It’s one of the most important days in Harry Potter’s world—and a great time for fans to partake in this exciting adventure. Here’s a run-down of how you can celebrate in Chicago, plus Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment just announced a three-day Harry Potter-themed festival coming to the U.S. in 2023!
Dress up in your Hogwarts best
It wouldn’t be a day of celebrating back to school….or in this case, Back to Hogwarts 2022 for young witches and wizards without dressing for the exciting day! Grab your robes (preferably in your house colors), white button-down shirts, a tie, knee-high socks, Harry Potter-esque glasses, magic wands, and head out to get your morning coffee. While UK-based Harry Potter fans enjoy a meet-up at 11 o’ clock local time at London’s King’s Cross Station to commemorate the time young wizards board the Hogwarts Express in the film, we wouldn’t mind spotting Chicago Potterheads boarding the ‘L’ train dressed up in their Hogwarts best—It just might make our day! So wear your house colors with pride and show out!
Plan a journey to the world premiere of Harry Potter™: Magic At Play
Potterheads, you’re invited to go on the highly-anticipated magical interactive journey to Hogwarts™ at Harry Potter™: Magic At Play starting November 11! This worldwide experience, created by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Superfly X, is making its worldwide debut in Chicago, taking over 30,000 square feet at Water Tower Place downtown! Young wizards and witches of all ages can expect magical surprises, take potion-making classes, practice their Quidditch skills, and so much more!
Take up Quidditch this fall in Chicago
Quidditch isn’t just a made-up game from the magical Harry Potter movies, it’s become quite popular IRL across the globe at universities and private teams that enjoy playing the sport. Lucky for you, The Chicago United Quadball Club (formerly the Chicago United Quidditch Club) is actually looking for players to take up the sport in the Windy City this fall, which will come in handy when Magic at Play opens in Chicago. At the experience, Harry Potter fans can practice their Quidditch™ skills by throwing the Quaffle to see whether they are a Beater, search for the Golden Snitch™, and even test their aim to see if they can make it as a Chaser.
Grab your broomsticks and prepare to show off your skills!Join fans on TikTok for a special live appearance by actor Tom Felton aka Draco Malfoy
Actor Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, will be making a very special appearance on TikTok live on September 1st recorded at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London on the Making of Harry Potter! The charming actor who was quite the nuisance in the films will share special memories from filming the iconic movies, so be sure to follow along at @wizardingworld & @t22felton on September 1st at 7:00 pm BST. If you miss it, don’t worry, you’ll be able to watch it on the Wizarding World’s YouTube channel.
Re-read the books and start binge watching the movies
Another way to celebrate Back to Hogwarts 2022 is to begin to re-read the novels by J.K. Rowling and re-watch the iconic films. For big fans, it’s a chance to see your favorite magical moments and a great way to inspire future generations of Harry Potter superfans.
Venture to The Wizarding World Festival coming to the U.S. in 2023
As if there wasn’t enough excitement for Back to Hogwarts day this year, Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment announced an inaugural three-day Wizarding World Festival that will launch in the U.S. in 2023 that celebrates Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the Entire Wizarding World. While limited details are available, the highly anticipated festival will feature many magical surprises, including cosplay, trivia competitions, autograph signings, film screenings, photo ops, special guest appearances, panel discussions, exclusive merch, and more! Created in partnership with Superfly X and Fever, the weekend will be a fantastic place for witches, wizards, and muggles to come together and celebrate. Fans are encouraged to sign up at WizardingWorldFestival.com to stay in the know on locations and dates!
Photos: via Shutterstock