Drone light shows are becoming increasingly common in Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland. They are fun entertainment and affordable.
The drones can be very tightly choreographed, and in most cases there is no charge for the public to see the show. They are also arguably more environmentally friendly than fireworks.
Multiple drone light shows take place in Vancouver and the surrounding region. These types of shows can be used either as a replacement for fireworks or as a fun way to add some extra flare to an event.
Drone shows aren’t a new thing in the Lower Mainland, they’re just becoming more popular and common. A series of drone light shows take place this year. Keep reading to learn where and when.
Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival
In 2025 the Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival takes place at False Creek from June 20th to 22nd. As of early June, it doesn’t look like there’s a drone show happening at this year’s event.
Last year’s festival featured a drone light show on the first day. It was a celebration of Vancouver, the festival and Chinatown. There were traditional Chinese elements mixed in with Squamish art, all synchronized with a music soundtrack.
One of the best parts of the Dragon Boat Festival is that it’s always free to attend! Everyone is welcome to go down to False Creek and enjoy the races. A video of the drone show last year can be watched on Vimeo. Hopefully a similar show returns in the future.
For more details about the event, see our Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival article.
Canada Day Shows
Canada Day festivities take place all over the region on July 1st. This year there are two places that have evening drone shows!
Chilliwack hosts a Clearview Demolition Drone Show to cap the evening’s entertainment. The show happens at Exhibition Park. Also on July 1st, there’s a drone light show at 10:15 pm over McLeod Athletic Park in Langley.
To learn more see our articles about Canada Day in Chilliwack and Canada Day in the Township of Langley.
Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival
One of Vancouver’s most popular events is the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition at English Bay. The 2025 festival takes place on July 19th, 23rd and 26th, with fireworks on each of those nights.
An electric drone light show takes place before the main event each night. The drones act as a warm-up for the big fireworks show that follows. The schedule of events for each of the three Honda Celebration of Light nights this year includes a drone show at 10:00 pm, and then the famous fireworks show blasting off at 10:15 pm.
For more information, see our article about the Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival.
Abbotsford Airshow
The Abbotsford Airshow is an annual event that takes place near the end of the summer. The 2025 dates are August 8th to 10th at 1595 Townline Road near the Abbotsford Airport.
The event is all about great aerial performances. This year there’s a drone show on top of all the planes. The show takes place at 9:30 pm on the evening of Friday, August 8th.
To learn more about this event, see our article about the Abbotsford Airshow.
Other Information
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
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