Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter Sept. 15 to 22 in Edinboro, when Muggles and Wizards will gather together for Wizardfest. In previous years, this weeklong celebration of all things Harry Potter was known as Potterfest, but Warner Bros. has been cracking down on the use of the name.
So now we have Edinboro Wizardfest, still all the same favorites that made Potterfest such a hit with local Potter-philes, but under a new name.
The popular Day at the Castle is canceled this year (the lead organizer is ill), but here are other can't miss Wizardfest highlights for kids and families:
Wand Workshop with Outland Studios
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15
Mugs & Muggles
Attention all Wizards!!! Customize your own amazing wand! There will be several designs to choose from! Cost is $10 per person.
FREE: Balloon Magic and Defense Against the Dark Arts
Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15
Sunview Pavilion, Nick's Place
The Real Magic Steve will perform his balloon antics and comic fun for kids and family. What he can do with balloons is magical. Next, the students from our Edinboro Family Martial Arts Center will demonstrate martial art techniques for defense.
FREE: Wizarding Escape Room (Registration required)
Multiple times Sept. 16 and 17
Edinboro Library
A dark wizard has hidden a piece of his soul in the Edinboro Common Room. We need your help to find it and destroy it before time runs out. There will be four 40-minute sessions on September 16th and 17th starting at 4PM. Registration is required and each person participating must register. Visit https://events.erielibrary.org to register. Ages 8 and up.
All About Owls by Tamarack Wildlife Center
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
Goodell Gardens
It's a hoot! In honor of Potterfest, come visit with feathered friends from the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and learn all about owls. Get to see them face to face and learn a few facts along the way! $5. All ages.
FREE: Wizard and Witch Cosplay Promenade
Friday, Sept. 20 at 4:30 p.m.
Downtown Edinboro
Muggles and magic folk exist side by side in the same world. Cosplayers will walk from the southwest edge of EU's campus (meeting at Meadville & Darrow), to downtown Edinboro, walk around a bit, and visit local businesses and taverns. For all ages. Costumes encouraged.
FREE: 14th Annual Homegrown Harvest Festival
Sunday, Sept. 22 from noon to 5 p.m.
Goodell Gardens
Farm and art vendors, plus hoop dancing with Jennifer Dennehy's Hoop Troop, the Goodell Gardens Farm Market Band. Tiny Paper Boats
and the Matt Bennett Blues Band. Plus FREE facepainting by Taradoodles, balloons with The Real Magic Steve, food trucks, a kids' craft tent, monarch butterflies and more.
All week: Butterbeer and Harry Potter-themed pastries at Flip Cafe
Open 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
103 Meadville St.
Stop into Edinboro's favorite cafe for some of Harry's favorites all week long! All ages.
No need to send me a Howler: I know this is just a partial list of Wizardfest fun! Muggles can visit Edinboro Wizardfest's Facebook page for details on other events happening during the week.
