Who needs last–minute costumes and smushed Starbursts this Halloween when your acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry awaits your reply? Okay, you may not actually have a formal invitation, but these events in the Philadelphia area are sure to satisfy your Harry Potter craving in the upcoming weeks.
Harry Potter Quizzo
When: Thursday, October 25, from 8–10 p.m.
Where: The Victoria Freehouse
Cost: $25 deposit deduced from final bill
Don’t feel too great about your last midterm? Channel your inner Hermione and redeem yourself at this British pub. With three rounds of trivia, you have plenty of chances to let everyone know what Dumbledore’s scar above his left knee is a map of (The London Underground, apparently).
Reserve your spot at 215.543.6089.
Harry Potter Drag Show
When: Tickets remaining for Friday, October 26, and Saturday October 27, at 11 p.m.
Where: The Victoria Freehouse
Cost: $27 General Admission
In addition to Harry Potter trivia, the English restaurant hosts drag performers ranging from Professor McGonagall, to Dolores Umbridge, to Moaning Myrtle. The event also boasts Harry Potter–themed drinks and house potions.
Tickets available here. This event is 21+.
Halloween Horcrux Hunt
When: Saturday, October 27, from 2–5 p.m. (check-in begins at 1:30)
Where: Starts at The Victoria Freehouse
Cost: $25 General Admission (includes welcome package), $35 VIP (includes welcome package, tee shirt, themed drink, goody bag, and option for early check–in time)
You don’t have to be in PennQuest to enjoy this adventurous Saturday afternoon. Make your own team and find seven Horcruxes hidden throughout Old City. Create multiple teams with friends for an all–out competition or enjoy the scavenger hunt at your own pace—either way, loser eats a vomit–flavored Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean (not official rules).
Tickets available here.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
When: Saturday, October 27, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ
Cost: Tickets range from $39-89
For a classy night, travel east to enjoy the fourth installment of NJPAC’s Harry Potter in Concert Series. The movie will be projected on a big screen, during which the NJSO will perform live the score, created by the movie’s Oscar nominated composer, Patrick Doyle.
Tickets available here.
Wizard Fest
When: Sunday, October 28, 8 p.m.
Where: Theatre of Living Arts
Cost: Tickets range from $15–$50
Featuring live music, Harry Potter themed drinks, and Quidditch pong, if you prefer your Harry Potter with a club atmosphere, this event is for you. The night also includes a costume contest with cash prizes, goodie bags, and tickets to a TLA show of choice for winners.
Tickets available here. This event is 18+. Some ticket packages include a wand.
Science After Hours: Wizard School
When: Tuesday November 27, from 7–10 p.m.
Where: The Franklin Institute
Cost: $20 for non–members, $15 for members
Sold out on October 23rd, this experiment–filled event is notably popular. The night includes games, experiments, cash bars, and access to the Franklin Institute’s exhibits. Past year's event included a performance by the punk–rock band Harry and the Potters, potion–offs, Quidditch, dance lessons for the Yule Ball, and classes like “Sorting Hat Science,” “Crystal Gazing and Other Charms,” and “Brewing Potions 101.”
Tickets available here. Must be 21+ to attend.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
When: Shows currently running
Where: Lyric Theatre, New York, New York
Cost: Tickets range from $95–$249 per part
J.K. Rowling cowrote this 2016 play about our beloved witches and wizards of the Harry Potter world—and now their children—and now it's come to Broadway. The play is presented in two parts, recommended to be watched in the same day (matinee and night performance) or on consecutive nights (Thursday and Friday nights). However, tickets can be bought for non–consecutive nights or for part one or two only. Ticket availability is best during late November and after, but earlier showtimes can be purchased.
Tickets available here.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
When: Released on Friday, November 16, 2018
Where: Movie Theaters across the United States
Cost: $11.25 at Cinemark
The sequel to Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2016 movie will be released in mid–November. Eddie Redmayne returns as Newt Scamander, who helps Dumbledore stop a dark wizard antagonist (Johnny Depp) from convincing pure–blood wizards to tyrannize muggles. Tickets available here.
With multiple options to choose from, hopefully you can find the perfect Harry Potter event for you. If you’re still looking, however, then grab some Butterbeer and binge watch the series on HBO until you say “Mischief Managed.”
