May the Fourth: How to celebrate Star Wars Day 2025 in Phoenix

The Force has been strong with “Star Wars” lately. To wit: Season two of “Andor” is off to a stellar start and “Revenge of the Sith” is back in theaters and raking in box office money like it's 2005.

Then there’s the impending return of “Star Wars” Day this weekend.

For those unfamiliar with the unofficial holiday, it occurs every May the Fourth (as in, “May the Fourth be with you”) and sees fans of the space opera franchise worldwide celebrate anything having to do with “Star Wars.” Some dress in costume or attend theme parties. Others indulge in a Bantha-sized binge of content released by Disney and Lucasfilm to mark the occasion.

It’s not just the saga’s corporate overlords who mark "Star Wars Day," as local businesses get in on the action, too — including those in the Valley. Geek-friendly shops run sales, nightclubs throw intergalactic dance parties and restaurants serve specials worthy of an Ewok’s “Yub Nub” sing-along on Endor. Here’s how to celebrate Star Wars Day 2025 on May the Fourth in metro Phoenix.

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

8034 N. 19th Ave.
1056 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa

The Phoenix and Mesa locations of Bookmans will both have activities inspired by “Star Wars” on Sunday. Patrons are welcome to dress in cosplay and pose for photos with members of the 501st Legion costume group (think Imperial Stormtroopers and other baddies). Each store will also offer 20% discounts on all “Star Wars” merchandise. Doors open at 9 a.m. Benjamin Leatherman

Bricks & Minifigs

Multiple Valley locations

Toys and “Star Wars” have been as inseparable as a Wookiee and his bowcaster since Kenner scrambled after the original film’s unexpected success to get plastic heroes into kids’ hands faster than the Millennium Falcon on the Kessel Run. It’s only natural that Bricks & Minifigs — a chain devoted to all things LEGO — will mark the occasion with special sales and giveaways at all three Valley locations on Sunday. The latest “Star Wars” LEGO sets will also be available for purchase. Hours vary by store. BL

The Casual Pint

4626 N. 16th St., #102

“Star Wars” Day at The Casual Pint will be more action-packed than the Boonta Eve Classic. Local vendors will be set up at the central Phoenix "beerstro" from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Meanwhile, a two-hour "Paint 'n' Sip" session from 1 to 3 p.m. lets guests tap into their artistic midichlorians, painting either a Darth Vader or Stormtrooper. (Note: Acrylic paint will be used, so bring your own beskar armor—or at least an apron.) It’s $45 per person to participate, which includes materials and a free drink. “Star Wars”-themed fun follows at 4 p.m. Throughout the afternoon and evening, movies from the saga will be screened and giveaways will be handed out. Zach Oden

Coffee Builders

901 S. Seventh St.

This downtown Phoenix coffee, breakfast and lunch spot has become one with the Force, offering up a full intergalactic menu of drinks inspired by “Star Wars” on from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 only. Highlights include “The Matchalorean” with honey lavender, blueberry, lemonade and ceremonial matcha, as well as a “Dark Side” mocha and a “Wookie Water” black peach tea. Grab a Cantina Bowl (Coruscant Carnitas, Jediaki Chicken or Gungan Mushroom) to turn your visit into a fully operational meal, and don’t sleep on the Grogu deviled eggs — they are the way. ZO

Crescent Ballroom

308 N. Second Ave.

Pop quiz, Padawan: What was Princess Leia’s cell number on the Death Star? Next, what’s Emperor Palpatine’s first name? And on which planet did Luke go into hiding in "The Force Awakens"? If you answered 2187, Sheev and Ahch-To, you might just have what it takes to survive Crescent Ballroom’s "Star Wars" trivia night on Sunday. Up to 40 teams can compete, with prizes going to the wisest Jedi. Entry is free and all canned craft beers will be $1 off. Signups are at 6 p.m. and hosts Corey G and Carolyn begin blasting the questions at 6:30. BL

Kitsune Brewing Company

3321 E. Bell Road, Suite B-5

North Phoenix’s Kitsune Brewing Company will debut their annual “Star Wars” limited releases from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday. This year’s offerings include a Bantha Milk Blue Raspberry (6%), and the This Is The Way Peach Passion Fruit and Mango Sour (6%). In addition, there will be a Darth Vader-inspired Lack of Faith Cherry Sour (6%), and the Mace Windu-leaning You’re a Sith Lord?! Grape Sour (6%) to round out the menu. Bring them in cold, not warm, and get there early, as this is a much-anticipated release. ZO

Myke’s Pizza

31 S. Robson, #103, Mesa

This wood-fired pizza spot inside Cider Corps’ Mesa taproom is bringing back its annual “Star Wars”-themed pizzas and desserts on May the Fourth. The lineup includes fan-favorites like the Dago Bahn Mi Pizza and the hearty Darth Tater. The latter — with its potatoes, bacon, moz, cheddar, aged Gouda, chives and house-made dill ranch — will make you want to throw your abusive boss down a reactor shaft, take off your hermetically sealed helmet, and see it with your own eyes. As an added treat, you can come in costume as your favorite character for an appreciation gift while supplies last. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. ZO

