Lightsaber Vigil for ‘Star Wars’ Actor Peter Mayhew at Austin’s Republic Square Park

Actor Peter Mayhew died this week at the age of 74. Mayhew is most notably remembered as Chewbacca from Star Wars.

The Alamo Drafthouse based in Austin is planning to honor the actor with a sunset lightsaber vigil. The vigil will take place for Mayhew at 6:30 p.m. Saturday May 4th, 2019 in Republic Square Park (422 Guadalupe St.).

Join our @rollingroadshow team this weekend for a special Peter Mayhew Memorial and Star Wars Day screening FREE at Republic Square park.

We’ll salute the man with our lightsabers and let out the loudest mass-Chewbacca yell this galaxy has ever heard!https://t.co/RgnGl2Yr0u

— Alamo Drafthouse ATX (@drafthouse) May 3, 2019

Here are the details from the event page:

Rolling Roadshow Presents: A Peter Mayhew Memorial | STAR WARS DAY Screening at Republic Square Park

Join us in honoring the great Peter Mayhew this Saturday, May the Fourth, with a FREE screening of one of the greatest STAR WARS films ever made. At 7’3″, Mayhew played the gentle Wookiee in five STAR WARS films (and one Holiday Special), before passing the role to Joonas Suotamo.

To honor Mayhew’s contributions, before the screening begins, as the sun sets, we’ll salute the man with our lightsabers and let out the loudest mass-Chewbacca yell this galaxy has ever heard.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The film will start once it’s dark, around 8pm, but come early to enjoy Republic Square Park and pre-show activities.
• This special event is FREE and open to the public – but bring a chair or a blanket to sit on.
• Many of Austin’s finest food trucks will be on-site, as well as cash bars with themed drink specials.
• No outside food or drinks will be allowed.

You can register for the free event on their EventBrite page here.