In June, Milwaukee County opted to swap its long tradition of fireworks at Veterans Park for a drone show over McKinley Beach ...

Tempe's July 4th drone show fails due to overheating, fireworks used instead; while Gilbert and Goodyear cities participate in record-setting drone events.

Dozens of cities across the U.S. will host drone shows on the Fourth of July this year, seeing them as preferable to fireworks. Here's why.

Over 70% of some 140 people who responded to The Times’ question: “Do you prefer fireworks or a drone show for the Fourth of July?” said they preferred drones.

Goleta hosts its first-ever drone show in celebration of the Fourth of July on Friday night at Dos Pueblos High School's Scott O’Leary Stadium. Credit: Daniel Green / Noozhawk photo Even without ...

Thousands of people came out to Lake Cunningham in San Jose on this July 4th knowing that there was a big change in the air. Up in the sky this year, more than 200 drones instead of fireworks.

The Rose Bowl held its first drone show in lieu of fireworks for its Fourth of July event in Pasadena on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer) ...

The show was part of an array of Fourth of July events across the region celebrating the nation’s 249th birthday. And for many, traditional fireworks were still part of the celebration.

While the stadium has hosted drone shows before, the Rose Bowl’s Fourth of July drone show will be a first in the stadium’s history, a change spurred by environmental concerns.

More than 70% of some 140 people who responded to The Times’ question: “Do you prefer fireworks or a drone show for the Fourth of July?” said they preferred drones mostly because they saw ...

Now in its third year, the La Jolla Fourth of July drone show will feature 500 drones creating a 15-minute patriotic display starting at 9 p.m. on Friday.