How Much Do Americans Spend on Fireworks

Booms, bangs, and bursts of color—fireworks are the heartbeat of every epic celebration.

From massive Fourth of July shows to backyard birthday bashes, lighting up the sky has become an American tradition that just keeps getting louder (and more exciting).

But have you ever stopped to ask: how much do Americans spend on fireworks every year?

Spoiler alert: It's not pocket change.

At Red Apple Fireworks, we don't just sell fireworks—we live and breathe them. We're in the labs tweaking formulas, on the ground testing effects, and around the globe sourcing only the best.

So, when it comes to fireworks and the dollars behind them, you can trust us to break it all down with expert insight—and a whole lot of passion.

What this article covers:

• So, How Much Do Americans Spend on Fireworks?
• Fireworks Spending Over the Years
• Consumer vs. Display Fireworks Spending: Where the Money Goes
• Why Fireworks Spending Is Increasing

So, How Much Do Americans Spend on Fireworks?

The short version: over $2.7 billion in 2024 alone. Yep, you read that right. Americans lit up the skies with more than two billion dollars' worth of firecrackers, Roman candles, epic finale fireworks, and dozens more!

Even better? $2.3 billion of that came from consumer fireworks—the kind that you, your neighbors, and the whole squad are setting off across the country.

The rest, about $400 million,came from large-scale professional display shows.

These numbers aren't a fluke. Every year, more people are choosing to put on their own show, and they're not just grabbing random firecrackers—they want value, power, and performance. They want the best fireworks for the money, and they know where to get it (ahem... Red Apple Fireworks).

Fireworks Spending Over the Years

Let's take it back for a second. Fireworks aren't just a fun way to cap off the night—they're part of our national story.

The very first Independence Day fireworks show lit up Philadelphia in 1777, just one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

That celebration included cannons, bells, bonfires, musket fire, and—of course—explosions in the sky to mark the birth of a nation. It set the tone for a tradition that would grow louder, brighter, and more spectacular with every passing year.

By the 1800s, fireworks had become the go-to centerpiece for Fourth of July festivities across towns and cities nationwide.

Pyrotechnics were imported from Europe and China, and by the early 1900s, American manufacturers were stepping into the game, crafting colorful displays tailored for the U.S. crowd.

Throughout the 20th century, fireworks became synonymous with patriotism, summer fun, and community events—from coast-to-coast city shows to family-filled backyard displays.

But the biggest shift came in the last two decades.

In 2000, Americans spent around $610 million on fireworks. Fast forward to 2024, and that number shot past $2.7 billion. That's not just a jump—it's a sky-high rocket ride of popularity.

And it's no mystery why. Thanks to cutting-edge innovation, easier online access, better pricing, and unbeatable assortments (shoutout to our Red Apple Fireworks samplers), more people are choosing to take their celebrations into their own hands.

They're not just buying more—they're buying smarter. That means locking in the best firework assortments that deliver massive results, every single time.

Consumer vs. Display Fireworks Spending: Where the Money Goes

Let's talk categories. There are two big players in the game.

Consumer Fireworks

These are the fireworks anyone can buy—like our canister shell kits, 500-gram cakes, fountains, sparklers, and rockets. They're legal in many states (check your local laws), and they're designed to be fun, safe, and spectacular for personal use.

More and more families, friends, and firework fanatics are turning to these products to create unforgettable homegrown displays.

It's not just about grabbing a few sparklers anymore—it's about building a custom show that lights up the whole block.

And let's be real. When folks search for the best fireworks for the money, they're looking for Red Apple.

Display Fireworks

These are the pro-level, high-altitude shells used at stadiums, city events, and big-time productions.

They're launched by licensed pros and coordinated to music, lights, and more. They're amazing, no doubt—but they also come with higher costs, more permits, and a lot less accessibility.

That's why consumer fireworks are dominating the spend. They're more accessible, more versatile, and more fun for the average pyro lover who wants to make their party legendary.

Why Fireworks Spending Is Increasing

So, why are fireworks sales going through the roof? We've got the answers—because we're at the center of the boom.

Backyard Takeover

From birthdays shows to New Year's display to gender reveal fireworks shows, more people are keeping their celebrations close to home.

And what better way to wrap up a backyard bash than with a full-blown fireworks show?

Retail + Online Explosion

We're not just in stores anymore. With epic websites (like ours—toot toot) and better access to shipping info, deals, and alerts for when do fireworks go on sale, it's never been easier to stock up.

Better Quality, More Variety

Gone are the days of “meh” fireworks. Today, people want fireworks that wow—clean lifts, neon colors, multi-effect bursts.

And Red Apple Fireworks delivers with custom-blended formulas, jaw-dropping packaging, and wild themes inspired by music, anime, pop culture, and more.

Just look at some of the demos on our best sellers, like the Mob Madness 196 Shots XL® Aerial Finale Set® and Whiz-Bang™ Whistling Bottle Rockets.

Social Media = Show Time

What's a celebration without the perfect slo-mo firework post? Social media has turned fireworks into shareable moments.

That's why people are chasing bigger displays, better effects, and those Club Red Apple Membership exclusives that just look insane on video.

Conclusion

At over $2.7 billion spent in 2024, fireworks are more than just a seasonal trend—they're a core part of how we party.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned show-runner, there's never been a better time to stock up, light it up, and level up your celebration game.

At Red Apple Fireworks, we're here to make every event legendary. From curated assortments to massive finales, we've got what you need—and then some.

Want exclusive deals, early access to drops, and VIP perks? Join Club Red Apple—our membership program that hooks you up with serious savings and insider-only offers all year long.

Shop Red Apple Fireworks now and get the best fireworks for the money, all year long. Let's light it up!

If you want to learn more, check out this article below:

• Where Can I Buy Fuse for Fireworks
  
• How Do Fireworks Work?
• Chemistry of Fireworks
• How Are Metallic Salts Used in Fireworks?
• Is Magnesium Used In Fireworks?
• What Makes Fireworks Whistle?
• Where Are Fireworks Made?
• Is There Gunpowder in Fireworks?
• How to Light Fireworks
• What Are Firework Fuses Made of?
• Firework Safety
• Safe and Sane Fireworks
• Pets and Fireworks
• Do You Need a License to Sell Fireworks?
• Is It Safe to Do Fireworks on Grass?