On July 3, 2025, Milwaukee County officially replaced its yearly lake front fireworks show with a drone show.

Last year, the fireworks show was cancelled due to a lack of funding. This year, the drone show was held in place of the fireworks show. Representatives for Milwaukee County claimed that this show was $200,000 cheaper than the fireworks, also claiming that it would help eliminate noise pollution and mitigate air quality concerns.

The changing celebratory format drew skepticism from locals who had grown accustomed to the fireworks display. Responses have been mixed, with some people missing out on the traditional celebration’s glory. Others seemed to appreciate the digital move forward.

With Milwaukee County being so close to Waukesha County, many have wondered- Could many of Waukesha County’s local fireworks shows also be swapped out in favor of drone shows?

One of the biggest reasons to shift to a drone show is the cost. Generally, a mid-sized drone show only costs about $10,000 per event. A standard fireworks show can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000 per event. For fireworks, the larger the event, the larger the cost. The former Milwaukee County lakefront event could cost as much as $350,000 per year, a price tag that likely drove away sponsors and made fundraising goals difficult to achieve.

Although there is room for savings, the initial cost for a municipality to buy drone equipment can be quite high. The initial purchasing costs start at around $40,000 and can exceed $100,000.

Fireworks shows can also potentially harm waterways and wildlife with their pollution. Drone shows are typically safer for wildlife and leave less of an environmental impact.

There is also a potential safety concern. Fireworks shows have a greater risk of burns, accidental fires, and potential injuries. The pyrotechnical aspects make them more of a liability, especially for smaller communities or areas where children are present. Once again, drones have a lower likelihood of potential safety risks. The machines can even be geofenced in to limit their reach.

Drone shows can also be more customizable. They have the ability to spell out words, vary their colors, be synchronized to music, and create complex images in the sky.

Despite this, one of the biggest arguments for fireworks shows are their traditional aspects. Although drones are inventive and novel, they lack the nostalgia of a classic fireworks show.

Drone shows are rapidly growing in popularity across the U.S., but traditional fireworks shows still see higher attendance levels. As of now, only time will tell which one wins out- the old or the new.