It started as a popular joke amongst fans of the franchise and morphed into a full-fledged cult holiday that preludes Cinco de Mayo. May the Fourth be with you is not only an adage of good fortune, but a claim to a fandom of one of the most popular sci-fi mega-franchises in history. With so much happening this weekend, here are a few events to celebrate Star Wars Day in Tampa, or a galaxy far, far away.
Star Wars Takeover at the Glazer Children's Museum:
- Friday, May 4 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. is Jedi Training. Train like a Jedi and earn a certificate.
- Saturday, May 5 at 12 p.m. is Space Food, learn about and taste the food your favorite characters eat in space. At 1 p.m. create a character by making your own alien mask and continue your Jedi Training at 2 and 3 p.m. and earn a certificate.
- Sunday, May 6 enjoy Star Wars Day character visits; 12-1 p.m. for GCM members and 1-2 p.m. for general guests.
The 7th Annual MAY the 4TH be With You Party and Art Show at The Bricks Ybor:
- Friday, May 4 from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. wear your best costumes as first, second, and third place will all take home prizes. Adult piñata also present with Stoli Vodka and Jaegermeister.
- Saturday, May 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. bring the kids for coloring, Star Wars gadgets and a costume contest. Kid friendly piñata and pet costume contest also included.
At Franklin Manor there's a May The 4orce Be With You Party w/ special guest host Bill Bellamy. Mighty Mongo and live w/ DJ's Justin Dj, Casper Layman & Marco Flaco Sequeira on Friday night. Before the party starts the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Bruins at 7pm, with 1/2 off tabs during the game!
The Clearwater Threshers host The Dunedin Blue Jays at Spectrum Field for Star Wars Day, offering the first 1000 fans a costumed Phinley bobblehead doll. Also take pictures with the 501st Legion and stick around for a fireworks show. Tickets range from $6 for berm seating to $10 for a premium box.
Join Hillsborough County for a May the 4th celebration you won't forget as the county attempts to set the world record for most continuous lightsabers crossed in a line; yeah that's a thing! Set at the Northdale Recreation Center, all participants must provide their own lightsaber, and costumes are strongly encouraged. The event goes from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. with various events and a Jedi Tai Chi class. The attempt to set record will be at 6:30 p.m.
The Regency Park Library in Largo will host a Star Wars Day after-hours Party from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4. Celebrate Star Wars day after close for themed crafts, snacks, activities and more. A photo booth will be present as well as guests from the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers. Themed Costumes are highly encouraged.
Unwind with the May the Fourth Be With You Rock The Patio Party at McAnderson's House of Brews in Lutz, featuring live music from One Mile Final from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and share a free drink if you dress up in a Star Wars-themed costume.
Get your Electronic Music on at the cantina at The RITZ Ybor from 10 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. Enjoy a rager from a galaxy far, far away for #Pound Fridays. There's a free guest list for guys until 11:30 p.m., and for ladies until midnight. 18 and up can enjoy six different musicians presented by Sunset Events and Tampa EDM.
Enjoy Trek Wars: An Outdoor Concert by the Tampa Bay Symphonic Winds in their first ever outdoor concert series as a part of Tampa Riverfest 2018. The performance will feature music from Star Wars and Star Trek conducted by founder and artistic director David Triplett-Rosa performed at Water Works Park from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.
Star Wars Party: Revenge of the 5th: Goth out with your Hoth out at The Castle's sixth annual Star Wars night party. Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character from Tatooine to Alderaan and celebrate the international phenomena including a costume contest. There will be a Wookie howling contest, themed drink and shot specials and much more. Trekkies can also come out and have a good time in their Starfleet uniforms. Cover is $13, 18 and up.
With a plethora of events in the galaxy you don't have to go home bored this weekend! Looking for more events around non-normal holidays in Tampa? Stay here at 813area from National Donut Day to 4/20, we've got you covered!
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
