Last year, businesses in Ithaca, New York banded together to create a magical, Harry Potter themed event called the “Wizarding Weekend.” Business owners re-imagined their shops, cafes, and restaurants into locations straight out of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling series. According to online news website The Ithaca Voice, event planners initially thought they would draw a crowd of about 200. However, by the end of the weekend over 8,000 people had attended.
Planners this year are better prepared for the onslaught of Potter fans. Increasing the schedule from one day to a four day celebration, Downtown Ithaca will be transformed into a haven of wizardly goods from October 27 through October 30. Several streets will be turned into iconic streets from the Harry Potter series, including Diagon Alley, Godric’s Hollow, and Knockturn Alley. Life’s So Sweet Chocolates on West Green Street will be creating confections inspired by Honeydukes, Tompkins Trust Company will become the wizard bank of Gringotts, and businesses throughout the town will be embracing the Harry Potter theme.
Melissa MacLean ‘17, who attended the event last year, that the best part of the weekend for her was “the feeling of being in an environment where everyone is geeking out at the same thing.” She described it as an atmosphere which fostered conversation and shared space between people who may otherwise walk very different paths in life. MacLean also commented on the food trucks and the “legendary butterbeer” which she assured is “community covenant approved.” When asked if she would attend the Wizarding Weekend again, she replied that she would, saying, “I wouldn’t want to let my Ravenclaws down!”
Although events are scheduled for each day of the Wizarding Weekend, the greatest number of activities will be available on October 29, the event’s “Festival Day.” According to the official website, some activities include a Horcrux Hunt, a “Dark Arts Coffee Crawl” through local coffee shops, several Quidditch matches, costume contests, live music, and a Tri-Wizard Ball. A number of local artisans will be selling their wares, including everything from jewelry to quills to handcrafted wands. Additionally, acceptance letters to Hogwarts will be handed out by characters from the series.
Some events require tickets or reservations, but many are free and open to the public. As of October 25th, the “Ithaca’s Wizarding Weekend” Facebook page reports over 3,500 people will be attending and some 11,000 are interested. For any of the ticketed activities, it is recommended that tickets be purchased soon as there are a limited number available for most events.