‘May the Forge Be With You” Block Party Brings Star Wars to Downtown Topeka on June 8

Downtown Topeka will transform into a galaxy far, far away on Sunday, June 8, from 12–5 p.m. for the “May the Forge Be with You” Summer Star Wars Block Party, presented by Forge Young Professionals. Hosted at Tee Box, 906 S. Kansas Avenue, this one-of-a-kind event is free to attend and promises a celebration full of Star Wars magic, live entertainment, and community fun.

The event will feature appearances by Spencer Wilding, who played Darth Vader in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Jimmy Vee, known for portraying R2-D2 in The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and The Last Jedi. Fans can also meet characters like C-3PO and Chewbacca and dance along with Side Hustle, performing as the Mos Eisley Jedi Band.

“Coming off the success of the critically acclaimed Star Wars: Andor on Disney+, we’re honored to welcome Spencer Wilding, who brought Darth Vader to life in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” said Sean Dixon, interim president of Downtown Topeka Inc. and president of Visit Topeka. “We’re also thrilled to host Jimmy Vee, whose iconic performance as R2-D2 spans multiple Star Wars films. This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors—Petland, The Tee Box, Architect One—as well as Forge Young Talent and the Top City Interns program. It’s a fantastic example of how partnerships can create unforgettable experiences in downtown Topeka.

“We’re thrilled to host May the Forge Be with You at Tee Box,” said Jake King, owner of Tee Box. “As a lifelong Star Wars fan, this event is especially exciting for me. Bringing the community together around something so iconic is exactly the kind of energy we love to see on Kansas Avenue. It’s going to be an unforgettable day, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy a full slate of activities, including themed drinks, great food, character meet-and-greets, and more.

“This event is about bringing people together, celebrating pop culture, and giving young professionals and families an unforgettable experience,” said Rhett Flood, executive director of Forge Young Talent. “It’s fun. It’s interactive. It’s something only Topeka can do like this—and we’re thrilled to share it with the community.”

Whether you’re channeling your inner Jedi or joining the Dark Side for the day, don’t miss this stellar celebration in the heart of Downtown Topeka.