When is Star Wars Celebration 2016? It’s in Arizona this year! The Arizona Convention Center will host the annual event in late May, featuring events for fans of the past, present, and future. Highlights include a screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the panel Future Filmmaker Discussion. The event also features cosplay championships and a panel discussion on the future of Star Wars. When is Star Wars Celebration 2016?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens screening

Attending a Star Wars: The Force Awakens preview screening at StarWarsCelebration is a great way to meet new characters, and to see what fans have been talking about. There was a panel with the ensemble cast about the movie, but the discussion became disorganized when nine actors showed up. The actors ranged from relative unknowns to well-known faces. The Academy Award winner Forrest Whitaker spoke about playing his role in the upcoming film Rogue One.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story panel

The StarWars.com Rogue One panel opened with the opening crawl from A New Hope. Panelists discussed the new movie’s production as it relates to the Star Wars saga, and it featured some of the cast and crew. The panel also featured Ben Mendehlson, who played Imperial director Orson Krennic, who walked on stage with his Death Troopers. The panel also featured the special panel for Rogue One that is set for Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016, scheduled for July 15-17. The panel also featured a new teaser and the panel concluded with a performance of the film’s trailer.

Future Filmmaker Discussion

The Future Filmmaker Discussion is a panel discussion hosted by Lucasfilm’s Pablo Hidalgo on Sunday, July 17, just before the Closing Ceremony. The panel will feature Rian Johnson, Chris Miller, Phil Lord, and Gareth Edwards, the directors of Episode VIII and the upcoming standalone Han Solo film. Hidalgo will also be on hand to answer questions from the audience.

Cosplay championships

If you want to win a spot in the cosplay championships for the Star Wars Celebration 2016, you have to enter as a Star Wars character. The competition is divided into four categories: best overall look, best likeness, and best personification of the character. You also have the option of entering as a team of two or more people. In addition, you can compete as a youngster by dressing as a character under the age of thirteen. Although prizes have not been announced, you’ll have a chance to win cash prizes!

Lucasfilm: The Art of Storytelling

The panel on “The Art of Storytelling” at Star Wars Celebration 2016 was billed as an interesting look at Lucasfilm’s culture. But, the panel was nothing more than a rambling gabfest, with little real storytelling. As the audience, we were left wanting more. The two panelists, Lucas and Hart, clearly love the Star Wars franchise. But, their enthusiasm and knowledge of the franchise ebbed and flowed in their answers.

Funko

If you haven’t seen the new Star Wars movie yet, then you might want to check out the Funko Star Wars Celebration 2016 in London. The pop-culture celebration will feature over 50 new figures, including the popular Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. The Pop figures will also include droid bounty hunter 4-LOM and Luke Skywalker following his epic fight with Darth Vader. To get your hands on these new Star Wars toys, head to Underground Toys booth S203 at the ExCel Centre.

Loungefly

With the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back upon us, Loungefly is celebrating with an exclusive collection of Star Wars collectibles. With a slew of designs featuring your favorite characters and locations from the series, you’ll be able to bring Star Wars into your home with ease. Plus, you’ll have access to 15 percent off protective phone cases, including Star Wars-themed ones. From backpacks to wallets to key chains, Loungefly has a limited edition Star Wars collection to match the theme.