Darkness doesn’t fall here; it explodes into light. Witness the night sky ablaze with color and sound. Following two years of dazzling displays, the third annual International Fireworks Championship is coming back to Traverse City, Michigan! On September 5th and 6th, 2025, pyrotechnic teams from across the globe will come together to light up the northern Michigan sky. The championship is hosted at Turtle Creek Stadium, the perfect venue to experience a fireworks show. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as the talented, international pyrotechnicians compete for the ultimate prize.
The doors will open at 6pm, giving spectators time to settle in before the competition kicks off at dusk (predicted to be around 8:30pm). It is recommended that you arrive at the stadium at least an hour before the first fireworks start flying to avoid being stuck at the gate. Come hungry, thirsty, and merry —food and drinks will be available throughout the night, and pre-show entertainment will play until 8pm at the 4Front stage.
As a member of the IFC crowd, you will not just be there to take in the stunning visuals and symphonic melodies… you’ll participate in judging the displays! Spectator voting will take place after the final show each night. You’ll cast your vote based on the curated music selections, the synchronization of the pyrotechnics with the tunes, and the colorful designs created in the sky by each team. Each night, a fan winner will be crowned based on the spectator votes, and the panel of judges will award the coveted championship trophy at the conclusion of Night Two. The evening won’t end there, because after each trophy ceremony comes the spellbinding finale show. On Friday night, the 2024 champions, UK-based Selstar Fireworks, will take the stage. On Saturday, the panel of judges will present a once-in-a-lifetime pyrotechnic extravaganza, complete with custom-made fireworks.
Meet the 2025 Competitors!
Canada
KUMA Fireworks: Established in 2013, Team Canada embraces innovation while honoring tradition and has spent the past 12 years crafting top tier pyrotechnic displays worldwide.
China
Hunan Fireworks Troupe: A well-decorated team committed to “creating unique fireworks”, the Troupe is China’s first cultural and creative enterprise specializing in fireworks.
Poland
Nakaja Art: With a 30-year history of excellence, Team Poland is known for producing the highest number of displays in the country and putting on large-scale pyro productions.
Portugal
IGNITIONCONCEPT: Team Portugal’s groundbreaking work has earned top honors at prestigious international competitions, making their group synonymous with innovation and entertainment.
Serbia
Pyro Team Serbia: A distinguished pyrotechnics company renowned for its inventive and artistic fireworks displays, Team Serbia reached new heights in 2024 by winning the Pyro Jam competition.
USA
Pyro Spectaculars: Now on its fifth generation, Team USA demonstrates its mastery and impact through numerous international competitions, captivating community festivals, and annual world-class productions.
Create a Traverse City itinerary and make a weekend of the event. Remember, the doors won’t open until 6pm, so you’ll have all day to embark on other adventures in our region. Take a wine tour of the award-winning vineyards, peruse local shops on Front Street, hike the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, or have a picnic on the coast of Lake Michigan. Take full advantage of the final moments of summer in northern Michigan.
Run, don’t walk… IFC tickets are on sale NOW! Celebrate the end of the season with a bang and c’mon up for an explosion of fun at the International Fireworks Championship.
Check out the 2024 recap for a glimpse into the enchanting event:
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