History of Big Bay Boom in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 5, 2025

The Big Bay Boom is an annual Independence Day fireworks display held in San Diego, California, since 2001. Claimed as one of the largest in the U.S., it's a complex event spanning multiple locations along San Diego Bay. The Port of San Diego is the primary sponsor. Pyro Spectaculars has presented the show since 2014, after acquiring San Diego Fireworks. Approximately half a million people gather each year to watch the spectacle on the shores of San Diego Bay.

2001: First Fireworks Display

In 2001, the first Big Bay Boom fireworks display took place, launching from two barges in San Diego Bay, initiated by Sandy Purdon with support from bayside business owners and the Port of San Diego.

2004: Three Barges Involved

In 2004, the Big Bay Boom fireworks display expanded to involve three barges in San Diego Bay.

2005: Four Barges Involved

In 2005, the Big Bay Boom fireworks display further expanded to involve four barges in San Diego Bay.

2010: Display Spans Five Locations

From 2010, the Big Bay Boom spanned 14 miles and five locations, making it a logistically complex display.

2010: Imperial Beach Pier Added

In 2010, the Imperial Beach pier was added as a fifth location for the Big Bay Boom fireworks display.

2010: Legal Action Threatened

Starting in 2010, the future of the Big Bay Boom fireworks show was questioned due to threatened legal action by the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, claiming additional pollution and environmental permits are required.

July 4, 2012: Fireworks Mishap

On July 4, 2012, a Big Bay Boom show presented by Garden State Fireworks went awry, resulting in 7,000 fireworks discharging prematurely and simultaneously from all locations in less than a minute.