You might never meet more dedicated fans of a film franchise than Star Wars fanatics, so much so that they at one point unofficially dubbed May 4 “Star Wars Day,” and the annual tradition has carried on.
Yes, it’s unknown when the holiday originated, or even who came up with the gimmick, but it’s clever enough to have stuck around, thanks to the famous phrase “May the 4th Be with You” that made the date unforgettable, even for those who are not die-hard fans of the movies.
Worshippers of the films, however, have Star Wars Day marked on their calendars, eager to celebrate with a marathon of the iconic movies or gather with fellow fans at Galaxy’s Edge in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida, where they can travel to a galaxy far, far away on the Millennium Falcon ride or make their own lightsaber.
Although the Star Wars-themed attractions are popular with many Disney park-goers, there are many events commemorating the special day happening right in your neighborhood, and at a much cheaper entry fee.
We’ve scoured the Internet to find some budget-friendly activities around the U.S. that Star Wars fans can relish in for the occasion. From costume contests to trivia and Dark Vader-centered brunches, there’s no shortage of events to memorialize the legendary franchise all weekend long.
Museums
Liberty Science Center
For those in the tri-state area, consider venturing to the Liberty Science Center (LSC) in Jersey City, New Jersey, where visitors are invited to sport their best intergalactic costume and meet with the heroes and villains of the franchise.
There will be photo opportunities, and guests can also admire the exhibits and shows regularly offered at the museum. Star Wars-themed attractions will take place on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. Tickets are $31 for adults and $26 per child aged two to 12, as listed on the LSC’s website.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California, planned an entire day for their guests to geek out on all things Star Wars on Sunday, May 4. The full itinerary on their website includes a community mural inspired by Star Wars characters, an R2-D2 meet and greet, tours delving into the fantasy universe, interactive performances, and screenings of select Star Wars episodes.
The fun begins at 10 a.m., and select attractions are free with general admission. Tickets for screenings are sold separately on their website.
The Museum of Flight
If you’re near Seattle, Washington, hop over to The Museum of Flight on Sunday, May 4, for a day of family activities. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can marvel at lightsaber shows and training by the Kamino Saber Guild, face painting, live entertainment, and an all-ages costume contest.
Plus, the afternoon features a Star Wars story time and a presentation of the spacecraft of Star Wars by the Museum’s Aircraft Restoration Expert, Logan Shepard. The activities are complimentary with museum membership and are included in general admission.
Tip: They’re also offering a discount on admission or membership for those who arrive in costume.
Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts
Another museum the kids will love is the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring, Texas. The museum is a world-class exhibit and, for one day only, is holding a LEGO Pop-Up event for Star Wars fans.
According to their website, there will be creative LEGO displays and activities on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and admission and participation is completely free. Those interested in attending can visit the museum’s website to register.
Bookstore and Retail
Barnes & Noble
Another reason to go to Barnes & Noble on Star Wars Day, besides the slew of themed merchandise and novels about the fantasy series, is for the bookstore’s special Star Wars Day events.
Various B&N locations are offering activities such as games, trivia, and even tattoo stations, like the Victorville, California store. The Duluth, Minnesota store urges visitors to don their most on-brand costumes and will have photo opportunities with cosplayers, while the Collins, Colorado location is also hosting fun activities for the whole family. Check your local B&N to see how they’re celebrating Star Wars weekend.
LEGO Store
The LEGO Store is also attracting guests to numerous locations by introducing a build-your-own LEGO Grogu station, where they can take home the finished product. Limited quantities are available, and it is on a first-come, first-serve basis, but several LEGO stores will have this special deal all weekend long.
Those who visit the LEGO store in the Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey, on Saturday, May 3, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., could nab a chance to make their own Grogu, while their locations in Disney Springs, Florida, is hosting the event from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check the LEGO Store website to see if a store near you is participating in this unique offering.
Restaurants/Bars
On Par Entertainment
In Beavercreek, Ohio, locals can flock to On Par Entertainment on Sunday, May 4, for a free Star Wars-themed trivia and costume party.
