Low-explosive fireworks are used for aesthetics and entertainment. Fireworks shows, also known as pyrotechnics, use many devices in an outdoor setting. Cultural and religious celebrations center on such displays.

Fireworks produce noise, light, smoke, and floating materials in many forms (confetti most notably). They can emit red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and silver flames and sparks. They're either ground or aerial performers. Skyrockets or mortars propel aerial fireworks (aerial shells).

Most fireworks are pyrotechnic stars in a paper or pasteboard tube. When lit, several of these tubes or cases can create a variety of sparkling shapes, often in different colors. Skyrockets, originally used in warfare, are now fireworks. Today's commercial aerial displays rely on the aerial shell, which is sold as the "festival ball" in the US.