Events · Updated 3 October 2026
One night left: the 4 October finale.
Updated 3 October 2026
The 34th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest wraps up on Sunday 4 October 2026 with two teams over the water in front of Macau Tower, plus the contest's first-ever closing drone finale. Here's who's firing, when, and where to stand.
- Night 3
- Friday 25 September 2026, 9:00pm and 9:40pm: Portugal vs South Korea (Mid-Autumn Festival, already fired)
- Night 4
- Thursday 1 October 2026, 9:00pm and 9:40pm: Thailand vs China (National Day, already fired)
- Night 5
- Sunday 4 October 2026, 9:00pm and 9:40pm: Philippines vs United Kingdom, then the closing drone finale ~10:00pm
- Launch site
- Sea area in front of Macau Tower
- Cost
- Free to watch
The finale
Each night features two competing teams, back to back, each display lasting about 18 minutes and synchronized with music.
- Friday 25 September (Mid-Autumn Festival). 9:00pm: Pirotecnia Duarte (Portugal). 9:40pm: Faseecom (South Korea). Portugal's team is competing in Macau for the first time this year.
- Thursday 1 October (National Day). 9:00pm: Thailand Fireworks (Thailand). 9:40pm: Dancing Fireworks Group (China). Expect the biggest mainland crowds of the contest on this night.
- Sunday 4 October (the finale). 9:00pm: Platinum Fireworks (Philippines). 9:40pm: Pyrotex Fireworx (United Kingdom). The British team won first prize last year and returns to defend the title. The prize-giving ceremony follows.
The tourism office notes the published dates and lineup remain subject to change, so check before you go.
The drone shows: new this year
Large-scale drone performances joined the contest for the first time in 2026, with more than 3,400 drones in formation, built around the theme "Set Sail for Macao, where the Silk Road Sparkles". The opening drone show already flew on 12 September. What's still to come is the closing drone finale on 4 October at about 10:00pm, right after the last fireworks display, the "Encounter with the Future" chapter that draws the curtain on the contest.
One practical consequence: private drones are banned on the Macao Peninsula from 8:00pm to 11:00pm on each contest night, except aircraft authorized for the event itself. Leave yours at the hotel.
Where to watch
The tourism office's six official vantage points in Macau:
- Macao Science Center waterfront, the main hub, with the Fireworks Carnival (food, performances, games) running 5:30–10:30pm on competition nights.
- Anim'Arte Nam Van, right by the water with a festival atmosphere.
- Avenida de Sagres, next to the Mandarin Oriental, a direct face-on view of the launch site.
- Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, between the Kun Iam Ecumenical Center and the Kun Iam Statue waterfront leisure area.
- Caminho Marginal do Lago, next to YOHO Treasure Island Hotel.
- Avenida do Oceano, Taipa, the Taipa-side option, looking back across the water.
The music that accompanies the displays is broadcast on TDM Radio Macau FM100.7, so bring a radio or tune in on your phone if you're watching from further away. This year the official viewing map also extends across the water to Zhuhai (Shizimen, Jialin Mountain, Lovers' South Road) and Hengqin (Hengqin Financial Island, Hengqin Bridge).
Going: the practicals
- Arrive early. The popular waterfront spots fill fast, especially on Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day and the final night. The carnival opens at 5:30pm, so going for dinner first is a reasonable strategy.
- It's free. No tickets for the waterfront viewing areas. Macau Tower sells its own ticketed viewing packages if you want a seat with dinner and a 360° view. Book early; contest nights have sold out weeks ahead in past years.
- Getting there. See our getting-there guide for ferries, the bridge and the light rail. If you're crossing from Hong Kong for a show night, every route compared.
- Where to stay. National Day week squeezes hotel availability across Macau. See where to stay in Macau and book early. Hotel deals for the fireworks nights on macaudeals.com.
- Weather. Displays can be delayed or adjusted for typhoon conditions. September is still typhoon season. Check the forecast on the day.
Pair a fireworks night with the Tower Skywalk:
Quick FAQ
When are the remaining fireworks nights?
Friday 25 September, Thursday 1 October and Sunday 4 October 2026. Two displays each night at 9:00pm and 9:40pm, about 18 minutes each.
Is it free?
Yes. General viewing from the waterfront and the official vantage points is free.
Where's a good spot?
The Macao Science Center waterfront and Anim'Arte Nam Van are the official hubs with music and the carnival. Avenida de Sagres by the Mandarin Oriental and Avenida do Oceano in Taipa face the launch site directly.
What's the drone show about?
Large-scale drone shows joined the contest for the first time in 2026, with over 3,400 drones. The closing drone finale is on 4 October at about 10pm, after the final fireworks.
Can I fly my own drone?
No. Private unmanned aircraft are banned on the Macao Peninsula from 8pm to 11pm on each contest night.
Which night is busiest?
1 October (National Day) draws the biggest mainland crowds; the 4 October finale is the other peak. Arrive well before 9pm for a waterfront spot.
Schedule and team lineup verified 24 September 2026 against the Macao Government Tourism Office announcement and Macau Tower's event page. Dates and lineup remain subject to change by the organizers.