Years ago, it looked like J.K. Rowling was walking away from her most famous fictional character and no more Harry Potter stories would be published. However, like a popular band that just couldn't resist the siren call of a reunion tour, she has now changed her mind and given the world another volume in the Potter library. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a two-part play that debuted on the London stage last month and, this weekend, will hit bookstore shelves in printed form. Officially available at 12:01am on Sunday, July 31, there are plenty of parties where fans, young and old, can gather to count down the hours until the book hits their magical hands. So pull that Hogwarts costume you wore for Halloween 2007 out of storage and join the wizarding world at these local events.
Skylight Books: Los Feliz institution Skylight will be hosting a release party on Saturday starting at 10pm. To pass the time until books are handed out at midnight, there will be Trivial Pursuit Dueling, face painting and—for the adult Potter-lover—wine to sip.
Barnes & Noble at the Grove: Barnes & Noble is going all out with their release party, which starts at 8pm on Saturday. There will be a ‘Muggle Wall’ where fans can publicly share special memories, giveaways for limited-edition cover prints, ‘fantasy rock’ band Blackhaven will play a live set of music from the Harry Potter films and a Potter-themed improv troupe, The Show That Shall Not Be Named, will perform. For those who can’t make it out for the Saturday-night release, they will also be holding an all-day celebration on the 31st starting at 9am.
Gatsby Books: Long Beach Potterheads will be gathering at Gatsby, decked out in house colors and other costumes. Trivia, crafts and potions are all in the store, and at the stroke of midnight those in the crowd can join in for a group round-robin reading of the play's first act.
Gallery Nucleus and Vroman's Books: Local mini-chain Vroman’s will be presenting their release party at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra. Starting at 9pm on Saturday, entry to the party is free for two people with each copy of the book pre-ordered from Vroman’s by July 29. There will be an Instagram costume contest and a display of Harry Potter-related artworks.
Once Upon a Time: Montrose bookshop Once Upon a Time is getting in on the festivities with a party from 10:30pm to midnight. A phone or in-person pre-order of the book gets you two spots on the guest list.
Cellar Door Books: Over in Riverside, Cellar Door Books will be inviting fans in from 10pm to 1am for an all-ages party. Kids can enjoy games, a sorting station and magic, Crafty U Too will present an activity station and there will be butter beer flowing (in adult and kid-safe variations).
Catcher in the Rye: This lit-themed bar is hosting a Harry Potter night on Thursday, August 4—which should give devotees plenty of time to read The Cursed Child through at least twice and be ready to discuss every nuance with other adult fans. There will be Quidditch Pong to play and special Amortentia and Avada Kedavra cocktails. Tickets are $15 in advance and include one drink.