This fireworks contest is like “Top Chef” but replace the food with fireworks.

Each team custom-builds its presentation for the Traverse City event to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Judges will score the teams on how they synchronize their fireworks visual displays with selected high-energy music.

Each entry will be formally judged, but the public has the final say on who wins the fan choice trophy, voting by QR code from the stands.

“This event features some of the top pyrotechnic teams in the world,” said Traverse City Tourism President, Trevor Tkach (Tah-koch).

Truly, this mesmerizing pyrotechnic competition is a blast for the whole family.

Entertainment leading up to main event sets the stage for the night. Once it’s dark, the competition begins.

“This is a fireworks event like no other,” said Mickey Graham, Director of Events at Traverse City Tourism. “There are bright colors, bold designs and fun concepts.”

Traverse City is believed to be the first host of an event of this kind in the US, building on similar fireworks competitions that are wildly popular in places like Europe, the UK, Canada, and Mexico.

Only a handful of Fireworks Competitions are held in the US, with the closest being staged in Missouri.

Traverse City’s competitors qualified for this event by participating and winning other competitions. This year’s country line-up is still TBA. 2025 had teams from Canada, China, Poland, Portugal, Serbia and USA.

“The Traverse City International Fireworks Competition provides an even playing field as all competitors are working to the same criteria and even from the same pool of fireworks,” said Robert Foti, from 2024’s Australian team.

“This allows us to experiment with design and soundtrack ideas. We can’t wait to see what everyone will do.”