Today, on May 4, 2025, fans across the globe are uniting to celebrate Star Wars Day, shouting May the 4th be with you in a nod to the iconic “May the Force be with you.” This pun-driven holiday has evolved from a quirky fan tradition into a worldwide phenomenon, fueled by Disney’s embrace and a galaxy of events. The latest buzz? Disney+ just dropped the first two episodes of Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld in Fortnite on May 2, with the full series hitting the streaming platform today. Meanwhile, cities like Phoenix and Los Angeles are hosting epic fan gatherings, and Disney parks are rolling out exclusive merchandise. Let’s dive into the freshest news and ways to celebrate this stellar day, ensuring you feel the Force from start to finish.
May the 4th Events: What’s Happening Right Now
The Force is strong this year, with real-time celebrations lighting up the galaxy. In Los Angeles, Disney’s El Capitan Theatre hosted a special screening of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith on May 4, attended by Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson, sparking nostalgia among fans. Phoenix is buzzing with a Star Wars 5K, LEGO building parties, and a Phoenix Brass Collective concert featuring John Williams’ iconic scores. Posts on X highlight global excitement, with fans sharing #StarWarsDay moments, from cosplay to lightsaber duels. Disney+ is also spotlighting Andor Season 2, which premiered April 15, alongside the complete Skywalker Saga for marathon enthusiasts. These events prove May the 4th is more than a date—it’s a cultural juggernaut.
| Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Revenge of the Sith Screening | El Capitan Theatre, LA | Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson attend |
| Star Wars 5K & LEGO Party | Phoenix, AZ | Running, building, and trivia fun |
| Tales of the Underworld Premiere | Disney+ & Fortnite | Animated series drops May 4 |
Does Disney Do Anything for May the 4th?
Wondering how Disney parks celebrate May the fourth be with you? While California officially recognizes May 4 as Star Wars Day since 2019, thanks to Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge, Florida’s Walt Disney World isn’t far behind. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, expect character meet-and-greets with Chewbacca, Rey, and Darth Vader, plus limited-edition treats like blue milk slushies. Disneyland Paris upped the ante in 2023 with a May the 4th Fireworks Spectacular, and 2025 promises similar dazzle. Disney Store’s 2025 collection, launched April 4, features Hoth-inspired gear and pins with R2-D2 and C-3PO, themed around “Light vs. Dark Side.” However, don’t expect massive park-wide events—Disney focuses on immersive Galaxy’s Edge experiences and merchandise drops, keeping the Force flowing.
How to Celebrate May the 4th at Home and Beyond
Not near a Disney park? No problem—May the 4th celebrations are accessible everywhere. Host a Star Wars marathon on Disney+, where all 11 live-action films, from A New Hope to The Rise of Skywalker, await. Retailers like LEGO and Hasbro are offering exclusive Star Wars Day deals, including Darth Maul’s Sith Infiltrator set and retro Phantom Menace action figures, celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary. Try a Star Wars-themed Paint and Sip event, like the one at Phoenix’s Liberty Tavern, or join virtual watch parties via Hasbro Pulse livestreams. Social media is ablaze with #MayTheFourth posts, perfect for sharing your cosplay or fan theories. Wherever you are, May the fourth be with you inspires creativity and connection.
- Stream: Binge Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld or Andor Season 2 on Disney+.
- Shop: Grab limited-edition pins or LEGO sets from Disney Store or Amazon.
- Create: Paint Star Wars art or build a LEGO Millennium Falcon.
- Connect: Post your #StarWarsDay moments on X for global fan fun.
The Origins and Rise of May the 4th
The May the 4th be with you phrase traces back to 1978, a year after A New Hope hit theaters, with fans playfully twisting “May the Force be with you.” It gained traction in 1979 when a UK newspaper ad congratulated Margaret Thatcher on her May 4 premiership, saying, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie.” By the early 2000s, fans organized events, and the first official Star Wars Day celebration kicked off in 2011 at Toronto’s Underground Cinema. Disney’s 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm supercharged the holiday, turning it into a global event with merchandise, screenings, and park activations. Today, even former President Joe Biden joined the fun, hosting Mark Hamill at the White House in 2024. This grassroots-turned-corporate celebration shows the enduring power of Star Wars fandom.
Why May the 4th Matters in 2025
In 2025, May the 4th feels extra special, coinciding with The Phantom Menace’s 25th anniversary and a slate of new Star Wars content. Disney’s push for Tales of the Underworld and Andor Season 2 keeps the franchise fresh, while upcoming films like Star Wars: Starfighter (starring Ryan Gosling, set for 2027) fuel anticipation. Fans on X are debating the commercialization of the day, with some, like Mashable’s Chris Taylor, calling it overdone. Yet, the joy of lightsaber battles, themed treats, and shared memes outweighs the cynicism. Whether you’re at Galaxy’s Edge or streaming at home, May the fourth be with you unites generations, proving Star Wars remains a cultural Force.
Join the Galactic Party
As the sun sets on May 4, 2025, the May the 4th be with you spirit lingers. From Disney’s exclusive pins to Phoenix’s LEGO parties, this Star Wars Day has delivered thrills. Haven’t celebrated yet? Fire up Disney+, grab a lightsaber, or share a #StarWarsDay post. The galaxy far, far away feels closer than ever, and every fan is part of it. So, ignite your inner Jedi, embrace the Dark Side, or just enjoy a blue milk smoothie—May the 4th is your day to shine. Let’s keep the Force strong until next year’s epic celebration!