‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Script Release Parties Set for This Saturday

The Princeton Public Library

The Princeton Public Library will host a party at 9 p.m. this Saturday, July 30, to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday and the midnight release of the official script for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” a new play based on an original story by J.K. Rowling.

The play is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first to be presented on stage.

Everyone is invited to come to the library dressed as a favorite character or wearing Hogwarts house colors. There will be games, prizes, wizard candy, butterbeer, photo ops, and more. Also featured will be Wizard Chess, fortune-telling on the Divination Tower, a magician, and Harry Potter crafts. A Harry Potter movie will be played throughout the event, beginning at 8 p.m. for those who
arrive early.

As the night progresses, the party will move to Labyrinth Books and jaZams in anticipation of the midnight release of the two-part script. Visitors ages 15 and up will head to Labyrinth Books and children 14 and under will go to jaZams. There will be Potter trivia and chances to stump the experts at both stores during the countdown to midnight.

Copies of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” can be pre-ordered for pick-up at the release party through Labyrinth Books, (609) 497-1600 or jaZams at (609) 924-8697. A portion of all food and book sales will be donated to the library.

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble at MarketFair will house a special countdown to midnight party featuring a special Muggle Wall where customers can share their favorite memories of Harry Potter. The event includes activities and giveaways. Customers can also enter the Harry Potter Limited Edition Cover Prints Sweepstakes for a chance to win a set of seven Harry Potter limited edition cover prints. The celebration begins at 8 p.m.

The Book Garden in Frenchtown

The Book Garden will throw a midnight launch party. Harry Potter-themed festivities will begin at 11 p.m. sharp and will include giveaways and handouts, wizard trivia, and a special guest to read the epilogue of book seven just minutes leading up to the release at midnight. There will also be a Hagrid Rock Cake tasting, chocolate frogs, butterbeer, and other famous Harry Potter-themed candies.