After six years without a city-sponsored Independence Day event, Poulsbo is bringing the 4th of July back in 2026 with drones instead of fireworks. It’s part of a larger shift: voters approved a permanent ban on consumer fireworks last fall, and that ban takes effect in 2027.
The 2026 event
The city is planning a scaled-down celebration in Waterfront Park, tied to America’s 250th birthday. Plans include a picnic and Summer Concert series kickoff from 2 to 6 p.m., followed by a 15-minute drone show around 10 p.m. performed by 300 Firefly drones from a student-run team out of Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor.
Mayor Ed Stern said the city met with the tribal council before finalizing plans, citing both the 2019 tragedy at Waterfront Park and concerns about fireworks debris in Liberty Bay. Council voted unanimously on May 20 to draw up to $21,000 from city reserves to fund the drone show.
Full story from the Kitsap Sun →
The fireworks ban
In December 2025, the Poulsbo City Council voted 6-1 to ban the sale, ownership, and use of consumer fireworks within city limits, following a November ballot measure that passed 64% to 36%.
Quick timeline:
- July 4, 2026: Last year residents can legally use fireworks in Poulsbo
- December 2026: Ban takes effect
- 2027 onward: Fireworks only allowed at permitted public displays; violations carry civil fines
Full story from the Kitsap Sun →
What it means
If you’ve been doing fireworks at home, 2026 is your last year. After that, the city’s drone-only event will be the main show in town.