Press release from the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission:

The 2025 Forest Moon Festival wrapped with galactic success this past weekend, attracting fans, families, and Star Wars enthusiasts from across the country to California’s iconic redwood coast. This year’s celebration not only featured stellar programming and special guests — it also earned a spot in People Magazine’s special edition, “Reasons to Love California,” ranked #4 for the article “Its Parks Play Planets in Star Wars,” spotlighting the festival as a unique annual tribute to the Return of the Jedi filming locations.

With over 60 vendors, including artisans from as far as Oakland, and attendees representing more than 15 U.S. states — from Hawaii to Florida and Connecticut to Texas — the festival’s reach and impact continue to grow exponentially.

Special guest highlights included:

• Rebel Force Radio’s Jimmy Mac and Jason Swank, the hosts of the #1 Star Wars podcast, conducted interviews with notable individuals like Dan Phillips (former Hulu CEO and a Cal Poly graduate), Assemblymember Chris Rogers, and local supervisors Starkey and Arroyo at multiple locations throughout the coast.

• Kyle Newman, acclaimed Hollywood director, New York Times bestselling author, and Star Wars ambassador, appeared for a screening of Fanboys followed by a live Q&A and multiple fan meet-and-greets.

• Kevin and Tracy Thompson, with Kevin known for playing over 20 Ewoks and performing stunt work in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, delighted fans with stories.

The celebration was brought to life thanks to passionate fans, Lucasfilm approved costumers traveling from across the U.S., and strong regional support from key community partners and sponsors:

County of Humboldt (Measure J), Humboldt Lodging Alliance, Del Norte County, City of Crescent City, Fortuna Parks and Recreation, Southern Humboldt Chamber & Visitor Center, North Coast Growers Association, City of Eureka Community Services, Sequoia Park Zoo, The Eureka Theater, PG&E, Humboldt Sponsors, and Kyber Cave.

The Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission continues to lead the event with a dedicated core team: Cassandra Hesseltine (Founder & Executive Producer), Anibal Polanco, J Clark, Creative Producers Tracy Boyd & Tiffany Miller, along with Photographer Mark McKenna, Videographer Tex Kelly, and an incredible team of volunteers spanning the Redwood Coast.

The Forest Moon Exhibit at the Redwood Coast Museum of Cinema in Eureka, CA will remain open throughout the summer.

For more information regarding the festival, visit forestmoonfestival.org or follow @forestmoonfestival on social media.