EVENTS & HOLIDAYS

SLC Mayor announces drone shows will replace traditional firework shows in July

Jun 27, 2023, 5:59 PM | Updated: Jun 27, 2024, 10:12 pm

drones lighting the sky above a crowd...

Attendees watch as 150 drones perform over them at ILLUMINATE: Light Art + Creative Tech Fest in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. (Ben B. Braun/Deseret News)

(Ben B. Braun/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced the city will be replacing all traditional firework shows with drone shows, citing fire danger and air quality concerns.

The upcoming 4th of July and Pioneer Day holiday celebrations have previously always included fireworks. This year will be the city’s first-ever drone show for both holidays.

According to a release from the mayor’s office, “this switch to a non-firework event is a proactive effort to combat the city’s high fire danger and alleviate local air quality concerns which arise from traditional fireworks.”

“As temperatures rise and fire danger increases, we must be conscientious of both our air quality and the potential for wildfires,” Mendenhall said. “The summer holiday shows are a mainstay for Salt Lakers and we’re excited about adapting to new technology which will provide a safe alternative for our residents and visitors.”

The drone shows will take place on Saturday, July 1, at Jordan Park and Monday, July 24, at Liberty Park. The shows will begin at 10 p.m., lasting approximately 10-15 minutes with a display of lights, choreographed formations and aerial acrobatics.

In addition to the shows, there will be food trucks, live music and ample lawn seating.

“With a focus on public safety and environmental stewardship, Salt Lake City recognizes the need for creative alternatives that capture the essence of celebration while prioritizing the well-being of its residents and surroundings,” the release stated.

KSL 5 TV Live

Events & Holidays

Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley appear in Come See Me in the Good Light by Ryan White, an official s...

Kennedy Camarena

Sundance Film Festival announces winner of the Festival Favorite Award, festival dates for 2026

The Sundance Film Festival began celebrating its 40th anniversary on Jan. 23, wrapping up the 2025 festivities on Sunday and announcing the winner of the Festival Favorite Award.

7 days ago

PUNXSUTAWNEY, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 2: Groundhog handler AJ Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil after...

Associated Press

Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, handlers say, predicting 6 more weeks of wintry weather

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.

7 days ago

Sundance Film Festival attendees and locals celebrated with 'Frame by Frame,' a fun event held on F...

Emma Benson

‘Frame by Frame’ event celebrates local artists as Sundance Film Festival wraps

After 10 days, the 2025 Sundance Film Festival is coming to a close.

7 days ago

FILE - The Egyptian Theatre is pictured on the eve of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on Wednesday,...

Shelby Lofton

Mental health professionals help movie-goers at Sundance Film Festival

A group of professionals from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute are sitting inside Sundance Film Festival screenings, ready to help patrons unpack some of the heavier storylines.

13 days ago

Faye Lincoln said her mother and father survived the Auschwitz concentration camp, pictured Monday,...

Brian Carlson

Utah daughter of Holocaust survivor shares parents’ story of survival

A Jewish Utah woman, whose parents survived one of the worst concentration camps of the war, shared what it was like for them.

13 days ago

FILE - The marquee of the Egyptian Theatre appears during the Sundance Film Festival, Jan. 28, 2020...

Brian Carlson

2025 Sundance Film Festival begins, boosting Utah films and businesses

Hollywood made its return to Utah Thursday for the first day of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It's expected to bring in thousands of people from all over the world, creating a big payoff for Utahns and businesses.

16 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

SLC Mayor announces drone shows will replace traditional firework shows in July