Drone show debuts in Chula Vista

On Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, Chula Vista will host the DroneArt Show — what is being called the longest drone show ever staged — featuring 45 minutes of choreographed drone flight at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.

Presented by Fever in partnership with Nova Sky Stories, the global spectacle brings together world-class drone engineers, musicians, and creatives to deliver an immersive experience that blends technology, art, and live music.

DroneArt Show was born from a desire to make drone performances more than a fleeting moment.

“Before now, drones were mostly used to enhance larger events like sports or opening ceremonies,” said those associated with the show.

“We wanted to flip the script and place drone choreography front and center as an art form in itself, so audiences could experience it fully.”

The concept combines the emotional depth of classical music with the expressive visuals of choreographed drones, creating a sensory performance in which the music provides narrative, shape, and feeling, while the drones translate that into motion and light.

For the Chula Vista performance, the team spent months planning every detail. Each of the 500+ drones is pre-programmed with specific GPS coordinates, speed, and spacing, ensuring perfect alignment with the music.

Flight technicians monitor all drones in real time from a central control system, while the drones’ onboard computers report position and status continuously. If any drone malfunctions, it automatically returns safely to the ground without disrupting the show.

Multiple test flights are conducted before each performance to guarantee precision and safety.

“The preparation is a mix of art and logistics,” according to show reps. “We use 3D visualization software for planning, but every show also requires in-air testing to make sure the choreography works perfectly in the sky.”

The music program features Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. According to the team, these compositions were chosen for their emotional resonance. They’re evocative and emotive, which allows the visual storytelling to follow the crescendos and pauses in the music. Audiences are taken on a journey where all their senses are engaged.

The drones perform continuously for 45 minutes, creating a full-length narrative rather than a brief spectacle.

The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center enhances the experience with its 155-acre scale, providing unobstructed viewing from many vantage points. Attendees can enjoy standard seating, picnic areas, or VIP picnic zones. VIP tickets include a central location, personal picnic blanket, drink token, and fast-track entry. All seating is first-come, first-served, and VIP options sell out quickly, show reps said.

DroneArt Show is a collaboration between engineers, pilots, software specialists, artists, musicians, and creative producers. Technologies powering the show include advanced flight control software, RTK base stations, and custom-designed light drones.

Show reps said it’s rare to find such a close integration of engineering and creativity. The team spans continents, from choreographers to software engineers, and it only works because of how closely these disciplines collaborate.

Safety measures are built into every aspect of the performance. Drones are never manually flown, safety perimeters are established, and no-fly zones are programmed into the choreography. Test flights confirm that all systems operate correctly before the audience arrives.

Since its debut, DroneArt Show has toured globally, including Paris, Madrid, Rome, London, and Melbourne. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with organizers planning to expand to additional cities, introducing new music, larger drone fleets, and interactive experiences in the future.

The show is suitable for all ages. Organizers recommend arriving early to secure the best viewing spots, enjoy food trucks, and watch the sunset. Picnic blankets are encouraged by those in the picnic areas, and warm clothing is recommended for this outdoor, nighttime event.

Whether attending as a family, on a date night, or with friends, the experience offers a rare opportunity to witness art and technology merging under the stars.

People have left absolutely mesmerized by the sky, and every show becomes a story unique to that night and that place.