Star Wars Celebration Chicago 2019: Official Exclusives, Author Signings, and Free Public Events

Star Wars Celebration Chicago, held from April 11 through April 15, 2019, at McCormick Place, offered fans a multitude of opportunities to engage with the franchise through exclusive merchandise, author interactions, and free community activities. The event, produced by ReedPop, featured a sold-out schedule of panels, celebrity appearances, and retail opportunities. For consumers seeking value and unique collectibles, the convention served as a primary source for limited-edition items, while local Chicago events provided accessible alternatives for those unable to attend the main convention.

The convention floor was a central hub for retail exclusives, featuring major brands such as LEGO and Hasbro. Attendees had access to items specifically produced for the event, including the LEGO Darth Vader bust and Hasbro's Black Series figures featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul. Additionally, the event facilitated direct engagement with the literary side of the Star Wars universe, hosting authors like Timothy Zahn and Claudia Gray for autograph sessions and discussions regarding upcoming releases.

For families and local residents, the Chicago area offered complimentary celebrations coinciding with the convention and the annual "May the 4th" fan holiday. The Lincoln Belmont Branch of the Chicago Public Library hosted a free event featuring brick building, crafts, trivia, and games, demonstrating that community-based activities are a significant component of the Star Wars fan experience.

Official Retail Exclusives and Merchandise

Star Wars Celebration has historically been the venue for debut retail releases, and the 2019 Chicago event was no exception. According to coverage of the show floor, attendees could purchase clothing, comic books, toys, and collectibles that were not available elsewhere. Two major manufacturers stood out regarding specific exclusive items.

LEGO Booth (#1611) The LEGO booth featured a highly sought-after item: the Star Wars Celebration exclusive LEGO Darth Vader bust. This item was highlighted as a prime example of the convention exclusives available only to attendees. The presence of the LEGO booth allowed fans to view and purchase building sets, including those specifically decorated for the event.

Hasbro Booth (1723) Hasbro announced the first exclusive item for the event, which was available at their booth. This exclusive was the Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul figures. These figures were distinct from standard retail releases and were marketed specifically to Celebration attendees. The Hasbro booth was a focal point for action figure collectors attending the convention.

Star Wars Insider Magazine Star Wars Insider #189 featured Celebration Exclusive Covers by artist Karen Hallion. While not explicitly confirmed as available in the show store at the time of the documentation, these exclusive covers were anticipated to be available for purchase at the event, offering collectors a print media exclusive.

Author Appearances and Literary Signings

A significant draw for the convention was the lineup of authors responsible for expanding the Star Wars canon through novels and comics. The event provided a schedule for fans to meet these authors, obtain autographs, and hear about upcoming titles directly from the creators.

Timothy Zahn Fan favorite Timothy Zahn, the creator of the character Thrawn, was in attendance. Zahn promoted his latest novel, Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances, and his earlier work, Star Wars: Thrawn. His presence was a major highlight for fans of the expanded universe literature.

Claudia Gray Author Claudia Gray was present to discuss her upcoming title, Star Wars: Master and Apprentice. She is also well-known for her contributions to the young adult novel series, including Star Wars: Lost Stars and Star Wars: Leia, Princess of Alderaan, as well as Star Wars: Bloodline.

Alexander Freed Alexander Freed, author of the upcoming novel Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron, attended the event. His portfolio includes the novelizations of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: Battlefront: Twilight Company, along with several comic book series such as Star Wars: Purge – The Tyrant’s Fist and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Cavan Scott Cavan Scott, known for the Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space series, was part of the author lineup. He also wrote the choose-your-destiny style adventures featuring Han & Chewie and Luke & Leia.

Jeffrey Brown Jeffrey Brown, author of the Darth Vader and Family Coloring Book, was present, offering a lighter, family-friendly addition to the literary offerings at the convention.

Celebrity Attendees and Panels

The 2019 Celebration featured a roster of actors from across the Star Wars saga. These appearances allowed fans to hear behind-the-scenes stories and view archival footage. The event was described as a place to see first-look trailers and surprise appearances.

Legacy Actors Notable attendees included Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Ian McDiarmid (The Emperor), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Ray Park (Darth Maul). These actors represented the original and prequel trilogies.

Story Actors Representing the Star Wars Stories and animated series, attendees included Riz Ahmed (Bodhi Rook), Forest Whitaker (Saw Gerrera), Erin Kellyman (Enfys Nest), Alan Tudyk (K-2SO), Paul Bettany (Dryden Vos), and Freddie Prinze Jr. (Kanan Jarrus).

Ahmed Best A significant focus was placed on the attendance of Ahmed Best, the performer behind Jar Jar Binks. His participation was highlighted as an opportunity for fans to show support and appreciation for his contribution to the franchise.

Free Public Events in Chicago

For fans unable to attend the paid convention at McCormick Place, or for those looking for family-friendly activities, Chicago offered free events. These events were timed to coincide with Star Wars Celebration and the fan holiday "May the 4th."

Lincoln Belmont Branch Library Event On May 4, 2024, the Lincoln Belmont Branch of the Chicago Public Library hosted a "May the 4th Be With You" celebration. This event was free and open to ages 6 and up. * Activities: The event included brick building, at least one craft project, trivia, and games. * Details: Costumes were optional. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1659 W. Melrose St., Chicago, IL. * Contact: The branch phone number is 312-744-0166.

While this specific event listing references 2024, it reflects the recurring nature of free Star Wars programming at Chicago Public Library branches, which often coincides with major franchise milestones or conventions.

Logistics and Ticketing

Attending Star Wars Celebration required planning due to high demand. The event spanned five days at McCormick Place, a venue described as a "massive sprawling town of its own."

Ticket Availability Tickets for the event sold out quickly. ReedPop, the producer of the event, implemented a virtual queue system for remaining ticket sales. This system allowed fans to select up to two tickets per person for specific days. Because the event sold out, prospective attendees were advised to utilize the virtual queue immediately upon its opening.

Event Scope The event featured "The Star Wars Show LIVE!" on the convention floor, providing exclusive content and interviews. The show floor allowed fans to view original artwork, participate in video game demos, and view cosplay. There were also opportunities to receive Star Wars-themed tattoos on-site.

Conclusion

Star Wars Celebration Chicago 2019 provided a comprehensive experience for fans, ranging from high-value retail exclusives to free community engagement. The event served as the primary venue for limited-edition merchandise from brands like LEGO and Hasbro, while the literary programming offered direct access to the creators of the current Star Wars canon. For consumers prioritizing cost-free activities, the Chicago Public Library system provided accessible alternatives, ensuring that the celebration of the franchise was available to a broad demographic. Whether attending the convention for exclusive collectibles or visiting a local library for trivia and crafts, the opportunities for engagement were diverse.