Potterdelphia: 4 ways to celebrate the release of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’

Harry Potter fans, rejoice! The magic of the beloved book series by J.K. Rowling is back on July 31 — but not as you’d expect. The latest addition to the Harry Potter universe is actually a play and while Rowling had a hand in overseeing the project, the manuscript was penned by Jack Thorne, and follows our beloved characters 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts. Although it’s been over nine years since the release of “Deathly Hallows,” Potter fans are more passionate than ever, and Philly has an array of parties and even Potter-themed sushi to celebrate the occasion.

Barnes and Noble release party

1805 Walnut St., Philadelphia
Saturday, July 30
8 p.m.
barnesandnoble.com

The Barnes and Noble bookstore at Rittenhouse Square is taking us back with a Harry Potter midnight release party. Expect to see fans young and old dressed up as their favorite Harry Potter characters and passing the time posing for Instagram photos and rereading older Harry Potter books.

The Doylestown Bookshop

16 S. Main St., Doylestown
Saturday, July 30
10 p.m.
doylestownbookshop.com

This locally owned and operated bookstore is also throwing a midnight release party but with a slightly later start time. Refreshments, raffles and themed activities await attendees. Tempted to try a dose of Polyjuice Potion? Here’s your chance. You can also put your magical history knowledge to the test by participating in a round of O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. Trivia.

Big Blue Marble Bookstore

551 Carpenter Lane, Mount Airy
Saturday, July 30
6 p.m.
bigbluemarblebooks.com

This party starts earlier than most but includes a screening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” as well as a special documentary on the world of Harry Potter. Local author Lorrie Kim will also release her book, “Snape: A Definitive Reading” along with a special discussion and trivia on the beloved potions master. Squee!

Zama Sushi

128 S. 19th St., Philadelphia
July 29-July 31
All weekend long
zamaphilly.com

Zama Sushi near Rittenhouse is performing some sushi sorcery with their Harry Potter- themed sushi. Four rolls are available all weekend in celebration of the new book and represent each of the houses of Hogwarts — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Prices range from $16 to $24 for each roll.