Six fireworks teams from around the world are coming to Traverse City this week to compete in the fourth annual International Fireworks Championship Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12 at Turtle Creek Stadium.

Teams representing Canada, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States earned invitations by winning previous fireworks competitions. Each team will have up to 15 minutes to present a choreographed pyrotechnics display set to music.

“The International Fireworks Championship is unlike anything else in the country,” Trevor Tkach, President & CEO of Traverse City Tourism, said in a statement. “We invite the world’s best pyrotechnics teams to Northern Michigan to show off their technical expertise, artistry, and their own cultural flair. These teams bring their ‘A game’ and their fireworks displays truly captivate the senses.”

Last year’s champions from Poland will return to defend their title alongside a field of newcomers to the competition. Three teams will present their displays Friday evening followed by a curated grand finale. The remaining three teams will compete Saturday evening, followed by a second show-closing finale.

Each night, the audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite team for the “Best of Show” award. Following Saturday’s competition, a panel of pyrotechnic experts will evaluate each team’s choreography, synchronization to music, and overall experience to determine the 2026 International Fireworks Championship winner.