Ocean Beach Fourth of July drone show will be above OBES

The Luminosity Steering Committee is putting the final touches on the inaugural Ocean Beach Independence Day Drone Light Show for Tuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.

This free, pet-friendly event will feature a stunning display of 300 drones presented by Skyworx. The show will take place directly over Ocean Beach Elementary School, 4741 Santa Monica Ave., with visibility expected throughout Ocean Beach and Point Loma. To maximize the experience, spectators are advised to position themselves at a suitable distance from the school.

Adding to the enchantment, a musical soundtrack will accompany the synchronized drone light display. The broadcast will commence at 8:45 p.m. and will be available for streaming at http://oceanbeach.live.

To generate excitement and engagement, the Luminosity Steering Committee has organized a social media contest. Participants are encouraged to post about the drone show, and the best entries will have a chance to win prizes generously provided by local businesses.

Luminosity, in collaboration with Peninsula Alliance, a nonprofit organization, relies solely on community donations and sponsorships to make this event possible. As an all-volunteer organization, Luminosity is still actively seeking donations on its website, both to ensure the success of this year’s show and to pave the way for future editions.

Initially, Dog Beach was the intended launch site for the drone show. However, because of nearby sensitive habitats, the location required permits, studies, and applications from multiple government agencies, which caused the group to pivot to OB Elementary this year.

“To ensure the show takes place in 2023, we had to swiftly change our plans and choose an alternate site,” said Mike James, co-chair of Luminosity. “In many ways, this location is even better as it is more centrally situated. We can utilize the entire block of the school and extend the display and safety zone over the Ocean Beach Rec Center and Pioneer School.”

The 12-minute drone show promises to have minimal impact on the neighboring residential areas, as the drones produce a sound level of only approximately 73 decibels. The drones will fly at an altitude of 300 to 400 feet, so the Newport Avenue business district offers one of the best vantage points for spectators to enjoy the display.

“We encourage beachgoers on the Fourth of July to explore the shops and restaurants in the area and then enjoy the drone show,” added James. “This presents a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors alike to make the most of the festivities and support local businesses in the process.”

Skyworx and the Global Drone Network, an international drone collaborative, will craft a custom, choreographed display, laying the groundwork for an annual event the entire community can be proud of. Notably, Skyworx and the Global Drone Network recently held the first drone show at Fenway Park after a Boston Red Sox game, showcasing their expertise in creating stunning aerial spectacles.

The Luminosity Steering Committee expresses its deep gratitude to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569 for their unwavering support. Additionally, they acknowledge the invaluable collaboration with Skyworx, the drone show operators, and the Global Drone Network, without whom this event would not be possible.

For detailed information and updates, visit obluminosity.com.