10B
Date: February 24, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Ted Stevens, Community Services Director
By: Brent Abelson, Management Aide | [email protected] Subject: Community Services – Approve Date for 2026 4th of July Event and Provide Direction on Fireworks and/or Drone Aerial Show Options. Expenditure:
Not-to-Exceed: $108,000 (General Fund: Pending City Council Approval).
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council:
1. Approve date of Saturday, July 4, 2026 for the 2026 4th of July Event ; and
2. Provide direction regarding the featured aerial presentation of either a fireworks show, drone show, or combination of both for a total not-to-exceed amount of $108,000, pending City Council approval.
FUNDING
Funding will be programmed in the fiscal year 2026-27 General Fund Non-Departmental operating budget based on the Council direction.
DISCUSSION
The City of Torrance has hosted an annual 4th of July Fireworks Show at the Torrance Civic Center since 2016. The event traditionally features a professionally produced fireworks display, live entertainment, food vendors, public viewing areas, and family-friendly activities that attract residents from throughout the community.
For 2026, staff is seeking direction from City Council to confirm the event date and determine the preferred aerial presentation so that the associated budget, contracts, and logistical planning can be finalized in a timely manner.
2026 Event Overview
In addition to the selected aerial show, staff is planning a comprehensive community celebration in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, including:
•A live 90-minute pre-show concert hosted by the Cultural Services Division; •A curated food truck area offering a variety of dining options; •A live DJ providing music and coordinated audio for the aerial presentation; •Public viewing areas at the Civic Center and LA Galaxy Sports Complex; •Limited reserved seating and event furnishings; and
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• Public safety deployment coordinated with the Torrance Fire, Police, and Public Works Departments.
The total event expenditures will vary depending on the aerial show option selected; however, staff anticipates that approximately $10,000 will be required to support the enhancements listed above, exclusive of the aerial show costs.
Aerial Show Options
Staff has tentatively secured Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. to produce the fireworks display similar to previous years at an estimated cost of $43,890. In recognition of the Unites States Semiquincentennial, staff is also proposing an expanded grand finale featuring twice the number of fireworks shells, for a total estimated cost of $48,000.
As an alternative, staff has also explored a drone-only presentation through Pyrotecnico, consisting of 600 synchronized drones. Options include a basic 25-minute show or a premium 12- minute show, each at an estimated cost of approximately $60,000.
Should City Council desire a hybrid presentation combining fireworks and drones, staff can return with refined cost estimates and logistical considerations for a combined format.
Accordingly, it is recommended that City Council approve holding the 2026 4th of July Event on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and provide direction regarding the featured aerial presentation of either a fireworks show, drone show, or a combination of both for a total not-to-exceed amount of $108,000, pending City Council approval.
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