The punniest time of the year for Star Wars fans returns this weekend.
This Sunday is “May the Fourth,” the day that so closely resembles the Jedi catchphrase that it has become the informal day to commemorate the epic space trilogy and — most of — its prequels, sequels and spinoffs.
Instead of dusting off a VHS tape of 1977’s “A New Hope” or streaming the latest episode of “Andor,” here are some events and sales around the city and region to help you celebrate the tales from a galaxy far, far away with other fans.
Oh yeah, and May the Fourth be with you.
Buzz Cafe
This South Kensington spot is usually adorned with Star Wars toys, items and artwork by owner Terrence Laragione. On Sunday, Laragione’s oil paintings will be half-off to celebrate the day.
Ramona Susan’s Bake Shop
In Fishtown, Ramona Susan’s Bake Shop will have Star Wars-themed baked sweets and treats, including Baby Yoda cupcakes, Darth Vader chocolate cream sandwich cookies, Chewbacca dulce de leche sandwich cookies (which one Instagram follower brilliantly dubbed a “wookie cookie”).
Select amounts will be available for walk-ins, but items are already available on presale and available for pickup as early as Friday.
Queen & Rook
The South Street board game bar and restaurant has its Fantasy Renn Faire Block Party on Saturday, followed by Sunday’s Star Wars commemoration. Star Wars-themed cocktails, including the Windu (a mix of gold rum, pinot noir and pomegranate juice) and the non-alcoholic Grogu (he may be 50, but he’s still a child), are back on the menu. A highlighted selection of Star Wars board games will be available to play.
The Philly Game Shop
Just off South Street, this game store is hosting a kids- and teen-friendly Star Wars Unlimited card game unsealing event on Sunday at 6 p.m. Players will get to unseal a set of card packs, build a deck out of them and then compete against each other, with prizes for the winners.
Sign-ups are available on the shop’s Discord server, but they expect there to be space for walk-ins.
Hen Solo
This incredibly-named chicken shop in Manayunk is open year round, but what better day than May 4th to have one of their creatively named chicken sandwiches, wraps or “X-wings.” Other pun-tastic menu items include “the Obi-One Wrap,” “the Thai Fighter,” “the R2-Rabe Sharp,” and our personal favorite name, “the C-3Pineapple” — at least until something named after the Kessel Run shows up.
Hen Solo will give a 10% discount to customers who show up in costume and is also offering a galactic giveaway raffle for in-store orders.
CSz Philadelphia at the Adrienne Theater
On Sunday afternoon, this Center City Comedy troupe will present its “Improvised Star Wars” matinee show, using audience suggestions as the “the kyber crystals that power the story.”
The show opens Friday night and runs multiple nights and afternoons this May.
Philadelphia Phoenix
The city’s professional Ultimate Frisbee Association team’s home opener is also a Star Wars day game.
The Hotbirds started their season last weekend with a win over the DC Breeze, a team they haven’t beaten since 2017. They host the Toronto Rush on Sunday and encourage everyone who shows up to dress as their favorite character and to have a “galaxy far far away spirit.” There will be Star Wars music and activities, a lightsaber battle during halftime, and fans will find out if team mascot Birdy McBirdface has the Force skills to be a Jedi.
The tailgate starts at noon, and the game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the team’s website.
Lincoln Mill Haunted House presents Darkness Rising, a Star Wars-Inspired Haunted House
If the Star Wars universe didn’t have enough jump scares for your liking, there’s Lincoln Mill’s horror interpretation in Manayunk. The attraction’s main villain, Viktor Kane, has found some Sith robes and transformed into Darth Kane, and the horrors will have a sci-fi spin to the textile mills’ live actors, animatronics and special effects. Some characters will even be wielding “sabersaws,” which are apparently chainsaw lightsabers.
The event is one-night-only on Saturday, May 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $32 per person or $47 for VIP.
Kildare’s Irish Pub
In West Chester, Kildare’s will have Star Wars-themed trivia from 7 p.m., with prizes for first and second places, and best dressed, so costumes recommended.
Root Down Brewing Company
In Chester County, Root Down Brewing Company in Phoenixville is having a Baby Yoda Paint n Sip from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $35 and art supplies are provided.
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company
The Bucks County Brewery is having not just one, but four days of festivities, along with a special Star Wars-themed golden lager dubbed Bespin’s Best, named after the gas giant planet that was home to Cloud City and Lando Calrissian.
Events start Thursday night with Star Wars-themed trivia. A books n beers club meeting at 7 p.m. Friday will have a screening of “Star Wars Holiday Special,” which Harrison Ford seems to have successfully purged from his memory and George Lucas probably wishes he could.
Saturday has a free “ReThird of the Jedi” bash from noon with vendors, food and free drinks, a costume competition and flash tattoos. At 8 p.m., there is a live performance by tribute metal band Galactic Empire, which does require you to buy $25 tickets to attend.
Sunday caps things off with a “Blue Milk Brunch” at noon, which will have a cereal bar, Star Wars cartoons and activities for all ages.
A New Hope Star Wars Day
This Bucks County borough is really leaning into its name with a second annual Star Wars Day celebration. From noon to 4 p.m. there will be free themed activities for all ages along Main Street, and pay-as-you-go food and drink from participating businesses.
