Local businesses are letting their geek flags fly in advance of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which opens in theaters next week.
Neighborhood spots are channeling the force with costume contests, screenings and even a tongue-in-cheek tribute to a part of “Star Wars” history many would prefer to ignore. Check out the “Star Wars”-related events happening in the East Village and Lower East Side below:
► “Star Wars” Viewing Party at Professor Thom’s, 219 Second Ave.
If you need a refresher on the events leading up to "The Force Awakens," swing by Professor Thom’s, where the bar will screen the original “Star Wars” trilogy starting on Dec. 10.
The bar will start with the original “Star Wars” film at 5 p.m., before showing “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” said owner Pete Levin, a self-described “massive fan” of the series.
Professor Thom’s will also provide free popcorn, he said, as well as “Star Wars”-themed drinks like the “Jedi Mind Trick, “a variation on a mind eraser,” as well as Yoda green jello shots and a “C-3PO,” made with Redemption rye whiskey, honey and lemon.
In between the movies, the bar will host a trivia contest from 7 to 8:30 p.m. as well as a costume contest from 10:30 to 11 p.m., Levin added.
“It’s going to be a real fun time,” he said.
Hotsy Totsy Burlesque will pay tribute to what is arguably “the worst holiday special ever conceived” — the "Star Wars Holiday Special."
In “Episode I: Life Day,” which will take place on Dec. 10, host Cherry Pitz will attempt to share clips from her favorite TV special — which was panned by fans and critics in 1978 and never shown again — while members of the group perform Star Wars-themed burlesque acts, according to the group’s website.
Pitz will try once more “to make others enjoy one of her favorite childhood memories” in the show’s sequel on Dec. 17. “Episode II: The Return of Life Day” will feature a new script, new acts and a new cast, according to Hotsy Totsy’s site.
Tickets are $10 each and are available at the Slipper Room’s website. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. shows.
► Trivia Night and Star Wars Party at Ace Bar, 531 E. Fifth St.
Ace Bar will also host a pair of "Star Wars"-related events, starting with a trivia night that will award the winner with an UltraSaber lightsaber. The event starts at 9 p.m. on Dec. 13.
Later in the week, the bar will host its own "Star Wars" party, which will include Jedi-themed games, according to its website. Costumes are encouraged for the Dec. 16 event, and those who wear more impressive outfits could earn free drinks, the bar said. The party will run from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
► Star Wars Menu at Sweet Chick, 178 Ludlow St.
Sweet Chick will be offering a special "Star Wars"-themed menu that includes waffles in the shape of the Death Star.
From Dec. 14 through 20, customers can order the $19 Death Star Chicken and Waffles, which includes three blueberry balsamic glazed "X-wings" garnished with edible gold stars, or just the waffle itself, which will be served with a blueberry compote and edible gold stars for $7.
The menu will also be available at the Williamsburg location.
