The newest book with Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, will be on sale at the stroke of midnight this Sunday– the very first minute of July 31– in some stores. Other stores are trying to encourage you to get a good night’s sleep before you read the script for the play that opens in London this weekend. Either way, there’s lots going on at regional bookstores to celebrate readers’ return to J. K. Rowling’s magical world.
Contact the store of your choice to preorder your copy. Not only does it mean you’re sure to have one right away, but a preorder may also be your ticket to festivities! Below is a sampling of regional parties.
SATURDAY NIGHT PARTIES:
Auntie’s Bookstore (Spokane, WA): This family-friendly event starts at 9:00. The store will have its own Diagon Alley to explore, special cookies, Hog’s Head pub trivia, a photo booth, and a horcrux hunt.
Island Books (Mercer Island, WA): Their magical midnight release party starts at 10:00 Saturday night. They’ll have butterbeer!
The Book Bin (Salem, OR): The first 60 customers get a special bookmark with their books. 9:00-10:00 PM: Word puzzles, tattoos & coloring; 10:00-11:00 – Which Harry Potter Character Am I? game; 11:00-12:00 – Harry Potter Trivia Tournament; 12:01 AM – Pick up your book! And then have a great night reading it! (Here’s how to preorder with them.)
Liberty Bay Books (Poulsbo, WA): Preorder and get 25% off. Party starts at 11:00 Saturday night. A Harry Potter movie, Bertie Botts every flavor beans, other snacks, drinks, coloring and more. Wear a Harry Potter costume for a prize.
Village Books, Bellingham (Bellingham, WA): Customers are invited to the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema showing of “Labyrinth” on the Village Green (seating opens at 7:15 PM). After the movie, go to the store for crafts, a costume contest, and other activities.
Elliott Bay Book Company (Seattle, WA): Come at 10:00 PM to get sorted into your Hogwarts house. Then there will be a trivia contest and performances by Seattle Shakesbeerience, including a ten minute dramatic reading from the book after midnight! The party wraps up by 1:00. Dress robes encouraged, since this is a Hogwarts Reunion.
Phinney Books (Seattle, WA): The party at Phinney starts at 11:00 PM. Trivia quizzes, dramatic readings, and butterbeer!
BookPeople of Moscow (Moscow, ID): Invitation-only midnight party for people who preorder the book. Carole’s homemade butterbeer will be served!
Powell’s Books (Portland, OR): All locations will host midnight parties. Costumes are encouraged! The Powell’s stores are the only ones on this list where you should not preorder if you want to pick up at the party, because they ship their preorders.
Liberty Bay Books’ invitation
SUNDAY PARTIES:
Queen Anne Book Company (Seattle, WA): Get a lightning bolt fake tattoo, try on wizard robes for Wizard Selfies, and find out more about working for the Ministry of Magic. Store opens early at 9:00; free doughnut for the first dozen Harry Potter purchasers.
University Book Store (various locations in greater Seattle area): Mill Creek location: 10:00 AM, Bellevue and U District locations: 11:00 AM. Starting at 11:30, Mill Creek will have a trivia contest, followed by a presentation by Harry Potter illustrator Kazu Kibuishi and a costume contest. The University District store will have a noon dramatic performance by local acting troupe, Hello, Earth. The Bellevue location will have a trivia contest at 1:00 PM. Fun to be had all day long. Preorder today for 30% off!
Village Books, Lynden (Lynden, WA): 11:00- 2:00 Sunday. Activities, treats, and costumes!
An excerpt from the recruitment information to be handed out at Queen Anne Book Co.
Did we miss your local store’s event? Share the details in the comments!
BookPeople of Moscow is having an invitation-only party at midnight, to get your invitation please pre-order the book by calling 208 882 2669. Carol’s homemade butterbeer will be on offer!