The Star Wars Zone goes into hyperdrive! Guests, cockpits, Sabacc, and a whole galaxy of attractions at Pyrkon

However, the Star Wars Zone isn’t just about big international names. It’s also the Polish fandom in peak form. Who needs protocol, tactical, or astromech droids when there are people who can talk about Star Wars for hours, and then throw in three more subplots, five theories, and one argument about canon?

The program will feature creators and commentators you know well from online galactic debates. Dżedajka, Pora Imperatora, Kapitan Fandom, Wiktor Weprzędz, and others will take you on a journey into the world of conversations about movies, series, fandom, pop culture, the franchise’s direction, and everything that makes Star Wars a never-ending topic.

There will also be space to discuss how the Polish version of the galaxy far, far away is created. Marta Duda-Gryc and Magda “Cathia” Kozłowska will host a panel on the work of a translator and editor of Star Wars books. After all, it’s a job for people who must simultaneously understand the language, the context, fan sensibilities, and an entire galactic mythology where one poorly chosen term can cause a bigger storm than proposing the creation of the Grand Army of the Republic in the Galactic Senate.

We also have something for those who don’t just want to talk about the galaxy but would rather jump straight into action.

For the first time in Poland, you will be able to see a unique exhibition of full-scale cockpits inspired by iconic ships from the Star Wars universe. Three different invitations to adventure will be waiting for you on-site: an X-Wing, a TIE Fighter, and the Razor Crest from The Mandalorian.

It’s an attraction that immediately captures the imagination. The X-Wing is the Rebellion, desperate attacks, and a voice on the comlink saying the target is close, Red Leader. The TIE Fighter is cold Imperial efficiency and that iconic sound you can’t mistake for anything else. The Razor Crest brings the vibe of lonely routes through the Outer Rim, bounties, and dust settling on the ship’s hull.

You’ll be able to step inside the cockpits, sit at the controls, and take one-of-a-kind photos. This isn’t an exhibition to view from a distance. It’s the moment when a fan’s dream turns into a very tangible photo op.

Pyrkon-goers do not live on exhibitions alone. Sometimes you have to sit at a table, look your opponent in the eye, and play as if the fate of a ship, a hefty pile of credits, or at least your own pride depended on this one round.

In the Imperial Sabacc League, an officer’s cantina, a gaming table, and an atmosphere where every chip could be the start of a beautiful story or a very swift downfall will be waiting for you. Sabacc is a game of bluffing, risk, and galactic luck. The Empire, of course, provides order, surveillance, and appropriate consequences for anyone who gets rich in an unauthorized manner.

If you’re more interested in “accuracy” than cards, drop by the Imperial Shooting Range. Here, you’ll be able to test your skills, face the enemies of the Empire, and see if your reflexes truly deserve a transfer to an elite unit. Rebel sympathies are not recommended. At least not out in the open.

The Star Wars Zone will be bursting at the seams with exhibits that will be hard to walk past. Literally, because some of them are of a size that suggests someone took the phrase “let’s build this” very seriously.

Queen Amidala’s Costumes: This year, Aldona “ATAT” Talarczyk’s exhibition celebrates its 10th anniversary at Pyrkon. A decade of hand-recreated, tweaked, expanded, and perfected Padmé outfits. Velvets, satins, jacquards, lace, beads, the royal splendor of Naboo, and a level of detail that makes you understand why the costumes from The Phantom Menace have a very special status in the fandom.

SW Armory & Kasprop: Armors, helmets, blasters, and droids. Exhibitions for those who have always wanted to see galactic gear up close without pausing the movie every three seconds. Kasprop will present, among other things, a 1:1 scale Droideka and Trade Federation battle droids. Spoiler alert – in person, they make exactly the impression you’d expect from something that looks like a problem for an entire squad.

SW Shipyard: Featuring a life-size snowspeeder and an Imperial probe droid. If Hoth has always been your aesthetic, this is the moment you can feel the chill of the planet without having to freeze in the Rebel base. On top of that, there’s the clone armory—a treat for fans of The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch. Helmets, armor phases, units, variants, and a whole visual evolution of Republic soldiers that some treat as a minor detail, and others as a reason for a debate going on for hours on end.

There will also be an exhibition dedicated to Mandalorians. Helmets, armor, gear, and the vibe of warriors, bounty hunters, and people who know that “This is the way” isn’t just a quote, but a lifestyle declaration. We’ll also host an exhibit celebrating the 10th anniversary of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Figures, props, gadgets, and everything that reminds us why this story struck such a chord in fans’ hearts.

If anyone prefers the less militaristic side of the galaxy, we have galactic toys and a recreation of Jyn Erso’s childhood bedroom. Tooka cats, miniature vehicles, wooden models, and a window into everyday childhood from a completely different planet. Because the galaxy isn’t just wars, empires, and rebellions. It’s also things someone once played with before history forced them onto a much bigger stage and a more serious path.

Of course, the Star Wars Zone isn’t entirely ruled by the Empire. On the other side of the Corellian Run, you’ll find the Rebel Base, prepared by Rebel Legion Eagle Base. It’s a place for those who prefer freedom over imposed order and would rather hear “May the Force be with you” over their comms instead of ISB orders.

The base will feature a tactical table, BB-8 and R2-D2 droids, a Porg enclosure, and—probably the most crucial of all —a recruitment form. After all, someone has to fight for the galaxy. Who knows, maybe that’s where your Rebel career will begin? First, a photo by the droids, then a quick briefing, and then straight into a desperate mission with slim chances of success. A classic.

This is one of those attractions that perfectly shows that Star Wars works best when you can get into character. Not just watching the rebels from a distance, but standing by their side for a moment.

The Star Wars Zone won’t be confined to rooms, booths, and exhibitions. Traditionally, it will also take to the grounds. With flair, costumes, and an atmosphere you can’t mistake for anything else.

On Friday and Saturday, Star Wars cosplayer parades will take place. These are events that draw more fans and more eyes every year. Jedi, Sith, Stormtroopers, Mandalorians, Clones, Rebels, Imperial officers, and every possible faction will march together through Pyrkon.

A professional costume? Awesome. A simple cosplay? Also awesome. What matters is the participation, the vibe, and the fact that for a moment, the entire convention looks like the galaxy really just staged a landing on Poznań.

Finally, something for those who like not just to look, but also to do. The Star Wars Zone will feature workshops and activities that will let you dive deeper into the galactic atmosphere, sometimes very literally, and sometimes in completely unexpected ways.

The schedule includes an Oxford debate. Last year, they debated droid rights, so the question remains: how will the hosts surprise the attendees this time? Will it get philosophical, political, and slightly dangerous with regards to the stability of the galactic order again? Let’s hope so.

There will also be mindfulness, because even the Jedi need to take a breath sometimes before telling someone that fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering. There will be workshops on creating your own Star Wars-themed bags with Michalewicz Art Studio—something for those who want to take home not just photos and memories, but a hand-made piece of a galaxy far, far away.