The festivities are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and all ages are welcome. Guests can also indulge in their full-service menu of burgers, sandwiches, various platters, pizzas, flatbreads, and more.
NRE Space
NRE Space in Ithaca, New York, invites guests to their celebration with an ingenious name: May the Fork Be with You. On Sunday, May 4, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., adults 21 and over can feast on an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch, along with themed mimosas, trivia, and giveaways.
General admission is $45, and a couple’s ticket (admitting two people) is $60. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite here.
Navarino Orchard
Anyone interested in a creative and calming experience while celebrating Star Wars should pop over to Navarino Orchard in Lafayette, New York, on Wednesday, May 7, where local crafting shop Heart Felt Arts is holding an Ewok needle felting class for beginners.
No experience is necessary, and for $39, you get to walk away with an adorable Ewok character made by you. Interested patrons can register via Eventbrite.
Home Run Dugout
Excitement is brewing around the Sunday, May 4, Star Wars-themed event at the Home Run Dugout indoor batting cages, restaurant, and entertainment venue in Katy, Texas. B
eginning at 3 p.m., guests can test their trivia knowledge and participate in a costume contest to win fun prizes. There will also be drink specials and various Star Wars productions playing on the big screen.
Hen Solo
The fact that Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, chef Dean Leevongcharoen opened a Star Wars-themed restaurant called Hen Solo shortly ahead of Star Wars Day answered fan’s prayers. The take-out eatery opened its doors earlier this year with predominately chicken-based meals and a wide range of diverse sauces, as per a recent Metro Philadelphia article.
Inspired by the chef’s love of Star Wars, the unique spot offers themed meals like The Obi-One Wrap, The Fiery Falcon, and The Galactic Guac. Hen Solo is open every day except Tuesdays. For those itching for one of their Star Wars-focused dishes on the holiday, they’re open on May 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Seasonal Fun
Galveston Historical Foundation
Saturday, May 3, kicks off Movie Nights, a part of the Strands Summer Series, at the Galveston Historical Foundation‘s Hendley Green Park in Galveston, Texas. Each month, a film is played at dusk on a big outdoor screen for patrons to enjoy free of charge. The timing is perfect for Star Wars weekend, as the first film in the series is Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977). Food and beverages are available for purchase via on-site food trucks and local vendors, though guests are advised to bring their own blankets and chairs for the lawn seating.
Lincoln Mill Haunted House
For one night (Saturday, May 3), thrill-seekers can experience an exclusive pop-up event at the Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building will be transformed into a Star Wars-inspired haunted house featuring live scary actors, animatronics, and special effects, as reported by Metro Philadelphia.
This is the first time that the horror house has gotten a Star Wars spin, per the outlet. Tickets for general admission are $32 and are available on their website.
Pet-Friendly
Dogtopia
Dogtopia, a doggy daycare, boarding, and pet spa with locations across the country that plan to join in the Star Wars fun, holding a themed photoshoot with many character options to dress up your furry companion.
According to their website, for just $7, guests can makeover their pup into Baby Yoda, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Rey for an adorable photo session.
Online Event
The Royal Institution
If you’re unable to visit any of the above happenings, perhaps an online event like The Chemistry of Star Wars would interest you. Award-winning chemist Alex Baker is live-streaming his session at The Royal Institution in London, England, as he dives into the real-world science behind the famed franchise.
During the hour-and-a-half discussion, Baker will explore the freezing of Han Solo, the colors of lightsabers, and much more, as per the Eventbrite posting. The event begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, and costs $5 USD.
Click here for tickets.
Whether you’re a major Star Wars buff or tagging along with someone who can’t get enough of the franchise, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this weekend in honor of the informal holiday. These are just some of our selections to consider, and we encourage you to contact restaurants, bookstores, retailers, and the like in your area to see if they’re hosting similar events close to home.
This post originally appeared on Travelbinger and has been republished with permission.