Rock out like Max Rebo with this Twin Cities 'Star Wars' party guide

Minnesota is no Mos Eisely, but there are plenty of "Star Wars"-related parties to crash this week.

There's even a Cantina-themed shindig inspired by that Tatooine city's hallowed nightclub. Or as Obi-Wan Kenobi described it: "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy."

And that's a good thing!

Here are a few more places to witness nefarious activity as you prepare for Thursday night's opening of Episode VII.

The Cantina — A "Star Wars" Dance Party: DJ Jake Rudh is welcoming Wookiees, Jawas, Jedis and Sith lords to his popular Transmission night. Expect lots of costumes at the themed party, held at First Avenue. But since this will be fashioned after the Mos Eisley Cantina, dressing up as Greedo is probably a bad idea.

Info: 9 p.m. Sat., 701 1st Av. N., Mpls. $8-$10, 18 and older, first-avenue.com.

Ninth Annual "Star Wars Holiday Special": Here's a chance to watch the incredibly bizarre (and bad) 1978 holiday special with fellow fans. Screened at Bryant-Lake Bowl, where you may eat and drink at your seat.

Pourhouse's "Star Wars" [Expletive] Show: This downtown party bar isn't known for nuance. We can't even print the full name of next weekend's party (the missing word shares the same letters as "sith"). "Rebel shots" ($3 Jameson) and "Imperial shots" ($4 Malibu Rum) will be offered. And there will be a live choreographed "Star Wars" performance of some kind.

Info: 9 p.m. Dec. 18, 10 S. 5th St., Mpls. No cover for anyone in costume or with a movie ticket stub, thepourhousempls.com.

Let the Wookiee Win: The Cardinal Tavern is home to a weekly trivia night hosted by the fine folks from Geeks Who Drink. But this week, it'll be centered around all things "Star Wars."

Info: 7 p.m. Sat., 2920 E. 38th St., Mpls. $5, geekswhodrink.com.

"Star Wars" Library Party: Young Jedis want to have some fun, too, right? This daytime event takes place on the third floor of Metro State University's library (and is co-sponsored by the St. Paul Public Library). For the kids: obstacle course, lightsaber making, science experiments, Jedi robes, Leia buns, food, music and, best of all, a Death Star piñata.

612-673-7909 • Twitter: @tomhorgen