The magic of Harry Potter is back this summer and fall.
After the final book and movies of the series, author J.K. Rowling had been busy with other projects, but it seems she couldn’t resist returning to the world she created.
It starts with the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” in which Harry is all grown up and his own children are headed to Hogwarts. The play, which has been showing previews and official opens in London on July 30, is essentially sold out through May 2017. Rowling wrote the play along with Jack Thorne and Jack Tiffany.
For those who can’t apparate to London and grab one of the few tickets that will be released each week during the show’s run, the script will be printed. It comes out on July 31 (Harry Potter’s birthday).
In October, a new edition of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition” will be released. That book adds extensive new illustrations by artist Jim Kay.
Finally, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” the first of three movies also set in the Harry Potter universe, will be released in November. The movie follows Newt Scamander, the author of one of Harry’s textbooks, in 1926 New York.
To celebrate the launch of the printed edition, some bookstores around the region are planning events. Here’s a roundup:
Barnes & Noble Alderwood: The countdown to the midnight release begins at 8 p.m. on July 30 at the store, 19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway. The event includes Harry Potter related activities, a memory wall where people can post their favorite memories and giveaways. On July 31, customers are invited to gather and discuss the new book; stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2888; 425-771-2220.
Barnes & Noble Woodinville: The shop, 18025 Garden Way NE, has a release party that begins at 8 p.m. July 30. Books will go on sale at midnight. Illustrator Kazu Kibuishi will be at the shop signing copies of the books he illustrated, including Harry Potter. Costumes are encouraged; stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2910.
University Book Store, Mill Creek: Events are planned throughout the day on July 31 at the store; 15311 Main St., Mill Creek. A trivia challenge is at 11:30 a.m., a presentation by Harry Potter illustrator Kazu Kibuishi is at 1 p.m., immediately followed by a Harry Potter Costume contest; www.bookstore.washington.edu.
University Book Store, U-district: Events are planned all day July 31, including crafts, games and cookies. The store is at 4326 University Way NE, Seattle. At noon, see local acting troupe Hello, Earth do a dramatic performance from the play; www.bookstore.washington.edu.
Uppercase Bookshop: The shop plans a party July 31 to celebrate Harry’s birthday and the release of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child;” uppercasebookshop.com.
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