The force is strong in western Queens.
As fans around the world get ready for the premier of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" next week, local businesses in Astoria and Long Island City are getting into the spirit early with Star Wars-themed events.
"I'm obsessed with 'Star Wars,'" said Mackenzi Farquer, owner of Astoria boutique Lockwood, where she's throwing a party the day the new film opens. "I grew up with them."
Here's DNAinfo's roundup of local events to get you hyped for Dec. 18.
► "Star Wars" Party at Lockwood
Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
32-15 33rd St., Astoria
The lifestyle shop will be celebrating all day with treats and surprises. Customers who come in wearing any "Star Wars"-themed item will get a 20 percent discount, and Farquer will be hiding Stormtrooper and Darth Vader badges around the shop that will get anyone who finds them 15 percent off.
The store will also be selling holiday postcards by artist Caryn Cast which feature "Star Wars" characters, like one with Yoda decked out in a Santa Suit.
The Star Wars postcards are back... Available for purchase thru my website! https://t.co/Vx25JtUqye #yodasanta pic.twitter.com/CAWyt7jq4X
— Caryn Cast (@caryncast) November 24, 2015► "I've Got a Bad Feeling About This" Parody Show
Dec. 11, 12 and 19, 7 p.m.
The Chain Theatre, 21- 28 45th Road, Long Island City
For three nights only, theater group The Usual Rejects will perform a parody of the original "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope." A cast of six actors will play every role in the film using a pared-down version of the actual script, and audience members will get a chance to take part in the comedy.
Tickets to the show cost $15 and include two free drinks and entry into a raffle. Tickets tend to sell out fast and should be purchased in advance. Sales will also help raise funds for The Chain Theatre, which is looking for a new home because its current building is being sold.
► Episode V and Episode VI Screenings
Dec. 9 and 16, 9 p.m.
Sweet Spot, 22-72 31st St., Astoria
Get psyched for the newest installment of the franchise by watching the old ones. The Sweet Spot bar in Astoria will be showing "Episode V: Empire Strikes Back," this Wednesday, Dec. 9 and "Episode VI: Return of the Jedi" next Wednesday, Dec. 16. Patrons dressed in costume will get a free beer.
► "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Dinner and a Movie Event
Dec. 17, 7 p.m.
Studio Square, 35-33 36th St., Astoria
Astoria beer garden Studio Square is hosting a pre-party before "The Force Awakens" opening, which will get you a seat at a 10:30 p.m. showing of the new movie at Regal Cinemas next door. A $65 ticket will get you a buffet dinner and two free drinks at the bar, and a ticket to the movie afterwards. Tickets can be purchased here.
