Whether you’re an original trilogy purist or a new fan from The Force Awakens, here are 11 ways to celebrate Star Wars Day, May the Fourth (get it?), in Chicago today.
1. Jedi vs. Sith Light Saber Freeze Mob
Hosted by EDGE Theatre and Chicago Jedi, Sith and Jedi alike are invited to gather downtown to fight for control of the galaxy in a light saber freeze mob. The faux fight will begin at 8:15 p.m. at the Agora Art Installation at Roosevelt and Michigan, and then continue on to Museum Campus. The final battle will take place somewhere along the lakefront. Organizers shared the video below as an example of how the freeze mob plays out.
Agora Art Installation, 1171 S. Michigan
2. The Harding Tavern’s Screening of Episode IV: A New Hope
The original Star Wars film, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, will play on a projection screen and high-def TVs throughout The Harding Tavern at 10 p.m. If Chicago’s weather cooperates, Star Wars enthusiasts can watch the movie and drink Firestone Walker Wookey Jack (a black rye IPA) al fresco on Harding’s patio. Complimentary popcorn will be provided too.
The Harding Tavern, 2732 N.Milwaukee
3. Beauty Bar’s Trivia and Dance Party!
Do you know how many parsecs Han Solo did the Kessel Run in? Or how many languages C-3PO speaks? Those strong in the ways of the Force can compete in Star Wars themed trivia at Beauty Bar. Doors open at 7, and teams of 3 or 4 will duke it out from 8 to 10 p.m. After, everyone can put aside their differences and dance like they’re in Mos Eisley’s Cantina with tracks spun by DJ BB8. For those that don’t want to boogie, custom Star Wars nail decals and lightsaber nail files will be available for purchase as well as screenings of different Star Wars movies and videos, themed drink specials (Oberon-Kenobi, anyone?), and a costume contest.
Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago
4. Dimo’s Pizza’s BYOB Pizza and Viewing Party
Pizza and Star Wars go along together like peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, Han and Leia, like…. pizza and Star Wars. Dimo’s Pizza (the Wrigleyville location) will host a screening of The Empire Strikes Back at 8 p.m., and serve up a 20-inch veggie supreme pizza shaped like the Death Star. BYOB, no restrictions.
Dimo’s Pizza, 3463 N. Clark
5. World of Beer Evanston’s Tapping of “Use the Schwarz”
Make your way up to Evanston to enjoy a limited release tapping of Revolution Brewing’s Use the Schwarz, a German style black lager (i.e a schwarzbier). Drinkers can also enjoy select $4 drafts all day.
World of Beer, 1601 Sherman, Evanston
6. Emporium Wicker Park Double Feature
The arcade bar is celebrating May the 4th with a double feature starting at 7 p.m. of Space Balls and Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Viewers can munch on free popcorn from Antique Taco while they gaze up at the 20-foot HD screen. Geek nirvana.
Emporium Arcade Bar, 1366 N. Milwaukee
7. Chicago Movieoke at The Whistler
Chicago Movieoke’s 7th season continues on May the 4th where the rules are simple: 1) Choose a scene. 2) Have a drink. 3) Get on stage. 4) Be awesome. “Movieoke” is movie scene karaoke where participants quote a movie scene of your choice as it plays. With a selection of more than 200 scenes, non Star Wars friends can also join in on the fun and channel iconic moments from the Big Lebowski, Beetlejuice, and other cult classics. Fear not, captions are provided.
The Whistler, 2421 N Milwaukee
8. Comfort Station’s Screening of Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam
Comfort Station in Logan Square is celebrating Star Wars Day with a viewing party of the cult classic, Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam, aka Turkish Star Wars. First released in 1982, the Turkish adventure film became immediately infamous for using unauthorized Star Wars footage.
IMDB says: “Two space cadets crash-land on a desert planet, where an evil wizard seeks the ultimate power to take over the world. Although the movie borrows some background footage from Star Wars, the plot is mostly unrelated.”
Bonus points: The musical soundtrack is almost entirely borrowed from popular blockbuster films too, including a musical cameo of the Raiders of the Lost Ark’s theme.
Comfort Station, 2579 N. Milwaukee
9. Barnes and Noble’s Star Wars X-Wing Event
Hang out with the kids and learn how to play the Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures game, featuring miniature replicas of X-Wings and TIE fighters. You can learn to play the game at the downtown Barnes and Noble, and the Evanston, Skokie, and Orland Park locations are participating as well.
Barnes and Noble, various locations
10. Logan Arcade’s May Da 4th Bee With Yours
What’s more hipster than a Logan Square arcade bar celebrating Star Wars Day? A Logan Square arcade bar that hosts a screening of “Star Wars-ish movies.” Starting at 6 p.m., the selection of offbeat films includes Battle Beyond the Stars, Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam, and the Star Wars Holiday Special to celebrate the holiday, free vegan popcorn included.
Logan Arcade, 2410 W. Fullerton
11. DS Tequila Company’s Trivia Night
Special edition team trivia at DS Tequila Company will feature various rounds on Star Wars starting at 8 p.m.
DS Tequila Company, 3352 N. Halsted