Best Hobbies for Star Wars Fans

44 years ago, a little movie called Star Wars came out, maybe you’ve heard about it. Five sequels, five prequels, almost a dozen TV shows, and more than $9 billion in box office sales later, it’s safe to say its legacy as a culture-shaping force is secure.

Just ask any of the millions and millions of Star Wars fans worldwide. We love it for its epic scale, sense of wonder, and even for its bad science.

As the franchise film cycle goes into a bit of a dormant period following the conclusion of the last trilogy, a lot of these fans are looking for ways to pass the time until the next film hits theaters.

Whether you’re a fan or just have one in your life, here are some Star Wars activities you can do while we wait for the next adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

1. Refurbish Old Figures

One of George Lucas’ biggest strokes of genius had little to do with filmmaking itself.

Before Star Wars, merchandising was nothing like it is today. A big movie might get a few kid’s dolls, a Halloween costume, and that would be it. Capitalizing on the film’s popularity by putting out a whole universe of toys was Lucas’ idea.

But decades later, a lot of those toys aren’t in pristine shape anymore, which makes restoring them a popular fan pastime.

You can buy old figures by the bucket at thrift stores and flea markets across the country. Then all you need are a few art supplies and a steady hand to restore them back to their former glory.

2. Join a Star Wars Activity Club

Cosplay is nothing new in fandom. But did you know that Star Wars claims arguably the oldest dedicated cosplay organization in the world?

Organized in 1997, the 501st Legion is a fan-run organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate replicas of Star Wars gears and costumes. In particular, they specialize in the costumes worn by the bad guys—stormtroopers, bounty hunters Sith lords, and the like. So, if you fancy yourself more of a dark side type of person, you’ll fit right in.

But don’t worry, they’re not all bad. Beyond staging groups events like holding clinics on costume fabrication, they devote a lot of their time to charitable activities like visiting children in the hospital. So, you can feel good about being bad.

Or if you prefer something for a more active lifestyle, you could take up live-action lightsaber dueling in an organization like the Saber Legion.

The Saber Legion and organizations like it are clubs that conduct competitive lightsaber dueling with their own rulesets, tournaments, and the like. In practice, it’s a fencing league with a Star Wars theme.

Duelists have to use specially made replicas that can withstand the impact of live use, like this Darth Vader Lightsaber Replica. But depending on the rules of your league, you can have your saber customized to meet your personal style.

3. Become a Master Mixologist

When Disney announced they were bringing Star Wars: Galaxies Edge to their Florida and California theme parks, fans were thrilled at the possibilities. And while not everyone can make it out to the coast for a Star Wars-themed getaway, there is one aspect of the experience you can have in your own home.

As with any good theme park, Galaxy’s Edge had to have its own slate of themed food and drink. And alcoholic offerings are no exception.

Mixing drinks themed to films is nothing new, but the exotic settings of the Star Wars universe open up so many possibilities for inventive drinks. So, invite some friends over and step behind the bar for a Star Wars cockatiel party.

Let Your Fan Flag Fly

Star Wars is a cornerstone of pop culture, making Star Wars fans one of the largest fan communities. And generally, the fans have it pretty good these days.

There are plenty of ways you can show your love for the franchise. The ones listed here are only your first steps into a larger world.