Pago Pago, American Samoa — When July 4th celebrations wind down across the continental United States, American Samoa will just be getting started. Thanks to its unique position in the Pacific, the island territory is set to be the site of the very last official America 250 celebration on Independence Day 2026 — and it promises to be one for the history books.

Verge Aero, alongside partner Hawaii Explosives & Pyrotechnics, Inc. (HI Pyro), will produce the largest drone and fireworks display in American Samoa's history at Lions Park in Tafuna. The show is being presented by ASTCA and the Reid Family Group as the grand finale of a week-long island-wide celebration honoring the United States Semiquincentennial.

The Show

A fleet of 300 drones — including pyro-drones carrying live pyrotechnics — will take to the skies above Lions Park, performing custom animations that weave together American Samoa's island culture with America 250 themes. The drone formations are choreographed in seamless synchronization with ground-launched fireworks, layering two distinct forms of aerial art into a single unified experience.

"While we've enjoyed fireworks before, combining cutting-edge drone technology with pyrotechnics creates an entirely new experience for our community," said Niko Wendt, CEO of Reid Group. "Most importantly, this brings families, cultures, veterans, and our entire community together to celebrate 250 years of American history."

A Once-in-a-Generation Moment

ASTCA's CEO, Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas, is calling it exactly what it is: historic.

"This is truly a once-in-a-generation celebration. American Samoa is honoring America's 250th anniversary in a way that's never been done before here — a full week of community events culminating in an unforgettable evening of music, drones, fireworks, and celebration. It's a moment that our island, and our people, will remember for years to come."

The July 4th celebration at Lions Park is expected to draw several thousand residents and visitors. Gates open at 3:00 p.m., followed by a pre-show with local performers at 4:30 p.m. and headlining performances from Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ NOIZ, and the NATO Brothers. Food vendors, cultural entertainment, and family activities will fill the afternoon before the synchronized drone and fireworks finale lights up the sky between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m.

The week leading up to July 4th features the return of the Fautasi canoe races, sporting events, cultural ceremonies, museum exhibitions, a classic car show, and family activities — all building toward the Independence Day culmination.

The Significance of Being Last

Because American Samoa sits west of the International Date Line, it observes one of the latest local times among all U.S. territories on any given calendar date. That means when the drones rise over Lions Park on the night of July 4th, every other America 250 celebration across the states and territories will have already concluded. American Samoa won't just participate in the Semiquincentennial — it will close it out.

ASTCA is presenting the event alongside the Reid Family Group, whose family of companies — including Vaimalu, Coca-Cola, Active Pro, Samoa Motors, Pago Motors, and P.E. Reid & Stevedoring — are playing an instrumental role in bringing the celebration to life.

For more details on American Samoa's 2026 Independence Day celebration, visit ASTCA's Facebook page.