May the Fourth: A Galaxy‑Wide Celebration of Star Wars Day

Every May 4th, millions of fans around the world come together to celebrate “Star Wars Day.” It’s a day when the power of the Force gets a little boost, and you can’t scroll through social media without tripping over lightsabers, memes, or special deals on your favorite Star Wars gear. But where did this fun tradition begin? How did it grow from a fan joke into a full‑blown, galaxy‑wide party? And what kinds of events and treats can you expect? Let’s jump into the cockpit and explore the story behind Star Wars Day—in simple, friendly language.

What Is Star Wars Day?

Star Wars Day isn’t an official holiday like Christmas or the Fourth of July. Instead, it’s a fan‑made celebration built around one of the most famous lines in movie history: “May the Force be with you.” Fans noticed that “Force” sounds a lot like “Fourth,” so they began saying, “May the Fourth be with you.” Over time, that clever play on words turned into a global fête where Star Wars lovers of all ages share memes, throw watch parties, and even dress up as their favorite characters.

Even though it started just for fun, Star Wars Day has gotten so big that governments and big companies join in. In the United States, former President Joe Biden gave a nod to the day when actor Mark Hamill—the man behind Luke Skywalker—visited the White House on May 3rd. Museums, museums, stores, and even local towns now hold events to mark the occasion. It’s a lucky mix of fan love and smart marketing—and everyone seems to enjoy it.

How Star Wars Day Got Its Start

Believe it or not, the first use of “May the Fourth be with you” popped up not long after the original Star Wars film hit theaters in 1977. Fans loved the pun, writing it on signs and t-shirts to show their Star Wars pride. A few years later, in 1979, Britain’s Conservative Party even used “May the Fourth be with you, Maggie. Congratulations” as a cheeky ad celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s election as prime minister on May 4th.

Over the next few decades, more fans caught on. They shared inside jokes on online forums, printed T‑shirts, and held small get‑togethers to watch the movies. In 2007, the City Council of Los Angeles officially declared May 4th to be Star Wars Day. Then, in 2019, California’s state legislature made it official for the whole state. But really, fans had already claimed the date as their own for years.

Some die‑hard fans prefer May 25th—because that’s when the very first Star Wars movie opened in 1977. But May 4th has a special ring to it that even casual viewers can’t resist. A catchy pun, a shared joke, and suddenly you have a fun date on the calendar.

How the Celebration Spread Far and Wide

At first, Star Wars Day was just a fun secret among fans. People would host movie marathons or swap jokes online. As social media took off, the pun spread faster than a podracer on Tatooine. Soon, restaurants, car companies, and drink makers saw a chance to cash in. Nissan ran car ads with lightsaber themes. Jameson Whiskey posted memes about “May the Fourth be with you” alongside a glass of their Irish spirit.

Disney, which bought Lucasfilm in 2012, jumped in too. They rolled out new merchandise, special screenings of old movies, and interactive online events. It was a win‑win: fans got more Star Wars goodies, and Disney got more buzz for its brand.

Not everyone is happy with how big Star Wars Day has become. Some long‑time fans call themselves “May the Fourth grinches” because they feel the day has become too commercial. They miss the simple fun of swapping jokes with friends. Still, even the grinchiest among us usually crack a smile when they see a Stormtrooper flan or a Chewbacca cookie.

Big Events and Surprises in 2025

This year, Star Wars Day is packed with new treats for fans:

Disney+ Premieres: On May 4th, Disney+ will stream a brand‑new series called Tales of the Underworld. And the second season of Andor kicks off just in time for the celebration.

New Movie News: Disney recently announced that actor Ryan Gosling will star in a standalone Star Wars film set to hit theaters in 2027. That news has fans buzzing about who he might play—a cunning pilot, a daring smuggler, or maybe a new Jedi?

Fun Merch: From lightsaber toys to jewelry shaped like the Rebel Alliance symbol, you’ll find new Star Wars items hitting store shelves this week.

Major League Baseball: Many MLB teams have joined the fun, turning stadiums into makeshift Dagobahs. The San Francisco Giants, for example, sold special tickets that came with a bobblehead of pitcher Logan Webb as “Obi‑Webb Kenobi.”

Local Celebrations: In New Hope, Pennsylvania—a town that shares its name with A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie—shops and restaurants will host costumed characters and sell themed treats like the “YodaRita.” Nearby bakeries will bake cookies shaped like R2‑D2 and Baby Yoda.

You can find small events almost anywhere: churches hosting Star Wars services in Germany, pop‑up concerts playing John Williams’s iconic score, or even fan‑made art shows. No matter where you live, there’s a good chance someone near you is planning a Star Wars get‑together.

Why We Keep Coming Back

So why has a simple pun turned into a day that shines across the galaxy? It’s all about community and the joy of sharing something you love. Star Wars has given us heroes we can cheer for, villains we can boo, and worlds we can dream of. May 4th gives us a moment to celebrate that magic together.

Whether you’re a casual fan who just loved the movies as a kid, or a collector with a shelf full of action figures, Star Wars Day offers something for you. It’s an excuse to watch your favorite episodes again, catch up with friends, or try out new merch. And it brings people together, even if it’s just through a funny picture online.

May the Fourth Be With You!

This May 4th, take a break from the daily grind. Light up your imaginary lightsaber, play that flute Han Solo gave Chewbacca, or simply send a greeting to a friend: “May the Fourth be with you!” Even if you’re stuck at home, you can join the fun online—watch new shows, browse the latest toys, or sign up for a local watch party.

In the end, Star Wars Day is about sharing fun, friendship, and a little bit of wonder. It reminds us that, in a galaxy full of trouble, we’re not alone. So grab your favorite snack, queue up your go‑to episode, and let the Force carry you through an unforgettable May the 4th.