Residents of Long Beach who were looking forward to fireworks for America’s 250th anniversary on Independence Day will have to adjust their expectations. The city will not hold its Big Bang on the Bay fireworks display this year, marking a significant change after 15 consecutive years.
This tradition typically lights up Alamitos Bay on July 3, but the California Coastal Commission recently denied an appeal to host the event as usual. In San Diego, similar restrictions on fireworks displays have been implemented.
Last year, the commission granted a five-year permit for Long Beach, which included a decision to transition to drone shows starting in 2026, according to a spokesperson for the commission.
John Morris, a local business owner and organizer for the show, contested the decision during a meeting with the commission but was unsuccessful. He expressed his determination: “I’m always going to fight because I believe I’m right,” stating before that the switch to drones was unlikely and the cancellation of the show remained a genuine possibility.
Morris pointed out that decade-long studies indicated fireworks do not pollute water or harm wildlife. He emphasized the importance of fireworks for the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations, remarking, “Of course we’re talking about fireworks.”
However, he noted that drone displays would be significantly more expensive—transforming a $40,000 fireworks show into potentially $200,000.
Morris has garnered support from various officials, including U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia and Long Beach City Council member Christina Duggan, who echoed that fireworks seemed like the best option. Duggan highlighted that the fireworks show served as a “controlled, professionally managed alternative” to illegal fireworks that have greater impacts on neighborhoods.
The fireworks display typically functions as a significant fundraiser for local nonprofits, including the Belmont Shore Rugby Club, which relies on it for financial support through their initiatives.
Nonprofit leader Shane Hardy voiced his desire for the show to continue, suggesting creativity might be required to adapt this year without fireworks. He also pointed out that other cities, like San Diego, are facing similar adjustments. SeaWorld has decided to replace fireworks with drone displays, and the city’s Big Bay boom has drastically reduced its fireworks usage recently.
