The best Fourth of July 2025 drone shows to watch

Once again, Fourth of July 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.

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:

Small town drone shows to watch for Fourth of July 2025

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. Here are some of the best small town drone shows for Fourth of July 2025:

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!

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

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

Major drone shows happening on Fourth of July 2025

Small town drone shows are sweet, but many of the major U.S. theme parks and event venues put on epic drone shows — often synced to music or held in tandem with fireworks. If you’re willing to spend some money on tickets, here are the best of the best when it comes to Fourth of July 2025 drone shows.

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.

Though daytime admission is entirely free, this one is still quite affordable. Tickets for the Fourth of July 2025 Grant’s Farm Summer Nights event cost just $12 per person (plus tax).

Holiday World’s Holidays in the Sky

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.

Why Fourth of July 2025 is all about drones

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:

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