If you have Harry Potter fans in your family, you know it’s a big week! On July 31, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child hits bookshelves, and anticipation for J.K. Rowling’s newest book is palpable!
We’ve done our research, and present to you our top 5 ways to celebrate Harry Potter in Cincy. Say Alohomora!
Harry Potter Storytime at Joseph Beth
Friday, July 29 at 10:30 am
If staying up until midnight for a new book is too much for your little ones but you don’t want to miss out on the fun, join us for a Harry Potter Storytime! Don your dress robes, hop on your Cleansweep Seven, and bring your little witches and wizards to enjoy a morning with others eagerly awaiting their Hogwarts letter, complete with magical animal guests from friends at the Cincinnati Zoo!
Harry Potter MuggleFest and Release Party
Blue Manatee Release Party!
Saturday, July 30, 10:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
Come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character… or create your own fantastical, wizardry outfit. We will have games, activities, treats and more! Care to visit an herbology class? How about Potions class? Or maybe wear the Sorting Hat and discover which house you truly belong? If you’re lucky, you may just catch a glimpse of a snitch! All will take place at our MuggleFest on July 30!
Muggles Express
Saturday, July 30 at LM&M Railroad
The “Muggles Express” is back for one night this summer! Come celebrate the release of Harry Potter’s 8th book, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts I & II. Dress as your favorite character and enjoy a ride on the Muggles Express along with a feast at the Great Hall (Golden Lamb). Choose the early (4:30pm) or late dinner (8:00pm) seating with a train departure at 6:30pm. Tickets are $59.99 for Adults and $49.99 for Children (Ages 2-16). A limited number of books will be available for $24 with your ticket and can be reserved ahead of time.
Harry Potter fun at the Cincinnati Public Library
On Wednesday, June 27, kids can recreate the world of Harry Potter using LEGO bricks at the Wyoming Branch; Madeira is hosting a Harry Potter viewing party on July 28; kids can make potions and butter beer at the Blue Ash Branch on July 29; and the Main Library is pulling out all the stops for an afternoon-long Harry Potter party on July 31.
Go to “Castle Days” at the Loveland Castle
Saturday, August 20 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Here in Cincy, it doesn’t get much more enchanting than the Loveland Castle. This real-life castle is right in our backyard! If you’ve never been, we suggest marking your calendar for Aug. 20, the summer’s final “Castle Day.” It promises to be a Medieval day filled with Mirth, Music and Mayhem!
It’s going to be a cursed charmed week here in Cincy. Have fun celebrating everybody’s favorite kid wizard! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to brush up on my Harry Potter spells.