Pinnacle Brewing Company

15111 N. Hayden Road, #100, Scottsdale

You don't need Sabine Wren-level paintings skills to enjoy the Cinco de Star Wars Paint and Sip session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. All skill levels are welcome at this make-and-take event, where you'll paint a Stormtrooper helmet in the colorful style of a loteria card. Your $40 ticket includes art supplies, step-by-step instructions and a complimentary drink. Early arrival is strongly recommended, as anyone who shows up more than 15 minutes late will lose their spot faster than a Stormtrooper misses a target. BL

Pair Cupworks

31 S. Robson, #103, Mesa

The coffee specialists and roastery inside Cider Corps are celebrating May the Fourth with three Star Wars–inspired specialty drinks. Sip on a Dark Side Latte infused with cherry and dark chocolate mocha, a Baby Yoda vanilla matcha cortado, or the Mangolorian — a mango soda with your choice of espresso or matcha. Each can be enjoyed while your friends gush about how good season two of “Andor” and why you totally need to binge it. ZO

Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church

6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley

Face it, nerf herders — without John Williams’ thunderous anthems and Force-infused leitmotifs, "Star Wars" would’ve been a string of hokey space operas full of daddy issues, awkward sibling makeout sessions and laughable dialogue. The Oscar-winning composer didn’t just score the saga — he gave it a soul. The Phoenix Brass Collective will bring his grandiose orchestral pieces to life when they perform music selections from throughout the “Star Wars” series from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Come for the fanfares. Stay for the goosebumps. Tickets are $30. BL

Scale & Feather Meadery

1050 N. Fairway Drive, Building E, #112, Avondale

Scale & Feather has a full slate of "Star Wars"-themed fun lined up for May the Fourth. It starts off with a Jedi edition of its weekly Whispering Tomes Quiet Reading Party from 10:30 a.m. to noon, where you can cozy up with your favorite "Star Wars" or sci-fi book. That’s followed by a “Paint a Print” workshop with 3D-printed Buddha-style figurines of iconic characters — including Yoda, Chewbacca, C-3PO and even Darth Vader — courtesy of Arizona’s Bewitching Axolotls. Supplies and space are limited, so RSVPing are strongly encouraged. BL

Spirit House Cocktails & Kitchen

8 S. San Marcos Place, #106, Chandler

Located deep in the Valley’s outer rim of Chandler, Spirit House will partner Bricks & Minifigs store and host its annual May 4th LEGO Build. “Star Wars” fans of a certain age already know the satisfaction of sipping a Moonjuice IPA and “helping” their younglings snap together a X-Wing set. This event will allow you to do so without the parental responsibilities. Tickets for the two-hour session range from $35 to $70, depending on your chosen LEGO kit (Obi-Wan's Jedi Starfighter, Luke's X-Wing and the BARC Speeder Escape). There’s also a two-drink minimum, because even Jedi need hydration. ZO

Stacy’s @ Melrose

4343 N. Seventh Ave.

Feel like tearing up the dance floor like a tipsy Mon Mothma at a Chandrillan wedding? Set course for Stacy’s on Saturday night, May 3, for The Queer Rebellion, an LGBTQ+ dance party inspired by the “Star Wars” saga where you can show off moves no Jedi master can teach you. DJ JeanVinci will be in the mix while the bar will pour themed cocktails. Both pop-up performances and “surprise intergalactic moments” will occur throughout the evening. A countdown to “Star Wars” Day is planned for midnight. Cosplay is encouraged — whether that’s stormtrooper armor or a Tatooine mod look from The Book of Boba Fett is up to you. The party begins at 9 p.m. BL

Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop

7350 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale

The Scottsdale bakery and cafe will be going all out this weekend to celebrate the galaxy far, far away with special hours — Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — to meet the demand for their Jawa cannoli, lightsaber churros and beverage specials. Indulge in a Darth Maul éclair, a Chewie macaron or a Millennium Falcon waffle. You can also sip on a Tatooine Sunset, an otherworldly beverage made with lemonade, raspberry tea and butterfly pea tea. ZO

Tempe Center for the Arts

700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

The Gallery at TCA’s current exhibition, “The Return of the Force” — which explores how "Star Wars" has influenced contemporary Native American artists — will be open to the public on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. Curator and Hopi/Tewa artist Duane Koyawena will also lead a special May the 4th Be With You family art workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants craft mini artwork inspired by droids and lightsabers or pose for pics with the exhibition’s interactive Hopi R2 sculpture. It’s the droid photo op you’re looking for. BL

Thunderbird Lounge

710 W. Montecito Ave.

Only the wisest Jedi will have a shot at the epic prizes during Thunderbird’s annual "Star Wars" trivia contest on Sunday — including Disneyland tickets, LEGO sets, and enough action figures to fill a Death Star. Unless your knowledge of the “Star Wars” universe could stump Yoda himself, your odds of winning are approximately 3,720 to 1. Registration is at 3 p.m. and the 21-and-over event blasts off at 4. It’s free to participate, cosplayers from the 501st Legion will make an appearance and local barbecue truck Nacho Wars: Return of the Brisket will be serving meats that sizzle hotter than Anakin Skywalker on Mustafar. BL