Attention Muggles and Wizards, New Harry Potter Book Release Parties and Birthday Party this Weekend

J.K. Rowling has released a new Harry Potter book in play format, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two," and several bookstores in the area are throwing release parties. It's no coincidence that Saturday has been chosen for the book release parties — Harry Potter's birthday is this weekend; he'll be 36 in Muggle years.

The Side Quest bar in Lakewood will be throwing a birthday party on Saturday for everyone's favorite wizard. Doors open at noon, and the Wok and Roll food truck will be there along with Butterbeer gelato from the Sweet Spot and chocolate frogs from Fear's Confections.

Cleveland.com has posted the following list of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two release parties:

Heights Libraries and Mac's Back Books party at Coventry branch, 1925 Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3400: On Saturday, July 30, at 8 p.m., the Coventry Village library branch will host a book release party from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Children, teens, and adults can enjoy a Harry Potter-themed activities that culminate at midnight with the distribution of books. Fans can borrow a copy from the library or purchase a copy from Mac's Backs Books on Coventry, whose employees will also be on hand for the fun. The night's activities will include sorting ceremonies and costume contests.

The Learned Owl, 204 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-653-2252: Party from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday with trivia contests, activities and crafts, tarot readings, raffles, a costume contest and refreshments. At midnight, pre-ordered books will be distributed. You must email or call 330-653-2252 by Friday, July 29, to reserve your copy, or order at learnedowl.com. Your pre-order is also your reservation for this event; you must reserve the book to attend the release party.

Barnes and Noble, Crocker Park and Eton locations: B&N is hosting two events. At 8 p.m. Saturday July 30, there will be a Countdown to Midnight Party leading up to the release of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two." The party will feature a special Muggle Wall where customers can share their favorite memories of Harry Potter as well as amazing giveaways and fun activities! Then, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, there will be a party for those who couldn't stay up late, with events and activities to celebrate the book's release.

Image by Tom Blunt, Flickr CC 2.0