10 ways to celebrate Star Wars Day on May 4 in the Tampa Bay area

Kelly A. Stefani, Tampa Bay Times
·4 min read

May 4 is Star Wars Day, as in “May the 4th be with you.” Here are 10 ways Tampa Bay area Star Wars fans can celebrate the unofficial holiday.

Star Wars Trivia Night: Test your knowledge of the Force, epic battles and iconic “Star Wars” characters. Arrive early to register your team and get a table. Prizes for top three teams. No cover. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (May 1). World of Beer Bar and Kitchen, 2815 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-559-1530.

Star Wars Fan Virtual Chalk Art Contest: In honor of “Star Wars” weekend (”May the Fourth be with you” and “Revenge of the Fifth”), fans of all ages are invited to participate. The competition will take place 10 a.m. May 4 through 10 p.m. May 5. To be eligible for a prize, your art must feature fan art images from any of the franchise movies, series or books, and it must be created with chalk. Artwork must be new (created within the previous week — no reusing photos of old chalk art). To enter the contest, you must post a photo of your chalk art on Instagram using the hashtag #StarWarsmay4bewithyouchalkart and tag @studiomartfl in your caption. A prize package will be awarded in each of the three categories: youth, adult and professional. Submission should include verbiage in the description as to which category your artwork is leveled into for judging. Winners will be notified through their Instagram account. Free. 10 a.m. Saturday (May 4) through 10 p.m. Sunday (May 5). Only on Instagram.

May the Fork Be With You: Star Wars Brunch: Menu items include Vader’s Taters, C3PO Rito, Dagobah Swamp Toast, Leia’s Buns, Yoda ‘Rita, Glactic Force, Lightsabers Up Shot and Jedi Tropical Lemonade and are individually priced at $5 to $14.95. 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday (May 4-5). WOB Bar and Kitchen, 2878 Providence Lake Blvd., Brandon. 813-324-8908.

May the 4th Be With You: Dress in “Star Wars” gear for a day of games, crafts, snacks and an appearance by the 501st Legion of Tampa Bay. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m. Saturday (May 4). Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6905.

Star Wars Day Celebration: The historic Tampa Theatre will be screening the original trilogy of “Star Wars” films.

  • “Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977) (PG, 121 minutes): Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire’s world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader. 1:15 p.m. Saturday (May 4).

  • “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) (PG, 124 minutes): After the Rebels are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett. 4:30 p.m. Saturday (May 4).

  • “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (1983) (PG, 131 minutes): After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side. 7:45 p.m. Saturday (May 4).

All films are $10, $7 members. Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. 813-274-8286

Fluff Yappy Hour: Star Wars Edition: $2 from every beer or flight purchased will benefit construction of the new Fluff Animal Rescue location in Pinellas Park. “Star Wars”-related attire encouraged. No cover. 4-6 p.m. Saturday (May 4). Rapp Brewing Co., 10930 Endeavor Way, Seminole. 727-692-7912.

This Is the Way: A Galactic Celebration: The fan-friendly event features trading card breaks, “Star Wars Unlimited” card game sessions, beginner classes, lightsaber battles, “Star Wars” trivia, “Star Wars” music, memorabilia sales, themed cocktails and food. $20-$25. 4-10 p.m. Saturday (May 4). Trail Garden at St. Petersburg Distillery, 800 31st St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-914-0931.

Star Wars Trivia: Gather your squad for an evening of “Star Wars”-related trivia. Costumes are encouraged. Free. 7 p.m. Saturday (May 4). Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co., 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Valrico. 813-703-8835.

Star Wars Parade: The nudist community holds a fully costumed “Star Wars”-themed parade with golf carts decorated like droids. Day pass fee required. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday (May 4). Paradise Lakes Resort, 2001 Paradise Lakes Blvd., Lutz. 813-949-9327.

Star Wars Burlesque: The Ybor City Sirens present a “Star Wars”-themed burlesque show with Wookiee trivia, a Wookiee howling contest and a costume contest. $25-$70. 9 p.m. Saturday (May 4). The Potion Portal, 2329 28th St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-592-2658.