PGI keeps 2026 Wisconsin fireworks festival on schedule

The Pyrotechnics Guild International says its 2026 convention and public Wisconsin Fireworks Festival at Wisconsin International Raceway remain on schedule after severe storms hit parts of the Fox Valley. Tickets are on sale now, and PGI is urging early purchase as some seating has already sold out.

Why it matters: - The 2026 PGI Convention and Wisconsin Fireworks Festival are moving ahead despite storm damage in nearby Fox Valley communities. - The event draws spectators, hobbyists and professionals from across the U.S. and internationally. - The festival is one of the few chances for the public to see large-scale pyrotechnic displays typically reserved for industry attendees.

What happened: - The Pyrotechnics Guild International confirmed the 2026 PGI Convention and the public Wisconsin Fireworks Festival at Wisconsin International Raceway remain on schedule. - The announcement came after severe storms and tornado activity affected parts of the Fox Valley region, including Menasha, Neenah and nearby communities. - PGI leadership said there are no changes to the convention or public festival schedule.

The details: - The public festival will feature three nights of displays: a Saturday night grand opening display, a Wednesday night competition showcase and family value night, and a Friday night grand public display. - Each night will include a different program. - Planned features include choreographed pyro-musicals, precision-timed aerial effects, giant display shells, fireballs and ground effects, wheels and specialty pyrotechnics, sky salutes, drone segments and exhibition shells made by PGI members. - Gates open at 6:00 p.m., with fireworks beginning after dark. - General admission seating will be in the grandstand bleachers. - Ticket options include adult general admission, children’s tickets for ages 5-15, free admission for children 4 and under, limited VIP experiences and multi-night discounts. - Parking is free for attendees with pre-purchased event tickets. - Tickets are available at purchase tickets. - PGI said attendance is expected to be strong and some seating options have already sold out.

Between the lines: - PGI is emphasizing continuity and community support at the same time, signaling that the storms affected the region but not the event plan. - The early ticket push suggests PGI expects demand to remain high for a festival that serves both as a public spectacle and a funding source for the nonprofit’s mission. - Revenue from memberships, convention registrations, sponsorships and ticket sales supports PGI’s work in fireworks safety, education, training and pyrotechnic arts.

What's next: - PGI is directing guests to buy tickets early and plan ahead for seating, lodging and event details. - The organization says complete information on schedules, parking, lodging and ticket packages is available at event information. - The festival and convention are set to proceed in 2026 unless PGI announces changes later.

The bottom line: - PGI says the 2026 Wisconsin fireworks festival is still on track, and the main risk for attendees now appears to be limited seating rather than event cancellation.