Star wars Day across town

Since 2011, weekend Wookiees everywhere have gathered in lightsaber-illuminated hordes to celebrate Star Wars Day, an unofficial holiday that happens every May 4. (As in “May the Fourth Be With You.”) There’s much to celebrate in Star Wars’ 40th anniversary year—new movies, animated television shows, upcoming theme park rides and more—and a galaxy of local venues are getting in on the action with SWD parties, including Artisan (6 p.m., free), with live bands like Indigo Kidd and All-Night Visitors, a foam lightsaber battle and a “Death Star Disco Dance-Off”; House of Blues (8 p.m., free), for an “Empire vs. Rebel Alliance” party with DJs Wizdumb facing off against Ryan Maloney and Star Wars-themed drink specials; Downtown Container Park (5:30 p.m., free), with food and drink specials at Perch and Oak & Ivy, “surprise Star Wars guests” and an outdoor screening of Rogue One the Nerd (7 p.m., free), with free bowling and video games and a cosplay contest with a cash prize; and Millennium Fandom (5 p.m., free), with an old-school fan celebration for Wookiees old and new. May 4, Various venues –Geoff Carter

Laura McBride at the Writer’s Block

The CSN instructor made a splash with her debut novel, We Are Called to Rise, in 2014. Now she’s out with her second book, ’Round Midnight. Set in a Las Vegas nightclub, it promises to outdo her first. Catch McBride reading and signing at Downtown’s literary hub. May 4, 7 p.m. –C. Moon Reed

Carrie the Musical at Majestic Repertory Theatre

It’s actually been a thing since the ’80s, but a revised version (based on the Stephen King novel) has given it new life. Half the fun will be watching Carrie wreak havoc on her tormentors; the other half, seeing how it’s staged. May 4-28, Alios, 1217 S. Main St., times vary, $25-$27. –Mike Prevatt

Tim Kasher at Bunkhouse Saloon

Kasher released a new solo album in March, but judging from recent setlists, he’s still mixing in material from his two beloved bands—Cursive and The Good Life—along with an occasional cover of the likes of Simon & Garfunkel and Fleetwood Mac. With Allison Weiss, Blair and Chani, May 5, 9 p.m., $10-$12. –Spencer Patterson

Indian and ’Ohana Festivals

Hula or Bangra? Kalua pork or curry? Hawaiian luau or Bollywood dance party? On May 6, you’ll have your pick among two fun cultural festivals. The Las Vegas Mela Indian Food & Festival offers a day of dance, music, crafts, henna, shopping and more at Clark County Amphitheater, while restaurants like Mint Indian Bistro, Taj Palace and Origin India serve up regional delights. According to its mission statement, the nonprofit event exists to spread a “message of love, respect, honor and understanding” through arts and culture. May 6, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., $7.

Las Vegas is known as the Ninth Island because of its strong Hawaiian influence. Enjoy some of that Aloha spirit at the ’Ohana Festival at Springs Preserve—a full day of entertainment including dance, Hawaiian craft workshops, a Hula class and more. The fest features a variety of children’s activities, like Story Time with an Island Princess, but it’s not just for kids; tropical drinks and beer are available for the grown-ups. May 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $6. –C. Moon Reed

Dave Chappelle at Mandalay Bay Events Center

Dave Chappelle doesn’t want you to bring your phone to his show. All phones will be checked it at the door; it’s mandatory. This isn’t because he doesn’t want his jokes judged in the court of Instagram; rather, he wants you to focus. “We all need to break from that technology,” he says in his Netflix special The Age of Spin. And the crowd in that Netflix special does something curious: hang on to Chappelle’s every word, because it can’t film him and because he’s still the best stand-up comic in the world, with a razor-sharp intellect and a loose, intimate style no one can match. By the way, Age of Spin makes it clear he doesn’t refund bad shows, for reasons any true Las Vegan should understand: “I’m like Evel Knievel. I get paid for the attempt.” May 5, 9 p.m., $89-$275. –Geoff Carter