Independence Day may seem a long way off, but it’s not too soon for the city of Goleta to be looking for sponsors now for the 2026 Fourth of July Drone Light Show.

“To make this free event possible for our community, we need sponsors to step up,” the city said. “We hope to have a majority of our community partners in place by Feb. 1.

Businesses or organizations interested in supporting the drone show, should complete online interest form here.

There you can also find information on the different sponsorship tiers available. For questions, email pio@cityofgoleta.org.

“A huge thank you to Yardi Systems who was our first sponsor for the inaugural show in 2025 and has once again stepped up to be a sponsor in 2026,” the city said. “Not only is Yardi offering a $25,000 donation, it is also offering a $25,000 matching grant.”

The city also acknowledges returning sponsors The Cederlof Family, Cottage Health, Ergomotion, Fuel Depot and Point Market, and Santa Barbara Airbus, as well as new sponsor the Eng-Denbaars Family. 

Sponsors help cover the costs of the drone light show itself, security, audio/visual, custodial services, and entertainment.

The event will take place the evening of July 4 at Dos Pueblos High School, 7266 Alameda Ave., Goleta.

In addition to the Drone Light Show itself, there will be music, activities, entertainment, food trucks and a VIP section.

To watch a video recap of the 2025 Drone Light Show, visit https://youtu.be/B3azqD2hx0U.