to support growing demand and align with regional defense initiatives like the ReArm […]
Once again, July Fourth 2025 is all about drone shows!
Across the country, cities big and small are swapping loud, smoky fireworks for quiet, eco-friendly drone light displays. Some places are using drones alongside traditional fireworks, while others are replacing them entirely. Either way, the skies are set to dazzle with patriotic shapes this Independence Day.
Many of the major U.S. theme parks and event venues (as well as major cities) put on epic drone shows — often synced to music or held in tandem with fireworks. That said, not every drone show requires an expensive theme park ticket or serious advance planning to get a seat. Many small towns offer drone shows intended for the residents — intended to be free to watch from the city center.
If you want to celebrate America’s birthday with a high-tech twist, here are the best Fourth of July drone shows to watch in 2025, organized by state. Some of these shows are mega events, while others are charming, small-town firework replacers.
Is your state missing? That’s because I don’t know about its drone shows! If you know of one in your state that’s worth watching, contact me here!
And as always, the details below are subject to change (and might already be different from the time I’ve posted and the time you’re reading this). Check with the official event website before arriving to confirm drone show details.
Arizona
Gilbert Fourth of July Celebration (Gilbert, Arizona)
The city of Gilbert is hosting a free, family-friendly Fourth of July celebration at Gilbert Regional Park. The event will include live music, local food vendors, and an expansive fireworks and drone show finale put on by Sky Elements. VIP upgrade packages are available for attendees seeking added perks like priority seating and additional amenities.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free general admission; VIP upgrades available Location: Gilbert Regional Park, Gilbert, AZ
California
Summer Concerts in the Park (Agoura Hills, California)
The City of Agoura Hills is wrapping up the holiday weekend with its Summer Concerts in the Park series. On Sunday, July 6, attendees can enjoy a live performance by DSB, a tribute to Journey, followed by a patriotic drone show, created by Sky Elements, the drone show company that won third place on AGT Season 19. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged for this family-friendly evening under the stars.
Details: Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Chumash Park, Agoura Hills, CA
Annual Downtown Independence Celebration (Culver City, California)
Culver City will host its annual Independence Celebration on Saturday, July 5. Attendees can expect live music and a professionally choreographed drone light show. Further event details are forthcoming, but the celebration is anticipated to be open to the public.
Details: Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025 Admission: Free (more information to come) Location: Downtown Culver City, CA
City of Goleta 4th of July Drone Show (Goleta, California)
Southern California’s Goleta (which is a city near Santa Barbara) is running its first-ever community drone show this Fourth of July — and admission is completely free.
The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. at Dos Pueblos High School, with food trucks, DJ Darla Bea spinning tunes, a dance floor, and more family fun. The drone show is expected to begin around 8:30 p.m., and it should be visible from up to 10 miles away — but you’ll get the best view inside the stadium itself.
Details:
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Admission: Free
Location: Dos Pueblos High School, Goleta, CA
City of Irvine Fourth of July Celebration (Irvine, California)
The City of Irvine is launching a new tradition at the Great Park with its Fourth of July Celebration. The event will feature live entertainment, a community parade, food trucks, and a combined fireworks and drone show grand finale. Both admission and parking are free, making this a welcoming option for families.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Great Park, Irvine, CA
4th of July Multi-Cultural Celebration (San Pablo, California)
San Pablo returns with its annual 4th of July Multi-Cultural Celebration, a community event that blends food, carnival games, music, and family activities — all culminating in a dazzling drone light show. This festive and inclusive event is free and open to the public.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free Location: San Pablo, CA (specific site TBA)
Independence Day Festival (San Fernando, California)
The City of San Fernando is celebrating Independence Day with a family-oriented festival that includes live music by a Santana tribute band, carnival games, children’s activities, food vendors, and a patriotic drone show in the evening. This event is open to the public and designed for all ages.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free Location: San Fernando, CA
The Spirit Ship Celebration (Vallejo, California)
Vallejo’s Mare Island Promenade will host The Spirit Ship Celebration, a family-friendly evening with food trucks, beverages, a kids’ zone, live music from DJ TURN UP, and a magic show by Perry Yan. The event concludes with a waterfront drone show. This is a paid event, and tickets are required.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Ticket required Location: Mare Island Promenade, Vallejo, CA
Florida
Stars and Sweets by the Sea (Bal Harbour, Florida)
Bal Harbour’s Fourth of July celebration will include a drone show and dessert event open exclusively to residents and hotel guests. Registration is required, and space may be limited.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Residents and hotel guests only (registration required) Location: Bal Harbour, FL
Catch the Spirit and Celebrate America (Dover, Florida)
This all-day festival at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds will include food trucks, family games, live music, and contests — all culminating in a patriotic drone show at sunset. The evening wraps with a live performance by Ridge Country.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover, FL
Star-Spangled Spectacular at Waterside Place (Sarasota, Florida)
Waterside Place in Sarasota will host a family-friendly event with carnival games, circus acts, and local food vendors from 6 to 9 p.m. The night ends with a drone show beginning at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs; no outside food or beverages are permitted.
