FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 9, 2026

 

Contact:
Nick Nerbonne
nick@traversecity.com
(231) 590-9942 

Six International Teams to Compete at Turtle Creek Stadium

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Six fireworks teams from around the world are coming to Traverse City this week to compete in the fourth annual International Fireworks Championship Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12 at Turtle Creek Stadium.

Teams representing Canada, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States earned invitations by winning previous fireworks competitions. Each team will have up to 15 minutes to present a choreographed pyrotechnics display set to music.

“The International Fireworks Championship is unlike anything else in the country,” said Trevor Tkach, President & CEO of Traverse City Tourism. “We invite the world’s best pyrotechnics teams to Northern Michigan to show off their technical expertise, artistry, and their own cultural flair. These teams bring their ‘A game’ and their fireworks displays truly captivate the senses.”

Last year’s champions from Poland will return to defend their title alongside a field of newcomers to the competition. Interviews and background information for all six competing teams are available at the International Fireworks Championship website.

Three teams will present their displays Friday evening followed by a curated grand finale. The remaining three teams will compete Saturday evening, followed by a second show-closing finale.

Each night, the audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite team for the “Best of Show” award. Following Saturday’s competition, a panel of pyrotechnic experts will evaluate each team’s choreography, synchronization to music, and overall experience to determine the 2026 International Fireworks Championship winner.

Friday Tickets Still Available
While the Saturday session is sold out, a limited number of tickets are available for Friday evening’s competition. Tickets and details are available here: https://traversecityifc.saffire.com/p/tickets.22

Behind the Boom: Fireworks Display Operators Course
As part of the two-day championship, American Fireworks Company is sponsoring a Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) Display Operators Course on Saturday, Sept. 12. The instructional course runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Turtle Creek Stadium and includes a textbook and lunch for $99 per person - details and registration here.

The International Fireworks Championship is organized by Traverse City Tourism and sponsored by TVC Airport, The Carrithers Family, Priority Health, Saffire, OAV, Fox Grand Traverse, Bookkeeping Solutions of Traverse City, and the Michigan Air National Guard.

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About Traverse City Tourism

Traverse City Tourism is an independent, not-for-profit destination organization that promotes the greater Traverse City area as a leisure and business destination with an excellent quality-of-life. Through the impact of travel, Traverse City Tourism helps strengthen the local economy and supports a thriving entrepreneurial community. Details of the regions lodging, attractions and area events are available at www.TraverseCity.com

Nick Nerbonne | Communications Director
231.590.9942 | nick@traversecity.com