Phoenix - History will be made on Saturday, June 21, when the sky lights up at Deer Valley Park for the annual After Dark in the Park celebration. For the first time, the City of Phoenix will feature a drone light show, replacing traditional fireworks with a high-tech, eco-friendly display of synchronized lights choreographed to music.
The landmark event—taking place in Council District 1—marks a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The initiative was spearheaded by the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with Council District 1, led by Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien.
“For years, I’ve championed the use of drone technology to support public safety in our parks, as well as in our police and fire departments,” said Vice Mayor O’Brien. “This drone show is not only a safer, quieter, and cleaner way to celebrate, but it’s also a symbol of Phoenix embracing smart, forward-thinking solutions that benefit everyone.”
Unlike fireworks, drone shows produce no smoke, no debris, and no ear-splitting booms—making them a welcome option for families with young children, veterans, pets, and wildlife. They’re also highly customizable, capable of displaying Phoenix-themed images, logos, and animations choreographed to music.
“The Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to be hosting its first drone show at Deer Valley Park,” said Cynthia Aguilar, Parks and Recreation Department Director. “From storyboard design and synchronized choreography to live show coordination, it’s a complex production that will result in a mesmerizing experience for the community.”
Behind the scenes, Phoenix’s recreation team worked closely with a professional drone production company to plan every detail—selecting music, programming individual drone flight paths, and conducting rigorous safety simulations before the live event.
“This is more than a light show,” Vice Mayor O’Brien said. “It’s a celebration of what’s possible when we prioritize innovation and sustainability.”
Environmental highlights include:
· No air or noise pollution
· Zero debris or hazardous waste
· Pet- and wildlife-friendly
· Reduced fire danger
· Energy-efficient, rechargeable drones
After Dark in the Park
When: Saturday, June 21 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Deer Valley Park, 18602 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
Activities: Food trucks, live music and games
Drone light show begins at 8:45 p.m.
Media Contacts
Christina Estes
Director of Communications, Office of Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien
Christina.Estes@phoenix.gov
602-520-2762 call or text
Teleia Galaviz
Public Information Officer, Parks and Recreation
Teleia.Galaviz@phoenix.gov
602-291-2559 call or text
About District 1
District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien was elected in November 2020 and took office in April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit Phoenix.gov/District1.
