Star Wars Day
May the Fourth be with you — celebrating the galaxy far, far away.
About
Star Wars Day on May 4 is an informal celebration of the Star Wars franchise, born from the pun 'May the Fourth be with you' — a play on the iconic phrase 'May the Force be with you.' While not an official holiday, it has grown into a massive global cultural event embraced by Lucasfilm and Disney since 2011. Fans worldwide watch films, share memes, cosplay, and attend events. It is one of the clearest examples of a pop culture day becoming a genuine cultural institution.
History
The first recorded use of 'May the Fourth' was on May 4, 1979, when UK newspaper The London Evening News congratulated Margaret Thatcher on her election victory with 'May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.' The day was celebrated informally for decades before being officially embraced by Lucasfilm in 2011 with organised events at Star Wars Celebration conventions.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
Star Wars is an American cultural institution, and May the 4th generates enormous media coverage, themed restaurant menus, and Disney Parks events. Charity events, fan conventions, and merchandise drops make it a significant retail moment.
KR South Korea
The Star Wars franchise has a large South Korean fanbase, particularly among the digital-native generation. May the 4th trends on Korean social media with fan art, cosplay, and themed café pop-ups. Korean stars occasionally join Disney-sponsored events.
JP Japan
Japan's love of science fiction and cosplay culture makes Star Wars Day particularly vibrant. Tokyo DisneySea's Star Wars attractions draw massive crowds, and the overlap with Shōwa Day (April 29) in the Golden Week holiday cluster adds to the festive atmosphere.
How to Participate
- 01Marathon your favourite Star Wars films in chronological order
- 02Dress up as a Star Wars character — helmet, robe, or full cosplay
- 03Introduce Star Wars to a child or someone who has never seen it
- 04Visit a Disney Park with Star Wars experiences if one is nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is Star Wars Day?+
Star Wars Day is observed annually on May 4. The date is fixed each year — May 4 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is Star Wars Day?+
Star Wars Day on May 4 is an informal celebration of the Star Wars franchise, born from the pun 'May the Fourth be with you' — a play on the iconic phrase 'May the Force be with you.' While not an official holiday, it has grown into a massive global cultural event embraced by Lucasfilm and Disney si…
Is Star Wars Day a public holiday?+
Star Wars Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in Star Wars Day?+
Marathon your favourite Star Wars films in chronological order Dress up as a Star Wars character — helmet, robe, or full cosplay Introduce Star Wars to a child or someone who has never seen it These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe Star Wars Day?+
Global — especially USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss Star Wars Day.