Wizards and Muggles: Celebrate Release of 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child'

Come celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by attending the Evanston-wide release party on Saturday, July 30.

Festivities will take place at multiple locations around Evanston.

Noon
The day will start with a reading relay at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., at noon. Come read a paragraph, a page or a chapter as we attempt to get through as much of the series as possible, in several locations, before midnight! Bring your own book or read one of ours. The EPL Childrens’ Library will also offer two quiet time Potter-inspired activities.

6 p.m.
The EPL closes at 6 p.m., and the action will move to Evanston’s very own Wizarding School: Northwestern University’s Deering Library. A pick-up Quidditch Game will gather on the Deering Meadow at 6 p.m. Bring a friend, bring a Quaffle, and prepare to run/fly fast.

7 p.m.
An Animal Keeper will present a class on the Care and Feeding of Creatures on the Deering Steps. The Reading Relay will continue in the Deering Library, along with Wand Making and Basic Spells.

8:30 to 8:45 p.m.
There will be a costume contest judging with one award for best existing character cosplay and one award for best original character cosplay.

9 p.m.
All visitors are encouraged to parade back to downtown Evanston and Diagon Alley (on Sherman Avenue) just outside of Bookends and Beginnings Bookstore, 1712 Sherman Ave., for the announcement of the Costume Contest winners. First prize winners will get to open one of the sealed boxes at the stroke of midnight at one of the bookstores and receive the first book.

The reading relay will split into two parts with simultaneous readings at Bookends and Beginnings and Barnes and Noble, 1630 Sherman Ave., to see which location can get the furthest by Book Box Opening at midnight. Bookstores will have continuous activities from 8 p.m. until midnight. All readers are encouraged to preorder their book from their favorite Evanston bookseller prior to the party.

For more information, please contact Bookends and Beginnings at 224-999-7722 or Barnes and Noble Evanston at 847-424-0848.