Best Ways To Celebrate Star Wars In Detroit
(photo credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
We all know and love the "Star Wars" franchise, and apparently it is beloved nationwide as well, as May 4th is Star Wars Day. Read below for the best places and events that celebrate this day, as well as the "Star Wars" franchise.
Related: Famous Fans Of Star Wars
Great Lakes Garrison - 501st Legion, Michigan Chapter
March of Dimes "March for Babies"
Oakland University
2200 N. Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 359-1575
www.greatlakesgarrison.com/index.php
Date: April 28, 2013
There's no better way to celebrate Star Wars Day early than with an appearance by the Storm Troopers, and the Great Lakes Garrison (501st Legion, Michigan Chapter) will be at the March of Dimes' "March for Babies" at Oakland University on April 28th. The Garrison is the "premier Imperial Star Wars costuming group in the world," and they participate annually in the Motor City ComicCon. You can see them there this year on May 18th. They will also be at a comic store in Mount Pleasant on May 4th for Free Comic Book Day.
Motor City ComicCon
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave.
Novi, MI 48374
(248) 426-8059
www.motorcitycomiccon.com
Date: May 17-19, 2013
The annual Motor City ComicCon doesn't just celebrate comics, it celebrates all forms of pop culture. The convention has many media guests and comic guests, as well as speakers, and in years past there have been "Star Wars" parades. The Great Lakes Garrison (listed above) will be at this year's Motor City ComicCon as well. Tickets range from $11-$105, depending on if you choose a package, and Suburban Collection Showplace has a $5 parking fee.
Vault of Midnight
219 S. Main St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 998-1413
www.vaultofmidnight.com
Vault of Midnight is located in downtown Ann Arbor and has a vast collection of comic books as well as "Star Wars" items. The store opened in 1996, and is the go-to place for toys, games, comics, graphic novels, memorabilia and more. The store's founder, Curtis Sullivan, originally opened his first store on S. Ashley, near the Fleetwood Diner, and moved to Liberty Street soon after. Eventually the store moved to Main Street. Vault of Midnight is the 2010 recipient of the prestigious Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Awards, given by the (San Diego) Comic Con to retailers who have made significant contributions to the comic book industry.
Hot Topic
Briarwood Mall
856 Briarwood Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 222-1038
www.hottopic.com
Hot Topic, while primarily a clothing store, has a surprising amount of "Star Wars" merchandise, and last year it celebrated Star Wars Day with 20 percent off all merchandise and the launch of a new clothing line of "geek chic." You can check out its "Star Wars" clothing and items here. Hot Topic stores can be found at Twelve Oaks Mall (Novi), Oakland Mall (Troy) and Great Lakes Crossing (Auburn Hills), among other locations.
Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals: "Star Wars Night"
Comerica Park
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 962-4000
www.detroit.tigers.mlb.com
Date: September 14, 2013
For those who don't mind waiting a few months to celebrate Star Wars Day, the Detroit Tigers will be hosting their Star Wars Night on September 14th, when they play the Kansas City Royals. They held one of these in September 2012 as well, and Darth Vader threw out the first pitch, versus the Yankees. Characters such as Princess Leia, Darth Maul, Han Solo, R2-D2 and C-3PO will greet you as you enter the ballpark, and in 2012 a pregame parade was held, featuring members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra playing "Star Wars" music. Star Wars Night is a great event for both adults and children, and game tickets range from $12 to $77 and can be bought online.
Related: Best Comic Book Stores In Detroit
Head to CBS Detroit's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food,culture and more!
Liz Parker is a freelance writer and a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
