Celebrated on 05/04/2026
Star Wars Day, celebrated on May 4th, originated from a pun on the iconic phrase 'May the Force be with you,' which sounds like 'May the Fourth be with you.' Fans began using the phrase informally in the late 1970s, and the holiday gained official recognition when the first organized celebration took place in Toronto, Canada, in 2011.
The phrase "May the Fourth be with you" first appeared in 1979, a year after the original Star Wars film debuted, when the British Conservative Party published a congratulatory ad for Margaret Thatcher's election as Prime Minister on May 4th. Fans later adopted the pun as a playful greeting. The first organized Star Wars Day celebration occurred on May 4, 2011, at the Toronto Underground Cinema in Canada, featuring costume contests, trivia, and film screenings. The event was spearheaded by local fans and quickly gained traction through social media.
Over the years, Star Wars Day has evolved from a grassroots fan event into a global phenomenon. Lucasfilm and Disney officially embraced the holiday, releasing merchandise, hosting events, and running themed promotions at Disney parks and retail stores. In 2013, Disney held its first official Star Wars Day celebration at Disneyland and Disney World. Today, the holiday is marked by marathons of the films, special TV episodes (like The Simpsons' "May the 12th Be with You"), video game discounts, and social media campaigns. Fans also use the day for charity events, such as the Star Wars: Force for Change initiative.
Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.