For Star Wars fans around the world, few things are more exciting than the build-up to a new film release—and Force Friday is one of the major milestones in that anticipation. Introduced in 2015 ahead of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Force Friday is a global merchandise launch event created by Lucasfilm and Disney. It typically takes place in the fall prior to a new Star Wars movie and marks the official release date for toys, Star Wars LEGO sets, books, collectibles, apparel, and other tie-in products related to the upcoming installment. Retailers open at midnight, fans line up in costume, and stores transform into celebration hubs, all to mark the debut of new content and characters.
Beyond the thrill of exclusive merchandise, Force Friday serves as a cultural event—a kickoff party for the next chapter in the Star Wars saga. The event has expanded over the years, with variations like “Triple Force Friday” in 2019 promoting not just a film (The Rise of Skywalker), but also a video game (Jedi: Fallen Order) and a Disney+ series (The Mandalorian). Star Wars Force Friday often features livestreams, celebrity appearances, and first-look reveals that heighten the excitement across fan communities.
Of course, Force Friday is just one part of a galaxy-spanning calendar of Star Wars fan events. One of the biggest is Star Wars Celebration, an official convention hosted in different cities worldwide, where fans can attend panels, meet actors and creators, see exclusive footage, and celebrate all aspects of the franchise. First held in 1999 to promote The Phantom Menace, Celebration has grown into a major international event, often revealing trailers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and surprise announcements.
Then there’s May the Fourth, the annual unofficial Star Wars holiday celebrated every May 4th (“May the Fourth be with you”). On this day, fans around the world share their love for the saga through social media posts, themed watch parties, cosplay, and exclusive content drops. The day is often accompanied by product discounts, digital releases, and even special episodes of animated series on platforms like Disney+.
Other notable events include The 501st Legion’s charity appearances, Galaxy’s Edge opening days at Disney Parks, and in-universe milestones like Life Day (celebrated on November 17), drawing from the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. Whether it’s through large-scale conventions, themed holidays, or surprise launches like Force Friday, the Star Wars franchise has cultivated a rich and interactive fan experience that goes far beyond the screen.