Fall is here (although not quite in Florida) and with it comes pumpkin everything, scarfs, and a little nip in the air that brings my soul a serious sense of happiness. Fall also makes me think of Harry Potter. I first read the series in the Fall and this time of year feels magical to me. Although I’m only a stones throw from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I’ve always wanted to travel around the country to visit one of the many amazing Harry Potter festivals. Here are the top 5 I hope to check out one day.
Top 5 Harry Potter Festivals in the US
Harry Potter Festival – Jefferson, WI
Happening on October 20, 21, & 22, 2017 in Jefferson, Wisconsin, this will be the third annual Harry Potter Festival. This event has a lighted parade down Main Street along with other specialty events throughout the weekend like a “Magical Night Out” with a Harry Potter “Artrageous” experience at the local Performing Arts Center. They also will have Harry Potter movies playing at the drive in theater and lots of Harry Potter themed vendors.
Roanoke Potter Fest – Roanoke, VA
Roanoke Potterfest happens in May in Roanoke, VA. This year they saw over 9,000 witches, wizards, and muggles at the event. With a Sorting Hat, owls, great cosplay, and plenty of vendors, this event looked like a major Harry Potter success. They also put on other events throughout the year like Quidditch matches and film screenings. I can’t wait to get more info on their 2018 festival which is already in the works.
Chestnut Hill Harry Potter Festival – Chestnut Hill, PA
The Chestnut Hill Harry Potter Festival is happening October 21 and 22 just outside of Philadelphia. They will be having a Witches and Wizards night out which includes a photo booth and other fun vendors and activities as well as a costume contest. There will also be a Firebolt 5k and 1 mile Nimbus walk and a Quidditch match. The festival spans 12 blocks full of family-friendly fun.
Queen City Mischief and Magic – Staunton, VA
Queen City Mischief and Magic (formerly Potter Party) happens at the end of September in Staunton, VA. At this event you can experiment with potions, drink delicious Butterbeer, hunt for Horcruxes, and tame magical creatures. Guests are greeted by a Dragon and costumes are strongly encouraged. Store shops reinvent themselves in wizarding world style to put on a truly magical festival for fans of all ages.
Aurora Harry Potter Festival – Aurora, IL
The Aurora Harry Potter Festival wasn’t marketed, yet spread like wildfire. This event happens in July in Aurora, a suburb of Chicago, IL. What was planned to originally be on one street ended up taking over downtown with a Quidditch match, Diagon Alley full of vendors, and a variety of classes like potions, herbology, and care of magical creatures. There was even a mini Hogwarts for the kids to ride. Be sure to check back with them soon to find out about the 2018 event.
Do you have any Harry Potter events near you or have you been to any Harry Potter festivals?
None of these are near me and that’s a shame! I’d love to go to one of these!
I wish they were closer to me too! I’m bummed I’ll be in Philly next week and not in 2 weeks for their festival.
Yes! I’m so glad that one in PA made the list. I haven’t made it there yet, but it’s on my list!
I’m missing the Philly one by a week 🙁 it looks amazing though – you’ll have to let me know if you go!
I wish these were closer to me, they sound like so much fun! Maybe I should start planning for a trip next year to one of these 😛
I want to plan to attend one next year too – they all just look so awesome!
I didn’t know there were so many! O.o
There’s even more! I just rounded up the bigger one but it seems like there’s so really great ones in the UK too 🙂
The Chestnut Hill one is so fun! I vend my handmade gifts made from used Harry Potter books there every year! Check it out here- http://www.upcycledlibrary.etsy.com
Found you on Instagram – can’t wait to check out your Etsy shop!
So many look great! I went to my first HP convention this year, a small one here in NH called Misticon. It was a total blast! Cons tend to stress me out due to so many people, so it was really nice to attend this small one!
Big Cons make me stressed as well. I remember seeing pics from MistiCon and it looked fun 🙂