Patriotic drone show, fireworks light up the South Beach sky. See the photos
By Al Diaz and
Kevin Scott
An airplane is depicted using drones in the sky over the beach during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
PHOTO BY AL DIAZ
adiaz@miamiherald.com
After the jets roared through the South Beach sky on Saturday during the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, the Memorial Day weekend celebration continued along Ocean Drive with the U.S. Air Force SaluteFest.
The experience included a 3D projection mapping show illuminating multiple buildings along Ocean Drive with patriotic visuals, a nighttime pyro parachute jump by the U.S. Army Golden Knights and British Red Devils, 1,000-drone light show powered by Hex, and a fireworks finale, creating a fully immersive tribute to the strength, service, and spirit of the U.S. Military.
Take a look at the evening:
Camila Santiago takes a selfie during a drone show display over the beach behind her during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Attendees watch a fireworks display during Memorial Day Weekend events at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
A U.S. Army parachutist approches a beach night landing during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
the U.S. Air Force Band performs on stage as attendees celebrate during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
the U.S. Air Force Drill Team Honor Guard performs as attendees celebrate during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Enrico Helfer, 3, pulls on his fathers ear, Luiz Helfer, as they celebrate during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
The U.S. Air Force Thunder Bird Team is projected on the facade of Art Deco Hotels along Ocean Drive as attendees celebrate during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
A U.S. Air Force jet is projected on the facade of Art Deco Hotels along Ocean Drive as attendees celebrate during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Elena Cairo, Fabio Esendero, and his daughter Izabella Esendero dance to the beat the U.S. Air Force Band performs on stage during Memorial Day Weekend at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 9:31 AM.