The Town of Surfside is hosting its annual Fourth of July event, featuring live entertainment, games, and a combined drone and fireworks display. This is a private, resident-only event, and all attendees must be accompanied by a Surfside resident with valid ID.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Residents and registered guests only Location: Surfside, FL
Illinois
Schaumburg Boomers Fireworks & Drone Show (Schaumburg, Illinois)
At Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, you don’t have to choose between tradition and innovation — you’ll get both fireworks and a drone show!
After the baseball game, the sky lights up with fireworks blended with drone choreography. The Fourth of July show takes place on Saturday, July 5 (so you can extend your holiday celebrations an extra day).
Details:
Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025
Admission: Ticket required for Boomers game (ticket prices vary)
Location: Wintrust Field, Schaumburg, IL
Indiana
Holiday World’s Holidays in the Sky (Santa Claus, Indiana)
Holiday World is a theme park dedicated entirely to, well, holidays. So why not spend America’s holiday here?
The Indiana theme park runs a 15-minute drone show every night between Saturday, June 21 through Sunday, August 3, featuring 500 drones alongside fireworks and a DJ.
And though Holiday World tickets cost less than $100, you might splurge on a drone show dessert party for $30 which gets you preferred seating plus access to desserts, fruit, cheese, and bottled water.
Missouri
Grant’s Farm Summer Nights (St. Louis, Missouri)
My family lives near St. Louis, so it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Grant’s Farm. It’s one of those rare places that’s just as magical for adults as it is for kids — from feeding goats to sipping a free beer in the courtyard.
And every summer, they run an event called Grant’s Farm Summer Nights, which runs every Friday, Saturday, and select Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The evening event includes tram rides, food, drinks, live bands (starting at 6 p.m.) and a drone show (starting at 9 p.m.). With July Fourth falling on a Friday in 2025, that means Summer Nights align with the holiday.
DBH – Albuquerque Isotopes Drone Show (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
The Albuquerque Isotopes will host their first-ever postgame drone show on Saturday, July 5, following their Independence Day weekend matchup. The show will feature 150 drones performing patriotic and baseball-themed animations set to music. A game ticket is required.
Details: Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025 Admission: Isotopes game ticket required Location: Rio Grande Credit Union Field, Albuquerque, NM
Angel Fire Resort Drone Light Show (Angel Fire, New Mexico)
The Village of Angel Fire is hosting a family-friendly Fourth of July celebration at Frontier Park. Guests can enjoy a festive evening of community activities culminating in a colorful drone light show over the park. The event is free and open to all.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Frontier Park, Angel Fire, NM
4th of July Spectacular (Los Alamos, New Mexico)
Los Alamos is marking Independence Day with festivities at Ashley Pond Park starting at 4 p.m. Activities include live music, food vendors, and a headlining performance by Fortunate Son, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band. The evening concludes with a drone light show at 9 p.m.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Ashley Pond Park, Los Alamos, NM
Ohio
Party in the Park – Upper Arlington Civic Association (Upper Arlington, Ohio)
Upper Arlington is throwing an all-day celebration starting with a morning parade and ending with the “Party in the Park” at Northam Park. The evening concludes with a fireworks and drone light show starting at 10 p.m.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Northam Park, Upper Arlington, OH
Red, White & Bloom – Montgomery County Fair (Dayton, Ohio)
Dayton’s Montgomery County Fair kicks off its “Red, White & Bloom” festivities on Sunday, July 6 with a patriotic drone light show. Sponsored by C.G. Construction, the drone show will follow a full day of concerts, rides, and contests at the fairgrounds.
