I think fireworks are cool. I love the sparkle and pizzazz of the bright shimmery showers of light against the dark sky. I especially love the ones that look like glitter sprinkling down on the celebration as if a life-sized Tinkerbell waved her wand and showered us with pixie dust. However, these days there’s a new sheriff in town. The drone show. Have you seen these? They’ve opened for the Olympics, been part of the Superbowl half-time show, celebrated historical moments in time, highlighted holidays, and even participated in celebrity gender reveals.
The mere thought of these entertainment marvels just a few years ago was the dream of sci-fi movies. Tiny radio-controlled bots in the sky which moved in sync with each other to music to create images and icons across the sky was absurd. Yet, here we are in 2025 with drone shows making an appearance at even Milwaukee Wisconsin’s Summerfest. Who woulda thunk?
According to Grizzly Drones, innovations in drone design, battery life, and flight control systems, coupled with advances in drone flight software, are what has made more sophisticated drone shows possible. There are even statistics in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest number of drones used in a single show. Grizzly Drones did their first ever drone light show in downtown Los Angeles in 2023 for 4th of July.1
So, are drone light shows edging out fireworks shows? If you ask Verge Aero, the answer is no. They’re like peanut butter and jelly. The precision of drones allows the designers to choreograph stunning visuals and tell stories that evoke emotions, while being eco-friendly and quieter than fireworks. Fireworks use explosive chemistry to produce vibrant colors and dramatic effects. They also produce the satisfying “boom” that audiences crave. However, they can fall victim to wind and humidity, and generate smoke which can disturb wildlife and pets. Fireworks and drones can work well together to create a fantastic show, and to confuse matters even more, there are now pyro drones – drones that carry fireworks.2
There are several benefits to using drones for a show over fireworks. Drones can be used in areas with a high fire risk or who have burn bans, like California. They can also be used in places with noise ordinances that a permit can’t overcome. If the event you are planning is doing their best to be eco-friendly and has a Sustainability Plan, drones are the way to go. They are electric-powered, produce fewer emissions, and have no physical waste product.2
If you are looking for a way to monetize a drone light show to add to your event, package it in a sponsorship. These zippy little things can be programmed to create just about any 2D or 3D shape desired like an organization’s logo or product. Talk about a great way to get your drone show paid for!
I haven’t had the opportunity to plan an event that incorporated a drone show, but the more I see them, the more I really want to. Seeing the look on the faces of attendees when they spy certain logos, products, figures, or even themselves in the lighted wonders would be priceless.
Have you had the opportunity to plan a drone show yet? Share a tidbit here with the rest of us or send me an email about your experience.
Like, share, and comment on this blog. And if you’re not yet, sign up to receive them in your inbox
when they’re released!
1.Grizzly Entertainment. Drone Light Shows – History and Evolution. April 15, 2024. https://grizzlyglobal.net/drone-light-shows/drone-light-shows-history-and-evolution/
2.Verge Aero. Drones replacing fireworks? The future of aerial entertainment. 2025. https://www.verge.aero/news/drones-replacing-fireworks
Discover more from Tracy's Tidbits
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.