Drones illuminated the sky with patriotic images above Santa Maria on Friday night, the day before a similar display will take place in Goleta as the Central Coast celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States.

For those favoring traditional Independence Day fireworks shows, Santa Barbara and Solvang still will deliver those pyrotechnics Saturday night.

The North County drone show Friday night attracted spectators to viewing spots around the downtown area in Santa Maria as the lighted small aircraft morphed into various images such as a boot, “805,” an American flag, “Elks” and “USA 250.”

This year’s show took place with the theme of “Stars and Stripes, Santa Maria.”

Another drone light show will take place Saturday evening in Goleta at the Dos Pueblos High School football stadium, 7266 Alameda Ave., with a full slate of entertainment planned leading up to the big display.

The high school parking lot will open at 5 p.m. with spaces available on a first-come basis. Starting at 5:30 p.m., Santa Barbara Airbus will provide free shuttle service from the Costco parking lot at the Camino Real Marketplace. 

The gates will open at 6 p.m. with food trucks available in the stadium along with music, dancing and other activities until 9 p.m.

At 9:10 p.m., 2026 Santa Barbara Teen Star Brynn Wood will sing the national anthem, followed by the 12-minute drone light show starting at 9:15 p.m. 

For more details, rules and reserved seating, click here.

The county’s two fireworks shows will launch at approximately 9 p.m. Saturday after a day of other activities for their celebrations. 

Santa Barbara’s event is set to start at noon at the West Beach Bandstand, and will be capped off with a 20-minute fireworks display over the waterfront around 9 p.m.

For more event information, including parking and road closures, visit the Fourth of July Celebration website.

Solvang’s morning parade will be followed by a Fireworks Festival at Old Mission Santa Inés, 1760 Mission Drive. The event will feature live music, a food court, vendors and a kid’s zone.

The entry fee is $15 for adults and free for kids under 12 years old. Active-duty military members and up to four immediate family members receive free entry with a valid military ID. Tickets can be purchased here.

For a story spelling out the full slate of various daytime and evening events to celebrate the Fourth of July around the county Saturday, click here.