Details: Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Dayton, OH
Oregon
Independence Day in Lincoln City (Lincoln City, Oregon)
In a major shift toward eco-friendly celebration, Lincoln City will replace traditional fireworks with a choreographed drone show over Siletz Bay. The event will feature 200 drones and patriotic music. Live music at the Taft Pavilion will begin in the afternoon, leading up to the drone display at dusk.
Details: Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Taft District, Lincoln City, OR
Tigard 4th of July Celebration (Tigard, Oregon)
The city of Tigard is back with its second-annual Fourth of July Drone Show.
This family-friendly event includes live music, kids’ games and food vendors — and of course, a drone light show to cap off the night. No personal fireworks, alcohol or pets are allowed, making it a relaxed, safe environment for all ages.
Details:
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Admission: Free
Location: Tigard, Oregon (specific event details to come)
Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot — and bring lawn chairs!
Pennsylvania
Fourth of July Weekend Drone Show – Nemacolin (Farmington, Pennsylvania)
Nemacolin is offering its resort guests an exclusive Fourth of July drone show on Saturday, July 5. This high-end experience is part of a larger holiday celebration that includes barbecues and other family-friendly events. Access is limited to registered guests of the resort.
Details: Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025 Admission: Available to resort guests only Location: Nemacolin, Farmington, PA
Tennessee
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th (Nashville, Tennessee)
Downtown Nashville will host one of the nation’s largest Independence Day events with live music, a symphonic performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony, and a synchronized fireworks and drone show. The event is free to the public and expected to draw large crowds.
There are several reasons why more cities, theme parks and event venues are opting for drone shows:
Fire safety: Drones don’t spark fires like fireworks can, making them a safer choice, especially in drought-prone areas.
Environmental benefits: Drones produce no smoke, no debris and minimal noise pollution.
Quieter celebrations: Sensitive guests — including pets, veterans, and young children — can enjoy the holiday without the loud booms.
Creative storytelling: Drones can create more detailed animations than fireworks.
Now the list above is just a smattering of all the Fourth of July 2025 drone shows happening nationwide — of which there will be dozens. In 2024, for example, Sky Elements flew about 35 different Fourth of July drone shows across 12 states.
Can’t wait for July Fourth? Speaking of Sky Elements, they nabbed a third-place, podium finish on America’s Got Talent Season 19. Their final performance (which I got to witness myself at the AGT Season 19 finale!) was so fitting for July Fourth. Dubbed American Dream, it showcases all sorts of American themes and was set to the song “A Million Dreams” by Pink. Watch it here:
– Altitude Angel has announced that it has been awarded a United States patent for its pioneering ground-based detect and avoid (DAA) technology, ARROW, the foundational innovation behind the UK’s first drone superhighway. The newly U.S. patented ARROW system enables drones to safely operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) without the need for onboard […]
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has signed a support and sustainment contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. for logistics and maintenance of the Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft system. The contract — known as the UK Protector Availability and Support Solution or UK PASS — will provide ongoing support for the new […]
–Skyways, a designer and manufacturer of long-range autonomous unmanned cargo aircraft systems, announced that it has received an award for a total amount of $37 million from the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) AFWERX to transition its existing V3 aircraft from prototype to full-rate production. With the funding, Skyways will continue building its autonomy stack, finalize […]
– A bird’s nest incorporating fiber optic cable is a striking sign of how much debris from fiber-guided FPVs now litters the landscape of Ukraine. Other images show fields glittering with fibers like spiderwebs where dozens of drones have passed overhead. Meanwhile social media fills with hide-and-seek videos as Ukrainian drone pilots use their new ability to go […]
