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Star Wars Day: Events, Things To Do In New York City

Darth Vader
FILE -- Darth Vader attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in London on Dec. 16, 2015. (credit: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images)

It all began on May 4 in 1979 -- the day Margaret Thatcher took office as the prime minister of the United Kingdom. Soon after, an ad was placed in the London Evening News which stated, "May The Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations." To this day, the major influence of "Star Wars" combined with the power of the Internet, the catchy pun has spread like wildfire. Now, May 4 is unofficial National Star Wars Day -- celebrated and recognized worldwide.

If you're a "Star Wars" enthusiast, these are the best ways to celebrate the National Star Wars Day in New York City

Star Wars And The Power Of Costume The Exhibition At Discovery Times Square 
"Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" (credit: 20th Century Fox)
"Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" (credit: 20th Century Fox)

226 West 44th St.
New York, NY 10036
866-987-9692
www.discoverytsx.com

From the mind of Star Wars creator George Lucas to the sketch artists who captured his vision to the costume designers who made them to reality. There's no better way to celebrate May 4 than viewing over 70 iconic costumes from the seven blockbuster "Star Wars" films, including the infamous black mask of Darth Vader, the gilded suit of C-3PO, and of course, the robes of Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker. In addition to the exhibition, there will be giveaways and special activities all day long.

The Lego Store 

Lego Star Wars
(PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

620 5th Ave,
New York, NY 10020
(212) 245-5973
www.shop.lego.com

Celebrate Star Wars and May 4 with LEGO in Times Square. LEGO will have sales on "Star Wars" items and will be offering free copies of the official LEGO version of the "Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens" theatrical movie poster with any LEGO Star Wars purchase. Get these special offers and more at the New York LEGO retail store locations in Rockefeller Center, Flatiron District, and at the Queens Center. Promotions run through May 4.

New York Jedi 

NewYorkJedi
New York Jedi staff. (credit: newyorkjedi.com)

Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Ave
New York, NY 10018
newyorkjedi.com

New York Jedi goes beyond watching the action on screen -- they create it in real life with onstage illuminated combat. If you want to learn to battle like Obi Wan or Rey, you can take their weekly lightsaber classes. No advanced knowledge is required and they can supply practice sabers if you don't already have one of your own. With saber classes, you can carry the force with you year-round.

More: Best Comic Book Shops In New York City

Behind The Screen Exhibition 

museum of the moving image
(credit: Museum of the Moving Image)
36-01 35th Ave,
New York, NY 11106
(718) 777-6800
www.movingimage.us

Visit the Museum of Moving Image for the ongoing exhibition Behind the Screen, which immerses visitors in the creative and technical process of producing, promoting, and presenting films, television shows and digital entertainment. The exhibition features over 1,400 artifacts, from mind-bending optical toys to a real Yoda costume from the Star Wars films. The exhibition is ideal for all ages and are welcoming to families. This exhibition is ongoing.

The Amazing Star Wars Scavenger Hunt 

Darth Vader
FILE -- Darth Vader attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in London on Dec. 16, 2015. (credit: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images)

550 Madison Ave.,
New York, NY 10022
www.pogoevents.com

The Amazing Star Wars Scavenger Hunt by POGO Events is part hunt, part obstacle course and through-and-through New York! A series of clues leads you around the city performing physical and mental challenges along the way. The hunt celebrates the iconic Star Wars series run through an app called ScanQuest. If you plan to participate, wear comfortable shoes, have a Metrocard handy and make sure you have a fully charged smart phone.

More: Things You Can Only Do In New York City

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