How to Prepare for the Midnight Release of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'
It's been almost 10 years since the last 'Harry Potter' book release, so let's refresh.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child premieres on stage in the West End of London Saturday, July 30, and it's the first big, new excursion into the Wizarding World Potterheads have gotten since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 premiered in in 2011. Yes, there are the Universal parks, which are amazing, and the Pottermore stories, which are enlightening, but Cursed Child marks a full-length return to the Wizarding World.
For those of you not in London and lucky enough to have snagged tickets to the premiere, you can buy the script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child when it's released at midnight July 31. It's been almost ten years since a Harry Potter midnight book release party (which one of your local bookstores is sure to be hosting), but don't panic: Here's your guide to making the most of this epically Potter-ific occasion. Follow the steps below for a perfect Potterhead evening.
Plan ahead
Find your perfect local release party and gather your favorite fellow Potterheads for the fun. Not sure where to go? Fret not: Scholastic has set up a site that allows you to search by zip code for midnight parties close to you.
Arrive early
Don't show up minutes before midnight. Sure, that might be when you're finally able to buy the book, but most parties start several hours earlier—some as early as 8 p.m—and you don't want to miss the fun.
Dress the part
Robes are optional (but if you have them, there isn't a better time to break them out), but you should wear your Potter pride on your...well, on your body. Dig deep (or not so deep) in your drawers, find your favorite HP shirt or, if you don't have one, dress in your House colors.
Bring friends
If the Harry Potter series has taught us anything, it's that everything is better with friends. Bring your squad. Round up your Harry Potter-loving pals (and if you don't have any, round up a few to introduce to the magic) and go.
Stock up on caffeine
Buy coffee. Buy tea. Buy energy drinks if you have to. Just be prepared to pull a finals-week-worthy all-nighter because you're not going to want to put this book down.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Follow these steps and your Harry Potter and the Cursed Child release night will be as magical as the muggle world gets.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' Pulled Off Its Iconic Wardrobe With Gowns From the Mall of America and Crafting
As the cult classic turns 25, its costume designer opens up about creating magic on a scrappy production.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How the 'Twisters' Soundtrack Rides Country Music's Mainstream Storm
The summer blockbuster is blowing into theaters with storm-wrangling sequences and killer needle drops.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
11 Books That Are the Antidote to Toxic Girlboss Hustle Culture
These memoirs and nonfiction titles will inspire you to focus on your personal ambitions.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Breaking Down the Shocking, Satanic Ending of ‘Longlegs’
The horror film and box-office hit stars Maika Monroe as an FBI agent hunting a serial killer played by Nicolas Cage.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Maxxxine' Is an Homage to the Sleazy Horror Genre Giallo—But Does Away With Its Violence Against Women Cliché
The new 'X' movie is inspired by the sleazy Giallo genre, but its lead flips the misogynistic horror style on its head.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Maika Monroe Opens Up About Crafting a Nuanced Final Girl in Her 'Longlegs' Character Lee Harker
The actress opens up about her affinity for playing final girls and crafting her character in this year’s runaway horror hit.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
20 Beach Reads to Devour While Soaking Up the Sun This Summer
Your beach bag isn't complete without one of these page-turners.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
32 Movies to Watch if You Like Sci-Fi
Whether you're into films set in space or time travel.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published