When hotel guests are invited to look up at the night sky at the end of the night, they likely expect the familiar burst of fireworks. But luxury resorts are starting to switch things up, swapping sparks for more nuanced storytelling with choreographed drone shows that deliver a high-tech, unforgettable finale for meetings and events groups. 

At Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., the events team tapped into the growing appeal of drone shows, incorporating them into the resort’s annual Fourth of July celebration, “A Star-Spangled Spectacular.” The show, synchronized to live music, transforms the night sky into a patriotic performance featuring eagles, starbursts, and American flags—all set against the scenic backdrop of Southern California’s coastal hills as viewed from the Range View Lawn. 

 

While Omni La Costa Resort & Spa has primarily used drone shows for public events so far, its meetings and events team is beginning to see rising interest from corporate groups and even wedding couples looking to bring this unique entertainment to their own celebrations. One standout example: a 1960s-themed award-winning event that featured a playful drone display with glowing flamingos and animated record players, offering a show that was modern and nostalgic all at once. 

 

In Honolulu, The Kahala Hotel & Resort has embraced customizable drone displays as a modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. For its New Year’s Eve celebration, 300 state-of-the-art drones lit up the sky above Kahala Beach, wowing guests with a stunning aerial spectacle. But because these displays can be fully customized—showcasing everything from corporate logos to event branding—they’re an ideal, crowd-pleasing finale for any type of group gathering. 

 

Whether it’s icons of eagles on the Fourth of July or flamingos at a 1960s soirée or wedding rings after vows are exchanged, drone shows are taking celebrations to new heights (literally). The sky’s no longer the limit—it’s the canvas. 

 

 

Why Drones are a Growing Events Trend  

Drones

Drone photography has already transformed how resorts and those holding events capture stunning aerial photos and videos. But more recently, drones have taken on this entirely new role of live entertainment. 

 

Over the past two to three years, JoAnn Gregoli, of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, said she’s seen drone light shows emerge as a unique feature at various events—and in the past year, they’ve begun making their way into wedding celebrations, too. 

 

These captivating shows typically feature fleets of drones flying in coordinated patterns, using LED lights to form animations, text, and even personalized designs custom to any event. 

 

Beyond offering a unique and memorable experience, drone shows also come with practical advantages. Drones are more feasible in hot and dry summer conditions, when firework bans are often in effect to prevent wildfires. They’re also considered more environmentally friendly since they don’t emit particles into the atmosphere like fireworks do. 

 

Of course, planning a drone show does come with logistical considerations. Gregoli notes that planners need to coordinate with local airports to ensure compliance with flight regulations and avoid interfering with nearby air traffic. 

 

She also advises factoring in the weather, particularly wind, which can delay or ground a show. And since the sky must be completely dark for the drone’s lights to be visible, be sure to keep in mind those later sunset times during peak summer months. 

 

Still largely unexpected, these types of drone shows wow guests and are a fun way to conclude any evening. Drone shows typically last between five to 10 minutes, Gregoli said. Planners also collaborate with drone companies well in advance to gather details and ensure the show is customized to match the event’s theme. 

 

 

Sky-High Romance: Drone Shows Taking Weddings to New Heights, Too 

Drones

The storytelling capabilities of drone shows are unlimited. For example, on New Year’s Eve, guests at an elegant wedding in Westchester County, N.Y., bundled in blankets and gathered near heating lamps, turning their attention to the night sky above the Hudson River. For the next 15 minutes, 300 synchronized drones danced above, telling the newlywed’s love story through a series of animations played out on the night sky’s dark canvas—from an image of a ring being slipped onto a finger to one of the couple’s beloved dog and a theater mask that represented a love for date nights at Broadway shows.  

 

Gregoli said the drone shows can personalize any event. It’s unexpected and fun, and can tell a story in a way that fireworks can’t. 

“You can have a lot more animation, and it can be customized more,” she said.