San Diego

Happy Hour, Craft Brews, Dueling Pianos: San Diego Celebrates ‘Star Wars' Day

Each year, devoted “Star Wars” fanatics celebrate May 4, also known as “May the Fourth Be With You”

Grab your lightsaber: Some San Diego businesses are pulling out all the stops Thursday to treat local “Star Wars” fans to one epic May the Fourth – also known as “Star Wars” Day.

Each year, around the world, fans of the beloved George Lucas franchise claim May 4 as their day of ultimate fandom – dubbed “May the Fourth Be With You” – a play on the iconic “Star Wars” catchphrase “May the Force Be With You.”

Fans often celebrate by wearing their best “Star Wars” costumes or watching the movies.

Here are a few ways to celebrate May the Fourth in San Diego:

“Star Wars” Happy Hour at George’s at the Cove
From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., George’s at the Cove in La Jolla (1250 Prospect St.) will host a “Star Wars”-themed Happy Hour at its Level2 bar located in the middle of the restaurant. The hero behind the bar will be guest mixologist Nathaniel Stiers, of local craft cocktail spots Noble Experiment and El Dorado. At the unearthly Happy Hour, patrons will be transported to another realm, as the bar is transformed into the legendary “Mos Eisley Cantina” – the dimly-lit tavern featured in “Star Wars,” known for its strong drinks, tunes and showdowns. One cocktail on the menu is the “Mon Calamari Sour”: Wild Turkey bourbon, grenadine, lemon, Aquafaba, Peychauds bitters and cane sugar. The sips here come with ocean views.

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“Star Wars”Day at AleSmith Brewing Company

Toast to your favorite “Star Wars” characters at the AleSmith Brewing Company Tasting Room (9990 AleSmith Court) with a variety of specialty beers and blends perfect for the special day. The craft brewery, open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., will pour these suds: “Jedi Mind Tricks” (Speedy Indian); “Java the Nut” (Coffee Nut Brown); “Randall: Thai Fighter IPA (with toasted coconut, dried limes, Thai basil and ginger). Patrons can purchase these beer flights on May the Fourth, too, depending on their brew preferences and personality: “The Light Side” Flight – Spezial Pils; X; Pale Ale .394; Horny Devil – and “The Dark Side” Flight: Nut Brown; Robust Porter; Wee Heavy; Speedway Stout. The brewery plans to screen “Star Wars” movies all day long, too.

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The Shout! House Strikes Back
Downtown San Diego’s rock 'n' roll dueling piano bar – The Shout! House (655 4th Ave.) – will host a “Star Wars” Day celebration billed as a “night of music, food and drinks that will make you feel like you are on the planet Coruscant.” Drink specials include the $5 “Yoda Soda” and “Tattooine Sunset,” $3 “Chews Brew” and $2 “Carbonite Jell-O Shots.” There’s no cover at this party, and patrons are urged to wear their “Star Wars” attire. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the pianos start at 8 p.m.

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This May the Fourth will, of course, be bittersweet for fans missing their Princess Leia. "Star Wars" actress Carrie Fisher suffered a heart attack last December on a flight from London to Los Angeles. She died on Dec. 27 at the age of 60 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Last month, Fisher's friend and "Star Wars" co-star, Mark Hamill, paid tribute to her in Orlando, telling stories about their friendship and how much he loved her.

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