Multiple businesses will be teaming up for Saturday and Sunday, packing The Gateway with fun activities, fandom-themed food, giveaways, and even flash tattoos. All the action will kick off at noon.
“We are the number one nerd culture in the United States, according to Time magazine and several other sources,” Jonathan King, the outreach and special events manager with Utah Arts Alliance, said. “This is mainly about us, as the nerds of Salt Lake, that we get to celebrate and are accepted. It’s a safe space for us to be the nerdiest that we can be. Most everything we are doing is just to put smiles on everybody’s faces.”
Free Comic Book Day is a decades-old celebration, offering a range of genres and titles for all ages. The event is celebrated on the first Saturday in May annually, beginning in 2002, to encourage people to visit their local comic book stores and fall in love with stories that resonate with them.
This year, Free Comic Book Day is on Saturday, May 3. The Nerd Store will be celebrating at all of its Utah locations, including The Gateway. Each will have local creators available for signings, as well as exciting giveaways.
Urban Arts Gallery will also be a part of the comic book fun. Check it out, enjoy a snack, and take a look at its Pop-Verse exhibit, which celebrates fandom with pieces by local Utah artists.
Want to make your own piece of art? Swing by Hawaii Fluid Art for a chance to create a painting using the colors of your favorite superhero.
May the 4th be with you! Enjoy an out-of-this-world celebration at The Gateway’s Star Wars Day event.
Festivities start the day before, on May 3, at the Masonic Temple, where there will be an art and craft market, with Star Wars cosplayers to meet and greet with.
On May 4, head to a galaxy far, far away with the Clark Planetarium from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., where you can snap pictures with an impressive Jabba the Hutt replica, or extremely talented cosplayers from the local Alpine Garrison group.
There will also be space-related activities, a cosplay contest, and giveaways for FanX passes and signed Star Wars memorabilia.
From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., go to the Urban Arts Gallery to try blue milk, as well as a non-dairy option. Other treats will be available, such as wookie cookies, lightsabers, and Mandalorian mandarins. There will be a cosplay contest at 4:30 p.m.
Pearl Milk Boba will also have five Star Wars-themed drinks, available. They are also hosting a giveaway for Kilby Block Party Tickets.
Hawaii Fluid Art will continue its fun-themed art, this time focusing on Star Wars.
Both days, Star Wars flash tattoos will be available at Urban Arts Gallery, with proceeds going to Ink Against Cancer, dedicated to raising cancer awareness and supporting cancer warriors.
Ink Against Cancer told ABC4.com these back-to-back celebrations create a space for all fans to come together, share their love for comics, Star Wars, and art, as well as be a part of a meaningful cause.
“This weekend reflects the heart, talent, and unity that make our local scene so incredible,” Ink Against Cancer said.
Patricipatng tattoos artists include @emz_ink, @no.thisispatrick801, @xx_kipling_xx, @gabbie_tatts, @a_real.otaku.tattoos. You must be 18 years or older with a valid ID to get the tattoos.
The organization shared that it’s inspiring to see how everyone is coming together in honor of this event.
“We’re constantly amazed by how the community shows up — not just fans, but local businesses, artists, and organizations. When you walk through the gallery this weekend, you’ll see that this is more than an event — it’s a movement powered by kindness and creativity. Everyone involved — from tattoo artists to comic shops and local vendors — is using their passion to give back, and that’s something truly powerful,” they shared.
The nonprofit said to come ready to have a great time and make a difference.
“Whether you’re getting tattooed, picking up a free comic, taking photos with characters, or just enjoying the creativity on display, your presence helps us raise funds for Cancer Warriors of all ages and types. Follow @inkagainstcancerfoundation and @urbanartsgallery for updates, artist previews, and flash sheets. And don’t forget—tips go directly to the tattoo artists, so bring cash and show them some love,” Ink Against Cancer said.
Next year, King shared that the event will be even bigger and better, so stay tuned. If you’re looking for more fun ways to nerd out, he also said there will be “Cosplay Games” this fall, where teams in costumes embark on a scavenger hunt.
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