Fireworks canceled for Long Beach’s “Big Bang on the Bay” after coastal commission vote

LONG BEACH, Calif. (FOX26) — A longtime Independence Day tradition in Long Beach will look very different this year.

For the first time since it began in 2011, the “Big Bang on the Bay” celebration will not include its signature fireworks show after a unanimous decision by the California Coastal Commission.

The July 3 event, held near Alamitos Bay, started as a 9/11 remembrance and grew into an annual holiday staple drawing thousands. But organizers say the centerpiece fireworks display has now been canceled following the commission’s vote to deny a permit.

The California Coastal Commission staff cited environmental concerns in their recommendation, pointing to impacts on birds, marine debris and water quality.

The decision is tied to conditions already put in place by the California Coastal Commission last year.

According to Coastal Commission documents, a 2025 permit allowed fireworks for that year, but required organizers to eliminate fireworks starting in 2026 and consider alternatives like drone shows.

A January 2026 rejection letter further states that any request to bring fireworks back would conflict with those existing permit conditions.

Instead, the commission encouraged organizers to consider a drone light show as an alternative.

Event organizer John Morris, who also owns a nearby restaurant, said that option is not financially realistic. He estimates a drone show large enough for crowds to see would require about 1,000 drones and cost roughly $200,000, compared to about $50,000 for fireworks.

Morris said the higher cost would eliminate the event’s ability to raise money for local youth programs.

We only raise a little over $200,000,” he said. “Now all the money’s gone.

According to Morris, the event has raised about $2 million for youth organizations since it began.

Despite letters of support from local, state and federal leaders, the commission upheld its decision. Morris said he believes the majority of the community supported keeping the fireworks, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

“The community loses big time,” he said.

In a statement, the Coastal Commission said it was “unfortunate” the event was canceled, adding it had hoped organizers would move forward while complying with permit conditions agreed to last year.

In a statement, the California Coastal Commission said it was “unfortunate that Mr. Morris has chosen to cancel this event,” adding that it had hoped the fundraiser would continue while complying with the terms of a previously approved permit.

The commission has taken similar actions in other coastal areas, including efforts to phase out motor vehicle use at Oceano Dunes along California’s Central Coast.