The wizarding world is alive around Northern Virginia with the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two. Cast your spells and stop into one of these upcoming local events. Mischief managed!
Harry Potter Release Party
July 30
Celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the library with special games, hands-on crafts and snacks. // Haymarket-Gainesville Library: 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket
Books-a-Million Harry Potter Release
July 30
Starting at 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy Harry Potter-themed activities, including a scavenger hunt and coloring pages. The real party begins at 9 p.m. with face painting, wand-making, trivia and a costume contest. When the clock strikes midnight, redeem a special voucher in the express lane for a copy of the new book. // Dulles Town Center: 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Release Party
July 30
Get sorted into a Hogwarts house and sample magical food and drinks as the bookstore is transformed into the Three Broomsticks. Other activities include a wand-making station, costume contest, Harry Potter trivia and, of course, the book release at midnight. // Politics and Prose: 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Harry Potter Midnight Release Party
July 30
Located in the heart of Old Town, Hooray for Books is hosting a party that includes a costume contest, Pin the Nose on the Voldemort, special crafts and more. Call the store for more details. // Hooray for Books: 1555 King St., Alexandria
Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt
July 30-31
Professor Snape has hidden 19 potion vials around Old Town Alexandria. Can you find them all? When you’ve collected at least seven different stamps, bring them to The Apothecary Museum or Hooray for Books by Aug. 2 to claim a small prize and be entered in a raffle. // Alexandria
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Countdown to Midnight Party and Celebration
July 30-31
On July 30, local Barnes and Noble locations will host a special Countdown to Midnight Party featuring a special Muggle Wall, giveaways and themed events. The fun continues the next day with a daytime celebration and family-friendly activities. // All area Barnes and Noble locations (Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Tysons Corner and Springfield)
Family Friendly Tours: The Real Science Behind Harry Potter
July 31
Learn about the real-life medicinal uses and origins of the ingredients mentioned in the Harry Potter books, including mandrake root, lavender and valerian root. The tour includes a special take-home activity book and trivia contest. // Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum: 107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Release Event
July 31
Stop in during the day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to participate in Sorting Hat Ceremonies, try Harry Potter-themed food and pick up a copy of the newest installment. // Comics and Gaming Fairfax: 10385 Main St., Fairfax
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Aug. 5
Relive the magic and unforgettable score as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs the music of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The visually stunning film will be projected on the giant, high-definition screen. // The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, Maryland
Harry Potter and the Wizarding Gene: Scientific Fact and Fantasy Fiction
Aug. 23
Discover the genetics behind wizarding abilities at this highly entertaining and educational lecture by Eric Spana, assistant biology professor at Duke University. No genetics knowledge is necessary. Recommended for ages 13 through adult. // South Dillon Ripley Center: 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, D.C.
