Star Wars Day Celebrations in Toronto, Photo: Star Wars Day TO, Instagram
Star Wars Day is here and across the globe, people are celebrating one of the most popular science fiction franchises of all time. Star Wars first hit screens in May of 1977, and while the series is popular with fans around the world, one Toronto duo claim to be the first to organize events to commemorate the series on May 4th.
In 1978, newspapers played on the term “May the fourth be with you”, while writing about Independence Day, according to the official Star Wars website. However, the first use of the phrase “May the fourth be with you”, to refer to the date in early May is credited to the party of late former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. After winning the election the day prior, on May 4th, 1979 Thatcher’s party ran an advertisement in the London Evening News that read, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie”.
According to media reports, the first “May the 4th” Star Wars celebrations went down in 2011 at the Toronto Underground Cinema. Produced by local fans of the series, Sean Ward and Alice Quinn, the celebrations featured a trivia game, costume contest, and more.
Since then, celebrations have been organized in cities across Canada, and around the world. Here are some events happening in Toronto today to mark the occasion.
May the 4th Be With You, Toronto
Star Wars Day Toronto Celebration
Back for the first time since pre-pandemic, the Star Wars Day Toronto celebration is back in action, going down today at The Rec Room. The event will feature a costume contest, trivia, special guests, and more. It starts at 7 o’clock this evening, with tickets available for purchase online. Proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish Canada.
Retro Star Wars Party at The Pint
Tonight The Pint Public House is hosting a retro Star Wars party. Including a DJ, trivia, series-themed drink specials, and more. Trivia kicks off at 9 p.m. with music and dancing from 10 o’clock until 1 a.m.
Lattes & Star Wars Trivia
If bars and dancing aren’t your scene, coffee shop Snakes & Lattes is hosting a Star Wars trivia night of its own at one location. The event will be held at the Snakes & Lattes’ mid-town location, at 45 Eglinton Ave E, where Star Wars-themed drinks and food will be served. Trivia will cover both the Star Wars movies and The Mandalorian. Tickets are on sale now, and the event starts at 6 p.m., with trivia starting at 7 o’clock.
Become a Jedi Master
Running May 4th to 5th, you can hone your lightsaber skills at a special academy for aspiring Jedis in the GTA. Archers Arena is hosting the “May the Fourth and Revenge of the Fifth Saber Academy”, where you can book a time slot to live out your Star Wars fantasies through a variety of games. Tickets are available online and include a take-home lightsaber.
