The thriving geek community in Dallas has many great options this year to celebrate: trivia nights, costume contests, movie nights and even burlesque. Check out the best local events this May 4 — and on some dates before and after.
Wednesday, May 3
May the Fourth Eve Be With You3–7 p.m.
309 Curtis Mathes Way, Arlington
Your ex was wrong, OK? Memorizing Star Wars trivia can absolutely pay off. Put your knowledge of Episodes 1–7 and Rogue One to the test at Black Dog Arcade in Arlington, where you can participate of trivia night. You can be as solo as Han, or have a whole team of clones (up to six, including you). The event is free, but reserve your tickets to attend at eventbrite.com.
Thursday May 4
Star Wars Day at Rooftop Cinema235 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth
Rooftop Cinema in Fort Worth is an experience all on its own, with outdoor games and stunning views. What better place to watch Star Wars than at a rooftop theater? Rooftop Cinema will be playing a double feature with Star Wars: A New Hope at 7:15 p.m. and The Empire Strikes Back at 10 p.m. Dressing up is highly encouraged and there will be prizes, a special menu and other surprises. Tickets start at $19.50.
Revelers Hall Presents May the 4th, a Star Wars Party
4 p.m. – midnight
412 N. Bishop Ave.
Can you even think about the Star Wars universe without humming a tune or two from John Williams’s iconic score? The classic theme from the opening crawl is ingrained in the memories of countless moviegoers, and a lot of us were playing the “Imperial March” to signify a bad mood well before it was a plot point on The Big Bang Theory. Enjoy some of the best Star Wars music and partake of specials such as the "Green Yoda Matcha Tea Cocktail," Wookie pies, lava cake and other treats. The event is free.
May the 4th Be With You at the Dallas Public Library
3–4 p.m.
1515 Young St.
There's a whole lot of stuff for adults to do on Star Wars day, but shockingly, some kids are also into a film series about space, fantasy and adorable characters. Who knew? The Dallas Library has a lot in store for the little ones on May 4: They will be able to build a lightsaber, get a temporary tattoo and participate in a scavenger hunt for a Star Wars prize.
May the 4th Be With You: Star Wars Trivia Night
4 p.m.
1714 14th St., Plano
Prove that the force of trivia is indeed with you with trivia night at the Fowling Warehouse in Plano, which will also have a costume contest, happy hour specials and prizes. Trivia stars at 7:30 p.m. Reserve your spot at eventbrite.com.
Family Fun: May the 4th – The Child
4:30–6 p.m.
3201 S. Hardin Blvd., McKinney
Painting With a Twist is not necessarily known as a kid-friendly spot. It's normally the place you go drink and paint like you're goddamn Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. But this is Star Wars Day — a day of celebration for all. Kids 6 and up (who will just be painting without the "twist") must be accompanied by an adult. Each canvas costs $30, which includes the instructor's time.
Game on: Board Games on May the 4th
5:30–7:30 p.m.
300 Country Club Road, Wylie
Award-winning troupe Viva Burlesque is putting on one hell of a production for Star Wars Day.
Mark Kaplan
This event is an excuse for grown-ups to get together to play space-themed board games. This adult-only event (sorry, chiddlers, not everything fun is for you) takes place at the Smith Public Library in Wylie, and it's free to attend.
May the Fourth Be With You/Star Wars Day
1 p.m.
300 S. Main St., Grapevine
There are so many great reasons to catch an old movie at the theater; it's a fine occasion to watch your favorite film among people with the same discriminating taste as yours; a chance to revisit a film you haven't seen in a while by doing it justice on the big screen; and it's a good excuse to force that absolute freak of a friend of yours who hasn't seen Star Wars to finally watch it. Drag that friend to the Star Wars marathon at the Palace Arts Center in Grapevine, which kicks off at 1 p.m. with A New Hope, followed at 4 p.m. by The Empire Strikes Back and at 7 p.m. by Return of the Jedi. Tickets $6 each or 3 for $15. Those who show up in costume, or have a same-day receipt from any nearby restaurant, will get a free popcorn.
Star Wars Trivia at Legacy Hall
7–9 p.m.
7800 Windrose Ave., Plano
Legacy Hall is upping the ante with its costume contest and trivia night prizes. You can get up to $100 in the form of Legacy Hall passes if you win the trivia contest, and the buy-in costs $30 per team, so you better be serious as Darth Vader about your knowledge of the franchise. The entertainment hub in Plano has an array of food options, so you're bound to leave with something either way.
Friday, May 5
Cosmic Cantina Days4–9 p.m.
2530 Butler St.
We love a good costume party, but even more when venues are also doing the dressing up. Celestial Beerworks will be hosting trivia night on May 4, but the next day it will become a "fantasy land," according to the event description, and costumes are not just encouraged but expected. There will be games, raffles, guac, tacos and Kryos beer ice cream — so try your Jedi best to have some self-control.
Saturday, May 6
Viva Dallas Burlesque: Revenge of the Sixth9 p.m.
1350 Manufacturing St.
Nothing says "nerd culture" like hot women in cosplay, and Viva Dallas has us geeking out with its latest burlesque show. There is no Star Wars kink-shaming here. You can gawk at a dancing Rebel Princess or a stripping Wookie without judgement. Needless to say, this super sexy sci-fi show is for ages 18 and up. Tickets start at $24 on Prekindle.com.
May the Fourth Be With Us: TX Open Tournament
5–8:30 p.m.
1915 Peters Road, No. 108, Irving
What is Star Wars Day without a classic lightsaber fight? Up to 20 competitors, ages 15 and up, are invited to join this tournament at the Warlord Combat Academy in Irving. No membership is required, but tickets are $16. Woosh sounds optional.
