DENVER — Downtown Denver will light up on Independence Eve once again.
The City and County of Denver will host its annual Indy Eve event Wednesday at Civic Center. The celebration will feature a drone show instead of fireworks. The event will also have a night market with local businesses, food trucks and DJs.
Attendees will also see a live performance from the Colorado Symphony Brass & Percussion Ensemble, and two different light shows projected on Civic Center park structures.
"We are excited to reimagine Denver’s premier celebration of community, culture and country with a visual spectacular like nothing ever seen in downtown Denver," said Eric Lazzari, executive director of Civic Center Conservancy.
"Indy Eve is a beloved tradition in Denver, and we want to honor this unique celebration even as we incorporate some new experiences," Lazzari said. "We are appreciative of our City partners for empowering this tradition of gathering as a community in Civic Center Park to celebrate as we elevate artists, musicians and youth."
The drone show will feature 300 drones launching over Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, on the east side of Civic Center.
"Civic Center Park is one of Denver's crown jewels, and we're thrilled to continue the Indy Eve celebration right here in downtown Denver," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. "We're proud to work closely with Civic Center Conservancy to create events that contribute to a vibrant Denver by giving residents the opportunity to come back downtown with their families and friends."
It comes as communities across the nation shift from fireworks to drone shows for environmental factors, fire risk and sensory concerns.
Graham Hill, owner of Hire UAV Pro in Denver, said they're already booking out for next year's Fourth of July.
"We're doing a lot more shows every month of the year now," Hill said. "It's pretty wild."
Many of their customers are in cities where fireworks aren't allowed, but he said some have made the switch even without rules barring fireworks in their area.
"That's kind of been our focus, is going to places that can't have fireworks shows," he said. "But more and more young people and adults are just kind of sick and tired of the noise."
The Civic Center Conservancy said it needs volunteers who are interested in supporting staff with light event setup, helping visitors navigate the event and answering questions.
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