May the 4th Be With You: Star Wars Day in Tampa Bay
by Jana Henson
Dry clean your Jedi robes and fire up your lightsabers — Star Wars Day is back in full force. May the 4th, the galaxy’s favorite pun-turned-holiday, falls on a Sunday in 2025, making it the perfect day for fans of all ages to celebrate everything from Sith Lords to space opera scores. It’s also the perfect excuse to engage with Tampa Bay’s thriving arts scene.
If You Think the Original Trilogy Is Absolute Cinema:
🎬 For the Cinema-Lover
Tampa Theatre’s Star Wars Trilogy Marathon
Where: Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St.
When: Sunday, May 4 | 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 general admission | $7 for members, click here for tickets
Take a hyperspace trip back to where it all began with a special screening of the original Star Wars trilogy. Tampa Theatre will be rolling the iconic crawl across its historic screen all day long with showings of A New Hope (1 p.m.), The Empire Strikes Back (4 p.m.), and Return of the Jedi (7 p.m.).
If You Listen to the Score on Repeat (Everyone Say “Thank You, John Williams”):
🎼 Ars Sonora “Revenge of the Fifth” Concert
Where: Susan and John Sykes Ars Sonora, University of Tampa
When: Monday, May 5 | 8–9 p.m.
Tickets: Free!
Sure, May the 4th gets all the attention — but real ones know the Dark Side always waits patiently. Join the University of Tampa’s Department of Music for Revenge of the Fifth, an outdoor musical tribute to Star Wars villains at the Ars Sonora carillon. Bonus: It’s completely free, so come embrace your inner Sith.
For Your Inner Theatre Kid:
✨ Brew the Force: Brewery Burlesque and More!
Where: Southern Lights Brewing, 2075 Sunnydale Blvd., Clearwater, FL
When: Sunday, May 4 | Doors at 6 p.m., Drag Show from 7–9 p.m.
Tickets: $20 general admission, click here for tickets
End your Star Wars Day in style with Brew the Force, a themed drag and burlesque night at Southern Lights Brewing. Grab dinner from a local food truck, dance to cosmic beats from DJ Cub, and enter to win raffle prizes worthy of a Jedi. Costumes encouraged — and rewarded. Drag performances feature Katina Von Blumen, Ruby Vesper, Tila Topaz, Juno Vibranz, and Mr. Grip, all hosted by Nilla Bean.
If You’re a Padmé Amidala Stan (IYKYK):
👘 Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
When: On view through June 8, 2025
Did you know the Jedi’s iconic look was inspired by traditional Japanese clothing? This stunning exhibit explores the history of the kimono, with garments from the Edo to Shōwa periods. From flowing furisode to battle-ready juban, see firsthand how these traditional styles helped shape the aesthetics of both Jedi and Sith.
If You’re a Sur(realist):
🌀 Salvador Dalí Museum
Where: The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg
There’s Star Wars everywhere — if you know where to look. Including at the Dalí Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of works by surrealist icon Salvador Dalí. Look closely at The Elephants (1948) and you might spot a resemblance to the Empire’s walkers. Dalí’s dreamscapes feel oddly familiar to Star Wars fans — otherworldly, vast, and filled with hidden symbolism. You could say it’s the most “Force-ful” museum in the galaxy. (Sorry, we had to.)
Whether you’re swooning over Harrison Ford, marveling at midichlorians, or just enjoying the art and atmosphere, Tampa Bay’s arts scene has no shortage of Star Wars-inspired fun in 2025.
May the force be with you.
