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Culver City’s 2025 Drone Show

Downtown Culver City is lighting up the night sky. This Independence Day weekend brings together innovation and community spirit. On Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:30 PM, Town Plaza will once again host the Downtown Culver City Independence Celebration. It’s a free, family-friendly event. It brings residents, visitors, and local businesses together for a night of live entertainment, patriotic pride, and awe-inspiring aerial visuals.
 

Image of the Culver City drone light show. Image from @culvercitygov https://www.instagram.com/p/DLNxZrXhrMg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Image from @culvercitygov.
 

A Sustainable Spin on Tradition

Now in its second year, the celebration continues a new and more sustainable Culver City tradition. Instead of fireworks, which can be disruptive to pets, neighbors, and the environment, the evening will close with a spectacular drone light show. The show will be produced by Sky Elements, one of the country’s leading drone show companies.

Expect to see illuminated animations and patriotic imagery. The drones will soar up to 300 feet above the city, all choreographed with dazzling precision. Sky Elements is known for its record-breaking drone displays. They have been seen at iconic venues like Dodger Stadium and the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. So, you can count on one unforgettable finale.

What To Expect for the Drone Show

  • When: Saturday, July 5, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Where: Town Plaza in Downtown Culver City
  • Cost: Free and open to the public
  • Highlights:
    • Live music by Guilty Pleasure Makers
    • Patriotic ceremony and national anthem
    • Dress up encouraged in themed ’80s
    • A drone light show finale by Sky Elements

Live Music and a Patriotic Tribute

Kicking off the night is a high-energy performance by Guilty Pleasure Makers. They’re known for their crowd-pleasing mix of hits. The event is planned to include a flag salute led by local Scouts and a moving performance of the National Anthem.

Dress in Your ’80s Best

This year’s celebration comes with a fun twist: a tribute to 1980s pop culture and film. This pays homage to Culver City’s roots as a historic film production hub. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite retro looks. Think neon, leg warmers, and vintage band tees. Join in the nostalgia with themed activities and décor.

Getting to the Culver City Drone Show and Parking

Driving to Downtown Culver City

Downtown Culver City is located just a mile east of the 405 freeway and slightly south of the 10 freeway, making it easy to reach from nearly any part of Los Angeles.

From LAX, take the 405 North to the 10 East. Exit at Robertson Boulevard South, turn right on Venice Boulevard, then left on Culver Boulevard. The celebration takes place at Town Plaza, in the heart of the Culver City Downtown Business District.

Public Transit Options

Culver City is also well-served by public transportation. Both Los Angeles Metro and Culver City Bus routes stop nearby, with easy access to the celebration area. The Metro E Line (Expo) Culver City Station is just a few blocks away.

Where to Park

If you plan to drive, several public parking garages are available near Town Plaza. Most offer one hour free and are within a short walking distance of the event.

Cardiff Garage 3846 Cardiff Ave Open: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–2:00 AM, Sun 10:00 AM–1:00 AM Rates: 1st hour free, then $1 per 30 minutes ($12 daily max)

City Hall Garage 9770 Culver Blvd Open: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (closed weekends) Rates: 1st hour free, then $1 per 30 minutes ($12 daily max)

Ince Garage 9099 Washington Blvd Open: 24/7 Rates: 1st hour free, then $1 per 30 minutes ($12 daily max)

One Culver Garage 10000 Washington Blvd Open: 24/7 Rates: $2.75 per 15 minutes, $11 per hour, $27.50 daily max

The Culver Steps Garage 9300 Culver Blvd Open: 24/7 Rates: 1st hour free, then $1 per 30 minutes ($12 daily max)

Watseka Garage 3844 Watseka Ave Open: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–2:00 AM, Sun 10:00 AM–1:00 AM Rates: 1st hour free, then $1 per 30 minutes ($12 daily max)

For the smoothest experience, consider arriving early and taking advantage of free or low-cost parking near the venue. Rideshare drop-off zones will also be active in the downtown area for added convenience.

The 2024 Shift in Tradition

For years, Culver City was known across Los Angeles County for its annual Fourth of July fireworks show. It would draw large crowds and served as a signature summer event. However, in early 2024, the city began exploring a new direction. The Exchange Club, longtime organizers of the fireworks display, announced they would no longer host the event due to rising costs and financial losses.

In response, the Culver City Downtown Business Association (DBA) proposed a new kind of celebration: a July 5th Independence Day drone show in Downtown Culver City. The shift marks a broader effort to reimagine how the city celebrates summer holidays. This includes a new focus on safety, inclusivity, and innovation.

Other 4th of July Celebrations Near Culver City

If you’re looking to extend your Independence Day festivities beyond Culver City, several nearby communities are hosting their own celebrations featuring fireworks, drone shows, parades, and concerts.

Marina del Rey Fireworks Show

Just a short drive from Culver City, Marina del Rey will host a waterfront fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. on July 4. Burton Chace Park offers the best family-friendly viewing area, while nearby restaurants and boat tours offer additional ways to experience the show. Arrive early. Festivities begin as early as 1 p.m.

Pacific Palisades Community Drone Show

The Pacific Palisades will host a private community event on July 4. It’ll feature food trucks, music, kids’ activities, and a drone light show. Due to limited capacity and recent wildfire impacts, attendance is restricted to residents and their invited guests.

Main Street Santa Monica Parade

On the morning of July 4, Santa Monica will hold its long-standing Main Street Parade. It starts at 9:30 a.m. Organized entirely by volunteers, the parade has become a beloved tradition for local families.

Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Spectacular

From July 2–4, Earth, Wind & Fire headlines the annual fireworks celebration at the Hollywood Bowl. The July 4 performance begins at 7:30 p.m. It will combine music, celebration, and a massive fireworks display in one of the city’s most iconic venues.

Dodgers Game and Fireworks

Celebrate with the Boys in Blue at Dodger Stadium on July 4. The game against the Houston Astros begins at 6:10 p.m., with a fireworks show following the final pitch.

FoodieLand Festival at the Rose Bowl

Although the AmericaFest fireworks show is no longer active, the Rose Bowl will host FoodieLand from July 4–6. A special drone show will light up the night sky on Friday, July 4, making it a great option for food lovers.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Theme park guests can enjoy a day of rides and attractions capped by an evening fireworks show on July 4. The display is included with regular admission.

Warner Center Fireworks Extravaganza in Woodland Hills

Drawing nearly 60,000 attendees, this large-scale event features live music, food trucks, and a 15-minute fireworks show at 9 p.m. on July 4. Admission is free, with VIP seating and prepaid parking available for purchase.

Cancellations

A few popular events are not happening in 2025. The Calabasas High School fireworks show is canceled due to construction, and Burbank’s Starlight Bowl concert and fireworks have been called off due to wildfire damage earlier in the year.

Celebrate with the Community

Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting for the weekend, the Downtown Culver City Independence Celebration is a chance to celebrate community, creativity, and the country. With live music, retro flair, and a high-tech twist on traditional fireworks, this modern celebration captures the spirit of Culver City itself.

 

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