Something new is coming to Lake Chelan this Fourth of July weekend—and it’s not fireworks.
This year, the valley will see its first coordinated drone light show, a choreographed display of hundreds of illuminated drones flying over the lake. The event is called Lights Over the Lake, and it’s scheduled for the evening of Sunday, July 5, 2026, centered around the Don Morse Park waterfront.
Instead of the usual bursts and booms, this show is designed more like a moving picture in the sky. The drones work together to form shapes, patterns, and scenes that shift over time, telling a story tied to the lake, the landscape, and the community itself.
What to Expect
The show is planned to start at 10:00 PM and run for about 10–12 minutes. It will be visible from Don Morse Park and much of the surrounding shoreline.
Audio for the show will be synchronized, with music broadcast locally so people watching from different spots around the lake can still follow along.
This isn’t meant to replace the traditional Fourth of July celebrations, but it adds something different to the weekend—a quieter, more visual experience that still feels like a community gathering along the waterfront.
A New Local Tradition?
For longtime residents, it’s a noticeable shift. Fireworks have always defined the holiday here, especially with Manson on the 4th and Chelan’s show over the weekend. The drone show introduces a new format that’s more controlled and capable of creating recognizable images in the sky instead of just color and sound.
Whether it becomes a regular part of the holiday lineup remains to be seen, but it’s clearly being positioned as something distinct from the usual routine.
Best Source of Information
For the most current and detailed event information, including updates and viewing details:
Lights Over the Lake – An America 250 Celebration
View event details
If you’re planning to be in Chelan that weekend, this is one of those events that will be easy to see but worth planning around—especially if you want a good spot along the lake.