Denver's Indy Eve to Feature 300 Drones in Spectacular Show

In a bold move for the 2025 Indy Eve celebration, the Civic Center Conservancy will once again replace traditional fireworks with a mesmerizing drone show, featuring 300 drones lighting up the Denver sky. This year’s event promises to build on the success of the previous year, where a Night Market and multiple entertainment stages captivated attendees.

"The creativity of drone shows is unparalleled," remarked Tom Dolan, founder of Brightflight Drone Shows, highlighting the unique artistry involved in these aerial displays.

Last year's show included impressive 3D animations, such as a 400-foot Liberty Bell ringing and a stunning transformation of Lady Liberty's face into the full statue. "We're working on some really fun animations that take the animations we flew last year kind of to the next level," Dolan added, hinting at even more ambitious designs for this year.

When asked about potential resistance to moving away from fireworks, Dolan acknowledged, "Absolutely. But I feel like we're winning them over, slowly." He noted that many skeptics change their minds after witnessing the scale and creativity of the drone shows firsthand.

The intricate designs seen in the sky are the result of extensive preparation. Chris Probst meticulously crafts the animations, positions the drones, and establishes safety parameters to ensure a flawless performance. "I feel like it's utilizing light in the way that you're getting your image across, but then you're surprising the viewer," Probst explained when asked about the essence of a great drone show.

Each drone is equipped with a battery and full-spectrum light, designed to create stunning visual effects. With an investment of $800 to $1,000 per drone, the financial commitment is significant but worthwhile. "I have an Apple Watch. I had to turn the heart rate monitor off because when we had that many drones in the sky, it would start to warn me you need to stand up and take a deep breath," Dolan joked about the pressure of managing such a large fleet.

These drones are not just a one-time spectacle; they can be reused for hundreds of shows, making them an environmentally friendly entertainment option. Each drone is enveloped in safety parameters that prevent them from flying too high or too close together.

For Dolan and Probst, the ultimate reward comes from hearing the audience's "oohs and aahs" as their hard work contributes to celebrating America's independence.

The Civic Center Conservancy will host Indy Eve at Civic Center Park from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025. For more information about this exciting event, visit their official website.