Upland preview: ‘Light Up the Night’ fireworks, food vendors and expanded beer garden on July event

Recreation and Community Services Manager Jessica Escoto previewed the city’s annual Light Up the Night fireworks spectacular during the June 23 council meeting, outlining entertainment, logistics and ticketing for the July event.

Escoto said the 2025 event will include additional shaded areas to help guests escape the heat, about 30 food and merchandise vendors, historic and modern aircraft on display (including North American T‑6 Texans and B‑52 Mitchell), and an expanded adults‑only “Patriotic Pub” offering frozen margaritas and daiquiris. The event will again feature an 18‑minute fireworks show and a final 30‑minute performance by a returning band.

New attractions in the kids zone include a zipline and a pirate‑ship swing; volunteers and partner organizations (CERT, Civil Air Patrol and local sponsors) were credited with supporting the event. Tickets are on sale through June 30 for $15 per person at City Hall and the city’s recreation facilities and will increase to $20 on July 1; on‑site ticket sales will also be available the day of the event. Escoto said Eventbrite and city ticketing require ZIP code entry and that accessible parking passes are available at the Gibson Senior Center during business hours.

Council members asked whether the event would use buses (Escoto said guests would park and walk, not bus) and whether on‑site ticketing and ZIP‑code capture would be available (staff confirmed yes). Escoto said the city is coordinating with adjacent property owners and retailers such as Lowe’s and Walmart for additional nearby parking.

Escoto encouraged residents to watch the parks and recreation social channels for promotional codes and volunteer opportunities; she also noted the event is an opportunity for students to log service hours. The council thanked staff and volunteers for putting on the city’s major summer production.