Drones To Take Flight as Rose Bowl Ditches Fireworks for July 4th

The Rose Bowl will replace its traditional Fourth of July fireworks display with a drone show this year, marking the first time in decades the iconic venue won’t light up the sky with pyrotechnics.

The decision comes amid heightened fire concerns following the devastating Eaton Fire that swept through Pasadena and Altadena in January. The blaze killed at least 18 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings.

“Other than the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first time in many, many years – I’ve been here 23 years – and this is the first year where we will have no fireworks at the Rose Bowl,” said Lisa Derderian, Pasadena city spokesperson.

The city confirmed the switch to drones in March. Unlike previous fireworks shows that could be seen throughout the surrounding area, the drone display will only be visible to ticketholders inside the Rose Bowl.

The change reflects ongoing safety concerns in areas still recovering from the Eaton Fire, which burned 14,021 acres before being fully contained Jan. 31. The cause remains under investigation.

Fire Chief Chad Augustin emphasized the continued danger during a Wednesday press conference held among fire-damaged homes.

“As we stand here surrounded by homes that were destroyed by the Eaton fire, I want to remind you of the grief felt by so many,” Augustin said. “Let’s commit to ensure that no additional property is lost by fire, caused by illegal fireworks.”

Augustin noted current drought conditions. “We’re still reeling. (And) we’re in drought conditions,” he said.

City officials are taking a hard line on fireworks enforcement this year. All fireworks remain illegal in Pasadena, with fines ranging from $250 to $5,000 and potential jail time up to one year.

“All fireworks are illegal in Pasadena. Illegal is the word of the day,” said Police Chief Gene Harris.

The Rose Bowl will host the FoodieLand Food Festival from July 4-6, featuring more than 200 food vendors. The drone show will occur Friday evening as part of the festival. Admission costs $8, with children 5 and under free.

The trend toward drone shows is spreading across Southern California. Laguna Niguel also canceled its fireworks display this year in favor of drones. Long Beach may end its Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show after 2025, with the California Coastal Commission requiring a switch to drones from 2026-2029.

Animal rights group PETA praised the Rose Bowl’s decision, urging a permanent fireworks ban.

“Fireworks frighten birds out of their nests, send terrified dogs and cats running away from their homes, and start fires that can quickly turn devastating,” Tracy Reiman, PETA’s executive vice president, said in a statement in April.

Air quality also factored into the decision. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has said fine particle pollution reaches its worst levels of the year on July 4 and 5.

For many Pasadena residents, the change marks the end of an era. The Rose Bowl’s Independence Day fireworks show was previously among the largest in the region.

City officials hope the drone alternative will provide a safe celebration while protecting the community still healing from January’s catastrophic fire.