New Hope Turns Star Wars Into Four-Day Festival as 60+ Small Businesses Power May the 4th Weekend

New Hope, PA – A Bucks County river town known for its arts scene is scaling up a pop culture celebration into a four-day economic driver, with more than 60 small businesses transforming New Hope into a Star Wars-themed destination from May 1 through May 4. What began as a one-day promotion has expanded into a town-wide event spanning restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and bars, all offering themed menus, discounts, and interactive experiences. Organizers say the growth reflects both rising visitor demand and the creativity of independently owned businesses anchoring the local economy. The weekend centers on May the 4th—informally known as Star Wars Day—but stretches into a multi-day draw designed to bring sustained foot traffic into the walkable downtown. Small Businesses Drive a Town-Wide Takeover More than 60 participating locations are contributing their own interpretations, turning storefronts and menus into themed experiences rather than relying on a single centralized event. “This is one of those weekends that shows exactly what New Hope does best,” said Michael Sklar, president of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce. “It’s creative, it’s artsy, and with 60 small businesses putting their own spin on it, the entire town becomes an experience.” Sklar added that