03-05-2025
Immersive Star Wars nights in Panama City: Cantina and more
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – It's day three of Star Wars Week in downtown Panama City.
Dozens of local businesses and organizations are taking part in the 'May the fourth be with you' celebration.
'Today is our first night of our immersive Star Wars cantina here at the Panama City Center for the Arts. We've decorated the main gallery to look like an actual Star Wars cantina. We're giving away free sodas from the portal, thanks to CBC Construction. And it's just a great night. So we've got Star Wars cosplayers here, droids walking around, it's perfect for any Star Wars fan,' Bay Arts Alliance Executive Director Jayson Kretzer said.
'This is the first time we've done an immersive event for Star Wars. We've always done it outside. It's super hot. This time we're inside with air conditioning, surrounded by sweet props and beautiful projections. So it just feels like you're immersed in the world of Star Wars, and you can't get that anywhere else,' Kretzer said.
Downtown Block Party brings community together
'The Point Break Arcade has their pinball tournaments and things happening,' Kretzer added.
'All the businesses have been jumping in and getting in line with the theme, and it's just been really great,' Kretzer said.
'There's a couple of charities that do get something. So, Bay Arts Alliance, we are an arts organization downtown and runs the Center for the Arts, so a lot of the money raised tonight will go towards our programming. And then we also have the 501st Legion here,' Kretzer said.
'The 501st Legion is a cosplay organization that is dedicated to just spreading Star Wars love. And they don't get paid. They do it out of the love and passion for it. And so we'll collect money to push to a charity of their choice,' Kretzer added.
If you missed tonight's exhibit, it will also be open Saturday.
To find out about the other Star Wars activities this week, click here.
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