Can you shoot off fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Wichita? Here’s what city laws say

If you’re planning a big celebration to ring in 2025, you’ll have to pack up your fireworks.

While firework shows on New Year’s may not be an uncommon way to celebrate, Wichita ordinances do not allow residents to set off their own fireworks.

There’s only one holiday in which residents can legally use fireworks in Wichita — the Fourth of July. Ordinances allow those celebrations from June 27 to July 5, with aerial fireworks being allowed only July 2-5.

So because the New Year’s holiday is outside of this range, anyone who shoots off fireworks in city limits could face possible fines.

Violations to the city’s firework ordinance could lead to a $1,000 fine for first-time violations (or 50 hours of community service), $1,500 fine for second violations and a $2,000 for third violations, the city’s website says.

But don’t fret, there are several events around Wichita that you can attend to ring in the new year without pyrotechnics — including a pickleball party at the Riverside Tennis Center, an Evening of Elegance at Eberly Farm, several concerts and some family friendly options.

This story was originally published December 30, 2024 at 11:29 AM.

Lindsay Smith

The Wichita Eagle

Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.