Events Roundup: “Potter” Christmas Parties, Pizza, Festivals, and More!
As 2017 comes to an end, we’ve witnessed an array of worldwide events celebrating the spectacular story of the Boy Who Lived. In this year’s final roundup, we explore events ranging from Australian Muggle quidditch to Harry Potter trivia nights with pumpkin pizza on offer!
Earlier this month, the annual Australian Quidditch Championship took place in Canberra, and boy, did it attract a large audience! The two-day tournament welcomed over 400 players and 25 teams from all over the country to compete for the winning title. And just like Quidditch in the wizarding world, the tournament had strict regulations to abide by from the International Quidditch Association Official Rulebook.
According to the media director of Quidditch Australia, Nicholas Hirst, the game is not only a fun, physical sport but also celebrates diversity and uniqueness.
The game is inspired by the ‘Harry Potter’ universe but has been adapted so that it can actually be played.
We bet Madam Hooch would be proud!
The victorious ANU Owls!
Calling all magi-scientists in Chicago! The Laboratory in Chicago offers special wizarding experiences for children and adults alike. After getting sorted into your Hogwarts House, you can complete challenges in Potions, Transfiguration, Divination, and more. And in true Hogwarts spirit, you’ll be earning house points to compete for the trophy!
With classes available for private parties, this is a magical experience you do not want to miss! Sign up here for a chance to unleash your inner wizard.
Moving along to Indianapolis, tickets for the John Williams concert at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra are officially sold out (only one hour after tickets went on sale)!
Phone and email orders for John Williams are now SOLD OUT. Thank you to everyone who braved the chilly morning weather, busy phone lines, and high web traffic to purchase tickets today!
The concert will be conducted by Williams on February 11, and it is expected that attendees will not be disappointed with Williams’s many brilliant scores.
On December 21, passionate Potterheads in Hull, England, were treated to a delightful night of Potter general knowledge and trivia. With plenty of pumpkin pizza and butterbeer on offer, fans tested their wizarding knowledge at the Brain Jar in Trinity House Lane for the Big Brain Quiz Harry Potter Edition.
All Muggles are invited to The Brain Jar to sit their OWLS.
Grab some Floo powder, jump on your Nimbus or catch the Knight Bus down to Old Town on Thursday 21st Dec for the next Big Brain Quiz!
The House Elves upstairs will be knocking up some amazing Pumpkin Pizza for Muggles who play, and the Wizards behind the bar will be serving a butterbeer special!
Felix Felicis is extremely forbidden. See you there Muggles.
In Metairie, Louisiana, fans of all ages were lucky enough to attend the Harry Potter Yule Festival, which included various fun activities, including a Sorting ceremony, scavenger hunts, and trivia. According to Youth Services coordinator Erin Korosi, this type of program works well with children coming into libraries to read.
Our goal is to get kids into the library and reading. Most kids love ‘Harry Potter’ and will come into the library for those books and movies, and then we can show what else we have to offer.
Did you attend?
Similarly, the Bedford Free Public Library in Bedford, England, hosted its own Potter festival, which ran from December 26 to December 29. From featuring two movies each day to other wizarding events, the festival fit at a perfect time following Christmas and during the school holidays. Teen room librarian and producer of the festival Pam Aghabian displayed her excitement for the library’s hosting something like this for the first time.
Every year in September, I ask teens what kind of events they would like at the library, and they always say ‘Harry Potter’, so it was a natural fit. This is the first time we have ever done something like this, a multiple-day event at the library.
The children’s section usually ramps up their activities during school vacation week; for the teen department it is a little bit more challenging because the library is right next to the high school and the middle school, so it is harder to get teens coming to the library during their time off.
What an excellent idea!
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Potter series, Blackburn College in Lancashire, England, organized a Potter-themed workshop for the Children’s University. With the event attracting many people, including families and alumni, there was also some money raised for the homeless charity Nightsafe Blackburn.
Children participated in many activities during the event, including creating wands, spell books, crystal balls, and more.
The children had a fantastic day and great fun was had by all involved.
Not only do these events raise money and offer support to incredibly worthwhile causes but they also benefit our students immensely.
Heartwarming.
Finally, fans will be delighted to know that the annual Valentine’s Day Dinner will again be held at Hogwarts’ Great Hall on February 9 and 10. On the two nights, guests can enjoy delicious canapés and drinks, including a special Love Potion. And if you think that’s all, think again!
Guests will also enjoy a three-course dinner and exclusive after-hours Studio Tour access to see various sets, including the Gryffindor Common Room, the Burrow, and more!
Click here to purchase your tickets for what will be a night of pure magic.
What is your favorite part of this year’s final roundup? Will you be attending a Potter-themed event in 2018?
