'Harry Potter' mania is back: Where to celebrate
Can you feel the magic in the air? Harry Potter is back.
Nine years after the last book in the seven-part series was released, and five years after the last film adaptation, J.K. Rowling has returned with a new piece of the wizarding saga.
But this time it's not a book — it's a script. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," which takes place 19 years after the battle of Hogwarts, will open on a London stage this Saturday night. Copies of the script will go on sale the next day.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Barnes & Noble already believes it will be their best-selling book of the year. It's already been the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon — for months. Scholastic has printed 4.5 million copies for the U.S. and Canada.
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Wait: Have you not read Harry Potter?
Before we go any further, here's a primer on the wizarding saga that broke records, broke hearts and captivated the world.
OK, now that you know your stuff...
The release of the original books — especially after Potter Fever truly took hold — were always marked by midnight release parties at bookstores. Rabid readers would flock to shops in their best "Potter" costumes and form block-long lines to be the first to get their hands on the latest installment.
Hoping to reignite the excitement, bookstores around the country are throwing a new round of midnight release parties for "The Cursed Child." Here's where you can check out the magic around Minnesota. And don't worry if you're not a night owl — there are plenty of parties that kick off Sunday morning, too.
And if you're someone who just wants to check it out from the library, it might be a while before you get the chance: As of today, Hennepin County libraries have 950 holds on 188 copies.
"Potter" midnight release parties
Addendum — St. Paul
Addendum's party kicks off at 10 p.m. Costumes are welcome and encouraged. Party-goers can take a chance with the Sorting Hat and find out which house they belong to. (You're a Slytherin, aren't you?) There will also be trivia, Potter-themed treats and other surprises.
Red Balloon Bookshop — St. Paul
Tickets are required for these festivities: You can get a ticket by pre-ordering "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" from The Red Balloon. Each book comes with two tickets.
The Red Balloon is transforming itself into Hogwarts to mark the occasion, and they're throwing two parties: One for folks who can stay up past midnight, and one for those who can't. The Saturday night festivities will feature a Horcrux hunt, a costume contest and a birthday cake for Harry. (If you don't have your Potter trivia down, July 31 is Harry's birthday.) On Sunday, they're holding a "Wee Wizard Brunch" including trivia and magical crafts.
MPR News will be there for the midnight countdown: Catch us on Facebook Live.
Buffalo Books and Coffee — Buffalo, Minn.
The staff at Buffalo Books says their "lives have been lacking without these parties" but "Queen J.K. has heard our pleas." Their festivities kick off at 9 p.m. and will include games, Potter trivia, wizarding candy and, of course, costumes.
Fox Den — River Falls, Wis.
You'll have to journey across the river to see what potions Fox Den is cooking up. The bookstore is celebrating with a full day of Potter activities, from 10 a.m. on Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday. There will be cake (Harry Potter may have the most birthday parties of anyone ever) as well as butterbeer, magic wands and more.
True Potter fanatics, stay tuned: Fox Den holds their annual Fox Den School of Magic & Mysteries classes every fall, when they turn the shop into a magic school for the day.
SubText Books — St. Paul
SubText is starting the party with a pint at Tin Whiskers Brewing Company in downtown St. Paul at 9 p.m. (Yes, the majority of Potter fans are old enough to drink now.) There will also be a costume contest. When the brewery closes at 11 p.m., the party will move back to the bookstore for (more) cake and book sales.
Barnes & Noble stores
The bookstore chain is holding "Potter" parties around the country, including at 17 of its Minnesota locations. Festivities start at 8 p.m. and run until the midnight release. For those of you who aren't night owls, the chain is also hosting magical festivities on July 31 as well, at the more reasonable hour of 9 a.m.
Sunday festivities
Moon Palace Books — Minneapolis
Moon Palace is waiting until morning to ring in the new book: The store is opening their doors at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Suit up for the costume contest.
Valley Bookseller — Stillwater, Minn.
Valley Bookseller has declared Sunday Harry Potter Day. The store will open at 8 a.m. and there will be trivia, treats and giveaways.
Content — Northfield, Minn.
Content will throw open its door early to celebrate at 9:30 a.m. You can pick up your copy of "The Cursed Child" and enjoy magical treats while you start reading immediately.