It’s that time of the year – Star Wars Day! A day when nerds are even more justified in pulling out ridiculous memes and jokes and the hardcore among us hit the tattoo parlors for some force-inspired ink. Austin has seen its fair share of Star Wars fandom, so we figured we would relive some of our favorite moments!
Here Are Our Favorite Austin Star Wars events of all time!
When Disney brought a First Order TIE Fighter to SXSW, subsequently followed by a storm trooper “getting arrested” by an APD officer.
Parking for service vehicles only! #SXSW #stormtrooper #evilempire pic.twitter.com/jBFgu1y7CX
— K & K Mechanical (@KandKMechanical) March 13, 2016
That brilliant Internet moment when someone turned this local road rage incident into a lightsaber battle.
When the 501st Legion walked into the premiere of The Force Awakens all scary and awesome at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. From their YouTube video: “The 501st Legion is a national group of Star Wars enthusiasts who build detailed recreations of costumes from the film to wear at charity and community events. Local battalion members were at The Force Awakens premiere at Alamo Drafthouse.”
All the times that Ray Park aka Darth Maul hosted a panel at Wizard World Comic Con in Austin. Every time he came as part of the con he was charming and told the best stories, but 2012 was a special year. A 20-year-old in the audience asked him to show off some moves, and Park gladly obliged.
Speaking of Austin Wizard World, here are some other highlights throughout the years where the force was strong.
Then there was that time Jim Braden cut through the competition to watch 46 hours of Star Wars nonstop at Alamo Drafthouse. Braden watched the two trilogies, the Star Wars Holiday Special, and nine screenings of The Force Awakens to win a seven year pass to Alamo Drafthouse.
Oh and let’s not forget Snowpocalypse in 2014 (and 2021) when CJ Morgan and Nicole Raney compared Austin to Hoth in these sweet Photoshop images.
If you’re a fan of Star Wars and keeping Austin weird, look no further. The Austin Saber Guild is a Jakku Temple that specializes in costuming and lightsaber choreography. Don’t believe us? Have a look for yourself.
@thatssoaustin May the 4th be with you! #starwarsday #maythe4th #austintexasthings #keepaustinweird #soaustin #atxgossip
♬ Star Wars (Main Title) – The Hollywood Symphony Orchetsra
Did you know Austin director Robert Rodriguez took the helm on an episode of season two of “The Mandalorian?” Though he’s directed and produced many action and sci-fi type thrillers, this was his first foray into the world of Star Wars and it was awesome!
We leave you with the event of all events! Let’s reminisce about that time that two couples said “I do … or do not. There is no try” at the Alamo Drafthouse. Two wedding ceremonies took place ahead of the Rise of Skywalker premiere. The force was truly with these couples who committed their love to each other – and the Star Wars franchise, of course.
Photo credit: Brittany Flowers
Here’s hoping you all have the best Star Wars Day – may the 4th be with you!
Featured photo courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse
