Philly gets unique for Star Wars Day in 2024

Whether you’re a fan of the cult classic franchise or not, there are still a few reasons to celebrate Star Wars Day in Philadelphia. May the 4th marks a time to commemorate the fan-favorite series — which has spanned movies, live-action shows, video games, comics and beyond — and around the city and suburbs, there are a few unique activations to check out. 

Perhaps the biggest happening this Saturday is a themed haunted house from Manayunk’s own Lincoln Mill (4100 Main St.) The venue opened just a few short years ago and has built a name not only around Halloween, but most other holidays as well. In the past, Lincoln Mill has produced a Christmas, Valentine’s and even St. Patty’s Day variation, but this weekend promises to be galactically scary. 

“We originally planned on doing our Halfway to Halloween event in early May and the first Saturday happened to be the 4th of May, also known as Star Wars Day. As a Star Wars Fan, it seemed too good of an opportunity to put a twist on the Lincoln Mill story and to offer a Star Wars-inspired horror experience. This will be the first-ever Star Wars-inspired haunted house,” said co-founder Jared Bilsak in a statement. 

He added, “The Star Wars story and characters are so strong and has inspired me when writing the Lincoln Mill story. I always saw our main villain, Viktor Kane, as having many similarities to Darth Vader, one of the greatest villains of all time.”

Tickets for the occasion ($32-$55) can be found online.

Philadelphians can celebrate both Free Comic Book Day and Star Wars Day at the creative storefront Multiverse ( 8026 Germantown Ave.) as well. This Saturday, the venue will host a visit from cosplayer Eric “The Smoke” Moran, plus, visitors who purchase a book or comic along with other Star Wars specials can try free “Blue Milk” from Multiverse’s neighbor across the street, Baker Street Bread Cafe. 

FAN EXPO Philadelphia is also a great way to get into the spirit this weekend—actors Hayden Christensen and Rosario Dawson will be among some of the franchise’s stars to attend the 3-day festival, which will take place from Friday, May 3, to Sunday, May 5, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch St.) While there, visitors can check out celebrity photo ops, celebrity autographs, panels and talks, fan meet-ups, games, and more.  

One stand-out of the FAN EXPO for ‘Star Wars’ fans is the Dark Side Burlesque Show. Titled ‘May the 4th Be With You’, the show will feature a variety of performers taking on the personas of many different characters from the series. Tickets ($15) can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Happy Star Wars Day, and May the 4th be with you.