Get Your Wizard on at These Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Events in Boston

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The world will once again be taken over by Harry Potter mania when Harry Potter and the Cursed Child debuts this weekend.

As the official eighth installment in the popular fantasy franchise, J.K. Rowling’s new play is set nearly two decades after the Deathly Hollows and focuses on an older version of Potter along with his son Albus Severus. A stage production of the Cursed Child will premiere at the West End Palace Theatre in London on Saturday, July 30, followed by a wide release of the script at midnight on Sunday, July 31.

In honor of the play’s release, here are a few Boston area events that local fans can check out in order to get their wizard on this weekend.

Barnes & Noble

Pretty much every Barnes & Noble store is gearing up for the huge release by throwing some sort of bash. Here in Boston, the Prudential Center location is having a countdown to midnight party, featuring special giveaways and a Muggle Wall, where fans can share their favorite Harry Potter memories.

Free, July 30 at 8 p.m., Prudential Center, barnesandnoble.com.

Book Rack Arlington

The Book Rack is throwing a huge countdown bash at the Regent Theatre Arlington. The evening will feature a ton of magical activities, including trivia, a costume contest, and a green screen photo booth. Evan Northrup will be hand to perform magic and there will also be Bertie Botts Jelly Beans and Butter Beer available at concessions for hungry muggles.

$10 per person, $30 for a family four pack, July 30 at 9 p.m., Arlington, regenttheatre.com.

Brookline Booksmith

The Brookline Booksmith is getting in on the midnight release fun with its own Potter Party. While the store hasn’t released much info about the event, organizers are hoping to bring in all the “wizards, muggles, and squibs” in the area. They will also be handing out wristbands so people won’t take out their wands and duel for a spot to get the new play.

Free, July 30 at 9 p.m., Brookline, brooklinebooksmith.com.

Harvard Book Store

The Harvard Book Store is inviting fans to dress up as their favorite character for its midnight release party. In addition wizard-themed refreshments, the festivities will include sorting fans into different Hogwarts houses. There will also be a performance of an original sketch recapping the first seven books by the Sleeping Dragon Theater Co.

Free, July 30, 10 p.m., Cambridge, harvard.com.

Harvard Square

The Harvard Square Business Association is teaming up with the Harvard Coop and the Cambridge Arts Council to turn Harvard Square into Hogwart’s Square. The night will feature magic by Bob Riordan followed by a screening of one of the Harry Potter movies. There will also be a write on Muggle wall, an Owl Post where you can send postcards, a Harry Potter selfie stand up, and lots of giveaways.

Free, July 30 at 8:15 p.m., Cambridge, harvardsquare.com.

Porter Square Books

Porter Square Books is has lots of fun activities planned for its release party. The festivities will include a fan fiction open mic, trivia, a photo booth, a costume competition, and a coloring corner.

Free, 10:30 p.m., Cambridge, portersquarebooks.com.