What you need for a fireworks show

A fireworks show needs more than pyrotechnics and a clear view. You will also need equipment for serving drinks and food, lighting for dark paths, and barriers and signs to keep the audience away from the launch zone. Check quantities against your guest count, venue layout and event length. Arrange items with delivery times in mind, especially toilets, tables, power equipment and safety materials.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 10
Buffet tablesqty 4
Registration desk
High tablesqty 12
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 400
Coffee cupsqty 120
Platesqty 350
Cutlery setsqty 350
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Power stripsqty 8
Cable matsqty 12

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 12
LED lampsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 12

Safety

Crowd control barriersqty 35
Crowd barriersqty 20
Warning signsqty 12
Safety tapeqty 10
Fire extinguishersqty 8
Fire blanketsqty 4
Bucketsqty 12
Sand pitsqty 4
Safety helmetsqty 6
Safety gogglesqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 12
Work glovesqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency lightsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2

Fireworks

Professional fireworks package
Fire blanketsqty 12
Protective tarpsqty 8
Ignition protection

Sanitary facilities

Portable toiletsqty 4
Handwashing stationsqty 2
Toilet paper holdersqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 10
Arrows for walking routesqty 20
Tableclothsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 18
Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 6
Dustpansqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Buckets for cleaningqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 12 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Peanuts - 4 kilos
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cheese cubes - 5 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 10 tubs
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Young matured cheese - 3 kilos
- Vegetarian toppings - 2 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegan snacks - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free snacks - 40 pieces
- Allergen stickers - 2 sheets
- Napkins - 800 pieces
- Paper straws - 400 pieces
- Disposable catering napkins - 400 pieces
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Compostable trash bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer gel - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Cool bags - 20 pieces
- Matches - 2 boxes
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 400 pieces
- Hot drink cups - 250 pieces
- Sugar-free lemonade - 12 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Chocolate cookies - 8 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Food containers - 400 pieces

Tips

Plan seating, tables and serving equipment around the registered guest count, then add a small buffer for late arrivals and staff. For a standing audience, provide roughly one high table for every 8 to 10 guests.
Prepare at least two drinking glasses per guest for a short show with refreshments, or three per guest if people will stay for an hour or more. Add separate coffee cups, plates and cutlery if you are serving food or hot drinks.
Darkness makes ordinary signs easy to miss. Use LED lamps or light strings at entrances, toilets and route changes, and keep flashlights available for staff and stewards.
Keep power equipment out of walking routes. Use cable reels, power strips and extension cords only where they match the venue’s supply, and cover every cable crossing with a cable mat before guests arrive.
Do not leave crowd barriers and warning signs until the final setup. Position them before the audience enters, with safety tape marking restricted areas and the launch zone clearly separated from the viewing area.

Frequently asked questions

How many glasses do I need for a fireworks show?: Allow two reusable glasses per guest for a short event with one serving round. For a show where guests stay for about an hour or longer, plan on three glasses per guest, plus a small reserve for breakage or collection delays.
How much lighting is needed for a fireworks event?: Light every entrance, toilet route, service point and change of direction. As a starting point, place an LED lamp or light string at each key point and keep at least two flashlights with the event team.
When should I arrange barriers and warning signs?: Set barriers, warning signs and safety tape before guests arrive and before any pyrotechnic equipment is delivered. Allow at least 60 minutes for a final walk-through of the audience area, escape routes and launch-zone boundary.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a fireworks show?: Base the quantity on your confirmed registrations and layout. For seated guests, plan one chair per person; for standing service, one high table for every 8 to 10 guests is a practical starting point, with extra tables for registration and catering.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.