Comic Book Day Meets Star Wars Day

The first weekend in May, Comic Book Day and Star Wars Day come together for an out-of-this-galaxy weekend of fun.

Free Comic Book Day is May 2nd, 2026!  Free Comic Book Day is observed by a handful of East Bay comic shops, libraries, and websites (of course). It introduces new readers to comic books as an art and entertainment form, and supports local independent comic book shops.

Star Wars Day — also known as “May the Fourth [Be With You]” — is celebrated on (you guessed it!) May 4th. It’s marked by movie theaters and libraries with crafts, costume contests, and movie marathons.

Comic Book Day for Families

Being in line waiting for your nearby shop to open is just part of the fun: expect to see loads of costumes out and about!

For my family, this outing has become an annual tradition. My kids and husband wear their favorite superhero shirts and enjoy people-watching before picking up a new comic or three.

Thousands of comic book shops across North America and around the world will give out millions of comic books, free of charge (with more you can buy, of course!). The free books, designed especially for this promotion, will satisfy a variety of ages and reading levels.

Visit these East Bay stores to enjoy Free Comic Book Day 2026

Costumes are optional and so fun.

CAPE AND COWL COMICS, Oakland

Offering prizes, free tattoos (real ones!), and donations to the Alameda County Food Bank.
1601 Clay Street, Oakland
(510) 907-0678
Find them on Facebook to check hours >>

THE ESCAPIST COMIC BOOKSTORE, Berkeley

3086-3090 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley
(510) 652-6642
Website for hours & restrictions >>

FANTASTIC COMICS, Berkeley

1708 Martin Luther King Jr Way Suite A, Berkeley
(510) 982-1451
Facebook for current info >>

ALAMEDA SPORTS CARDS & COMICS, Alameda

1515 Webster St, Alameda
(510) 769-0644
Facebook for details >>

Free Comic Book Day Events

Star Wars Day for Families

Turn May the Fourth into a fun-filled family celebration! Get double use out of those Halloween costumes and dress up as your favorite characters for one of the many Bay Area Star Wars-themed events. Older fans can check out the SF Cantina Band at Chabot’s Sci-Fi Night, watch Spaceballs at Rialto Cinemas or enjoy an all day movie marathon. For younger kids, build your own galaxy puppet and laser sword at Chabot’s A Galaxy Not So Far Away, take a trip to the Yoda Fountain in the Presidio, or visit Imagination Park in San Anselmo. Looking for more ideas? Cheer on the Giants and pick up some cool merchandise at Star Wars Day or reserve a spot at this Design a Droid workshop.

STAR WARS DAY EVENTS

 

FreeComicBookDay.com

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