“May the Fourth be with you.”
What started as a cheeky pun has now taken its rightful place on the intergalactic calendar. May the Fourth is no longer just a clever line—it’s an annual celebration of everything Star Wars. Across Australia (and lightyears beyond), fans come together to honour their favourite saga with binge-watching marathons, trivia nights, themed pub crawls, and, most importantly, fancy dress that turns heads faster than a hyperdrive malfunction.
Whether you’re channeling the calm wisdom of a Jedi, the roguish charm of a smuggler, or the chaotic energy of a Wookiee on karaoke night, Star Wars Day is your moment to shine brighter than a lightsaber in a blackout.
In this post, we’ll walk through how May the Fourth became a fan-fuelled festivity, why dressing up is the real force behind the fun, and which epic costume picks from Costume Wonderland will help you become the galaxy’s best dressed.
The Origin and Evolution of May the Fourth
You might think May the Fourth was born in a boardroom or marketing department, but nope—it came from the pun-loving public and a bit of political flair. The first known use was back in 1979, when the UK’s Conservative Party congratulated Margaret Thatcher with an ad saying, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie.”
Since then, fans across the globe have fuelled its growth. From grassroots meetups and film marathons to full-blown social media storms, May the Fourth has transformed from quirky wordplay into a galaxy-sized cultural moment. It’s a day when nerds become icons, introverts become bounty hunters, and every fan gets a pass to geek out—loud and proud.
The celebrations really hit lightspeed when Disney jumped onboard. Themed releases, flash sales on Star Wars merch, fan art competitions, and special theme park experiences gave the date its official space on the fandom calendar. Now, it’s an opportunity for fans of all ages to wear their fandom on their sleeves—literally.
And let’s be honest: what’s a celebration without a costume? May the Fourth isn’t just about watching the films. It’s about being in them. The robes, the blasters, the braids—each costume turns an ordinary Thursday (or Saturday) into a cosmic carnival of self-expression.
Dressing the Part – Why Costumes are Central to Star Wars Day
Let’s face it—watching Star Wars is one thing, but strutting into a party as Princess Leia, Rey, or Chewbacca? That’s where the real magic happens. Costumes are the soul of Star Wars Day, turning passive fans into full-blown characters and ordinary events into scenes straight out of the movies.
Fancy dress has long been a cornerstone of fan culture, especially among millennials and Gen Z. From midnight cinema screenings to Star Wars-themed trivia nights at your local pub, dressing up is how fans show up. And we’re not talking cardboard helmets and bin-bag cloaks—today’s fans go all in, with detailed outfits, lightsabers, and some very committed hairdos.
There’s something empowering about becoming your favourite character. It’s not just cosplay—it’s connection. When you dress up, you’re not just paying tribute; you’re stepping into the boots (or cloaks, or robes) of someone bold, brave, and iconic. It’s playful escapism with a social twist—and it makes for some seriously great group photos.
Even better? Costumes make you part of the experience, not just a spectator. And that’s what May the Fourth is all about—shared joy, shared fandom, and a little bit of theatrical flair. Whether you’re hitting a uni bar crawl or hosting a living-room lightsaber duel, the right costume doesn’t just fit the theme—it becomes the moment.
Top Star Wars Costumes to Buy at Costume Wonderland
Thinking of committing to the character long-term? Buying a Star Wars costume is a great way to own your fandom (and have it ready for every themed event, con, or impromptu lightsaber battle). Costume Wonderland has some show-stopping options that are more than just fancy dress—they’re wearable tributes to legendary characters.
Here are our top picks:
Rey Deluxe Costume – For the fearless scavenger-turned-Jedi who knows her way around a lightsaber and a sassy comeback.
Lando Calrissian Deluxe Costume – Because capes, charm, and space smugglers never go out of style.
Luke Skywalker Deluxe Costume – The classic choice. Ideal for anyone ready to embrace destiny, defeat the dark side, or simply dominate a themed trivia night.
Princess Leia (Slave) Costume – Bold and iconic. A confident choice for fans who appreciate cinematic history and aren’t afraid to bring a little heat to the party.
Ewok Hood & Classic Female Costumes – Furry, fabulous, and a little bit cheeky. Perfect for those who want comfort with a side of mischief.
Anakin Skywalker Costume – For anyone walking the fine line between light and dark (or just keen to rock a leather tabard).
These costumes are perfect for fans who want to go big, build their costume wardrobe, and have a go-to outfit for every con, festival, or themed event on the calendar. Prefer to dress up without the long-term commitment? Let’s talk costume hire.
Best Star Wars Costumes to Hire from Costume Wonderland
Not everyone’s ready to go full-time Jedi. If you’re more of a part-time Sith or a casual Chewie, hiring a costume is the perfect way to join the May the Fourth festivities without filling your wardrobe with galactic gear.
Costume Wonderland’s hire range is stacked with high-quality, conversation-starting costumes that bring the wow-factor without the price tag of ownership. Whether you’re planning a pub crawl with mates, turning up to a themed house party, or just surprising your co-workers on a Zoom call, these hire picks are ready for action:
Han Solo Costume – For the smooth-talking rogue with a heart of gold (and a solid aim). Classic, comfortable, and always cool.
Queen Amidala Costume – Regal, dramatic, and iconic. This one’s for the costume connoisseurs who love a look that says, “Yes, I came to rule.”
Chewbacca Costume – Fluffy, fantastic, and unforgettable. Warning: you will be asked to do the roar.
Boba Fett Costume (In-Store Only) – The galaxy’s most stylish bounty hunter. If mystery and menace are your thing, this one’s for you.
Hiring a costume also means less storage, less stress, and more freedom to try a different character next time. It’s fuss-free transformation at its finest.
So whether you’re popping in-store for fittings or planning ahead online, our hire options bring the Star Wars vibes without the commitment.
May the Fourth isn’t just another themed day on the calendar—it’s a full-on cultural celebration that invites fans to live out their Star Wars stories in style. From its punny beginnings to its global takeover, the date has become an annual chance to geek out with pride, humour, and creativity.
We’ve explored the journey of May the Fourth from meme to movement, celebrated the joy of dressing up, and showcased some of the best Star Wars costumes to hire or buy from Costume Wonderland. Whether you’re planning to go all in with a deluxe purchase or keep things casual with a one-night-only hire, the perfect costume is ready and waiting.
So, what’s your May the Fourth look going to be? Jedi robes and quiet wisdom? Chewbacca growls and big energy? Or maybe something bold, glittery, and Queen Amidala-level grand?
Whatever your style, check out Costume Wonderland’s full Star Wars collection and get ready to transform your May the Fourth into an out-of-this-world celebration.
Lightsabers optional. Good times guaranteed.
