American Samoa to host final America 250 show with drones and fireworks

American Samoa will stage the last official America 250 celebration on July 4 in Tafuna, using 300 drones and pyrotechnics in what organizers call the island’s largest display ever. The event is expected to draw thousands and cap a week of Independence Day festivities across the territory.

Why it matters: - American Samoa will close out the U.S. America 250 celebrations on Independence Day because of its time zone, making the territory the final official stop across states and territories. - The event combines community programming, a major tourism draw, and a large-scale aerial show in one of the territory’s biggest public celebrations in years.

What happened: - Verge Aero, ASTCA and Reid Group announced a drone and pyrotechnic show for Saturday, July 4, in Tafuna. - The celebration will be the final official America 250 event across all U.S. states and territories on July 4, 2026. - ASTCA CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas called the celebration “historic” and said the island is honoring America’s 250th anniversary with a week of events ending in an evening show.

The details: - The show will use 300 drones, including pyro-drones carrying live pyrotechnics. - Custom drone animations will honor both America and American Samoa with island-inspired and America 250-themed visuals. - Drone formations will be synchronized with ground-launched fireworks to create a combined aerial display. - The event site is Lions Park in Tafuna, with the concert hosted on the adjacent Samoa Motors grounds. - Best viewing areas will be in Lions Park and nearby open areas. - Gates open at 3:00 p.m. on July 4. - A pre-show with local performers begins at 4:30 p.m. - International headliners will include Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ NOIZ and the NATO Brothers. - Food vendors, cultural entertainment and family activities will run through the afternoon and evening. - The drone and fireworks display is scheduled for between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. - Thomas said several thousand residents and visitors are expected to attend. - The celebration will be the largest drone-and-fireworks display in American Samoa’s history. - The week-long festival will include the return of Fautasi races, sporting events, cultural ceremonies, museum exhibitions, a classic car show and family activities. - Verge Aero and HI Pyro, also known as Hawaii Explosives & Pyrotechnics, Inc., are producing the drone and firework performance. - The Reid Family Group’s companies, including Vaimalu, Coca-Cola, Active Pro, Samoa Motors, Pago Motors and P.E. Reid & Stevedoring, helped make the event possible. - ASTCA thanked Gov. Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula, Lt. Gov. Pulu Ae Ae Jr., American Samoa Government support agencies, NOAA Weather station, first responders, public safety agencies, volunteers, production crews, performers and other organizations supporting the event.

Between the lines: - The timing gives American Samoa a symbolic final turn in a nationwide milestone because the territory reaches July 4 later than the mainland U.S. - The mix of drones and fireworks signals a push for a more modern public-spectacle format while still keeping traditional Independence Day elements. - The event is being framed as a community-wide gathering, with Thomas saying the celebration belongs to the island’s residents.

What's next: - Residents and visitors can find additional celebration details on ASTCA’s Facebook page: More information. - Organizers are encouraging the public to attend safely and take part in the July 4 milestone. - The full festival schedule will build toward the nighttime drone and fireworks finale in Tafuna.