Calling all muggles, wizards and fantasy fanatics! July 31st is the official birthday of The Boy Who Lived, and Harry Potter lovers statewide can celebrate with festivities including movies, crafts, escape rooms and scavenger hunts.
Did you know Harry Potter’s birthday also happens to be the birthday of his creator, British author J.K. Rowling?
Here are a few local events to feed your Potter-mania:
PHOENIX
Triwizard Tournament (July 27). Drop your name in the Goblet of Fire to compete in Triwizard Tournament activities at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, which is hosting its fourth annual Harry Potter birthday celebration. Kids will enjoy butterbeer, design their own dragon, read their tea-leaves and play freeze-dance at the Yule Ball from 1-4 p.m. A separate bash for adults follows at 8 p.m.
Harry & The Potters (Aug. 2). Accio Music! The inventors of the Wizard Rock genre, Harry & The Potters will perform a 60-minute free concert with cuts from their new album, “Lumos,” as well as old favorites like “Voldemort Can’t Stop the Rock” at Burton Barr Library.
MESA
Harry Potter movie marathon (July 22-31). Mesa public library is celebrating Harry Potter’s birthday with more than a week of movie showings, games, activities and fun: July 22: “Harry Potter and Sorcerer’s Stone”; July 23: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”; July 24: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”; July 25: “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” July 26: “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”; July 27: “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” Part 1 & 2; July 31: Get sorted, make crafts fit for a wizard and participate in magical STEAM activities.
Escape from Azkaban (July 27-30). In this Harry Potter-themed escape room at Mesa’s Main public library, ages 12 and up — witches, wizards and muggles alike — can attempt to break free from Azkaban’s prison and discover how to counteract a dementors’ kiss. Sign up to reserve a space.
FLAGSTAFF
Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt (July 27). Grab your wands for the second annual Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt in downtown Flagstaff. Get a copy of the Marauder’s Map and follow the footsteps to complete magical tasks, activities and riddles. There will also be a costume contest, sorting hat ceremony, live entertainment, crafts and more wizard-themed activities.
