The phrase “May the 4th be with you” rolls off the tongue like a dad joke at a comic con: playful, a little cringey, but instantly recognizable. And yet, that’s exactly why it works. It toes the line between clever wordplay and affectionate parody, making it the kind of joke fans want to repeat year after year.
In a galaxy of epic storytelling, it’s the kind of simple, joyful pun that somehow turned into a cultural moment. It’s funny how something so simple, just a twist on a line, has turned into a worldwide tradition that brings people together each May 4th.
Where May the 4th came from
Star Wars shares that the phrase “May the 4th Be With You” began circulating in 1978, just a year after the debut of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Since then, Star Wars quickly became a cultural force, and “May the Force be with you” made its way onto buttons, posters and more — both officially and unofficially. British fans were also familiar with the line, setting up a 1979 ad that cheered Margaret Thatcher’s win with: “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie.”
There’s another story that deserves a spotlight. In 1982, sound designer Randy Thom worked on what was then still titled “Revenge of the Jedi.” He shared the pun with his colleagues while they were filming in the California redwoods, which stood in for the forest moon of Endor. It was May 4, and Thom thought the phrase was too fitting not to say aloud. He later kept the tradition alive by greeting his coworkers with the phrase at Lucasfilm each year, showing just how early fans within the company were embracing the phrase.
Over the years, “May the 4th Be With You” developed into an unofficial holiday. Fans shared jokes, wore costumes and hosted movie marathons. By the early 2010s, the internet helped boost May the 4th’s popularity. Social media pushed it into the mainstream. Companies — especially Disney, after it acquired Lucasfilm in 2012 — recognized the opportunity to turn the day into a celebration and marketing moment.
How May the 4th is celebrated today
Today, May the 4th is more than just a clever phrase. The date inspires themed events, screenings and digital fanfare around the globe. Cities host meetups and trivia nights, while online platforms feature curated content and exclusive merchandise.
The celebration reaches beyond longtime fans to include new viewers, children exploring the saga for the first time and pop culture enthusiasts who appreciate the impact of Star Wars. Here are some ways people choose to commemorate May the 4th.
Movie marathons
One of the most popular ways fans celebrate May the 4th is by watching the Star Wars movies back-to-back. Families and friends set up home screenings and revisit the stories of Luke, Leia, Rey and others. It’s a relaxed and nostalgic way to spend the day, especially when lightsabers start glowing across the screen.
Themed parties
Themed parties are a big part of the fun. People dress up as their favorite characters and decorate with Star Wars touches like galaxy-inspired table settings, Death Star balloons and themed snacks. It’s a fun, easy way to bring fans together at home or in the community.
Cosplay extravaganzas
Cosplayers often look forward to May the 4th as a time to showcase their creativity and fandom. Some spend weeks, even months, designing detailed costumes of beloved characters. On this day, fans gather at conventions, local meetups and even in public spaces like parks or shopping centers to participate in cosplay parades and themed photo ops.
Social media celebrations
Online spaces light up with Star Wars content every May 4th. Fans flood platforms with memes, artwork, quotes and favorite scenes, often tagging posts with hashtags like #MayThe4thBeWithYou. It’s a chance to share what the saga means to them, whether that’s a nostalgic shoutout to the original trilogy or a newly discovered appreciation for Grogu. Even public institutions and businesses often join in, adding a little Star Wars flair to their feeds in ways that range from heartfelt to hilariously self-aware.
Gaming and trivia
Video games and trivia events are another big part of the day. Some revisit classic Star Wars games, while others join trivia nights that test their memory of characters, quotes and space battles. It’s a great way to challenge what fans know and to learn something new, too.
Community and charity
May the 4th is also a time to do some good. Fans across the globe organize fundraisers, volunteer or donate to causes that align with the values found in the Star Wars universe: compassion, courage and community.
One example is Star Wars: Force for Change, a charitable initiative launched by Lucasfilm and Disney that supports children’s programs and STEM education worldwide. On May the 4th, the campaign often partners with global organizations to raise funds and awareness.
Another example is closer to home. Students from Whitby School in Connecticut marked the day by organizing a Star Wars-themed event that raised money for Force for Change as well.
Why it resonates
Much of May 4th’s appeal lies in its accessibility. Anyone can join in, whether they’ve seen every Star Wars film or are just starting to explore the galaxy. It just invites participation, curiosity and a little joy.
The holiday also offers an easy entry point to a universe filled with big themes: hope, loyalty, courage and redemption, without needing to understand the entire canon. The day welcomes casual fans, longtime devotees and everyone in between.
It’s also one of those rare pop culture moments that connects families across ages. Parents pass down their favorite characters and storylines to their kids, rewatching scenes that once lit up their own childhoods. Siblings debate over the best lightsaber battles. Friends gather to relive midnight premieres, remembering where they were when the movie revealed a twist or brought back a beloved character.
And for new fans, May the 4th can be the perfect invitation into this shared universe: a moment that makes them feel like they’re stepping into something big, welcoming and timeless. It’s a chance to try it on for size without pressure, to laugh at a meme, catch a movie with friends or join a themed event without needing to know every plot twist.
The force of fan culture
May the 4th illustrates the evolving influence of fan culture on mainstream media. What started as a humorous nod has grown into a global observance with major brands, creatives and communities offering their support. Yet at its core, it remains a grassroots celebration. It began as a fan creation, and it thrives because people continue to care.
Mandy writes about food, home, and the kind of everyday life that feels anything but ordinary. She’s travelled extensively, and those experiences shaped everything she shares — from comforting meals to little lifestyle upgrades that make a big difference. You’ll find all her favorite recipes over at Hungry Cooks Kitchen.