Don Your Cloaks and House Colors for Harry Potter’s Birthday

HarryPotter

Sat 7/30

No, Halloween didn’t come early — but it might seem that way when cloak-wearing masses wielding wands gather to wish the most famous wizard of all-time a happy 36th birthday this weekend.

You read that right — 36. It’s hard to believe, but the Boy Who Lived is now almost middle-aged and has kids of his own in J.K. Rowling’s newest addition to the Harry Potter series. Timed to coincide with Harry’s (and Rowling’s) birthday, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be released at midnight Sun 7/31. And we’ve found the best ways for fans to celebrate.

Take the kids to Kent Potterfest this Saturday from 6pm.–midnight for costumes, magical songs performed by “wizard rocker” Ashley Hamel, Professor Snape’s Potions Class, a costume contest and, of course, a magic show.

While the event takes place throughout downtown, be sure to stroll down Acorn Alley to fully immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter. “Acorn Alley is transforming into Diagon Alley,” says Heather Malarcik, executive director of Main Street Kent. “Shops are changing their names for the day and hosting activities, having menu specials, and more, in the spirit of the event.” 

Stick around until midnight to score your copy of the new book, available through the KSU Mobile Bookstore, on Acorn Alley.

mainstreetkent.org/kent-potterfest

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For some grown-up fun, drop the kids off at the babysitter and head to the Side Quest in Lakewood for the 2nd annual Harry Potter’s Birthday Party, this Saturday. A natural fit for the self-described “geek bar,” last year’s event drew around 400 fans to sip Butterbeer (a year-round menu offering) and learn their futures from fortune tellers à la Professor Trelawney.

“We’re probably the only bar in the country that can say they need a bouncer for a Harry Potter event,” laughs Side Quest marketing director Kelly Rae Griffith. Ready for the sheer volume of people expected, this year’s 21+ party kicks off bright and early at noon, for a wand-making class (already sold out), a potions class where partiers can mix up their own cocktails in vials and beakers, tarot readings, and more.

And while the new book will not be available at the Side Quest, a big announcement is planned for midnight. Sorry, no spoilers here — you’ll have to go the party to find out. “Harry Potter fans are going to be super-excited,” is all Griffith will reveal.

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Also hosting events:

Ben Franklin & MindFair Books in Oberlin will kick off their party at 10pm with refreshments, a trivia contest and a craft. Wear costumes if you like. Admission is advance purchase of the book.

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Macs Backs in Coventry Village gets the party rolling at 8pm with face painting, costume contest, book raffle, crafts, a Harry Potter quiz and puzzles, Harry Potter tattoos and coloring book pages, butter beer and other snacks and beverages, plus Tommy’s next door will serve a special Harry Potter-themed menu from 6-10pm. Adjacent businesses Big Fun and Cleveland Candle Company will also have specials. After midnight head up to the Coventry Library where an acting ensemble will do a reading from the book; the library will have games, trivia and refreshments from 8pm-1:3am.

macsbacks.com/harry-potter-midnight-release-party

Loganberry Books on Larchmere will re-open for Potter fans at 11pm with butterbeer and costumes encouraged.

loganberrybooks.com/

[Written by Ilona Westfall]

Kent, OH 44240

Lakewood, OH 44107

Oberlin, OH 44074

Cleveland Heights, OH 44106

Shaker Heights, OH 44120

 

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