Twenty five years ago, author J.K. Rowling introduced the world to the Boy Who Lived. She would go on to write seven books and produce eight movies starring character. Now, after 450 million books sold, along with $7.73 billion made at the worldwide box office, Harry Potter’s rank as one of the most famous fictional characters of all time is more than solidified. And this Sunday, July 31, the fictional wizard himself turns 42. No, not any actor who portrayed him, but the actual fictional character himself based on his date of birth in the beloved series. Here’s how you and your fellow muggles can celebrate this magical weekend in Central Florida.
1. Harry Potter’s Birthday Celebration | Lakeside Village | Saturday, July 30th @ 2 p.m.
Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday weekend with a plethora of wizarding world activities at Lakeside Village for you and all your friends and family. Activities include: a Horcruxes Scavenger Hunt, Face Painting, a Honeydukes Photo Op, Books A Million Gift Card Raffles and more. Fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character from the wizarding world, though adults should not wear a masked costume.
2. Now Showing: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | Gem Theater (Mulberry) | Saturday, July 30th @ 2 p.m.
Why not celebrate by revisiting the classic film that started it all? At the Gem Theater in Mulberry you’ll be able to enjoy a screening of The Sorcerer’s Stone with an audience of true Potter fans— wand in one hand and popcorn in the other. The event will include themed concession (while supplies last), and fans are encouraged to come in costume/Harry Potter attire. If you do, you might just be entered to win a prize! And at $5 a ticket, how could you resist?
3. Plant City Harry Potter Birthday Celebration | Downtown Plant City | Friday, July 29th @ 5 p.m.
This Friday, Downtown Plant City will transform in celebration of Harry Potter’s 42nd birthday. From 5-9 p.m. at McCall Park attendees can participate in a wizarding scavenger hunt at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. There will also be a kid’s zone on Main Street that will feature hands-on art, an extreme gyro sphere and a giant waterslide. Attendees can also take a stroll through an exhibitor market, try their hand at axe throwing, or enjoy some Butterbeer (the popular drink featured throughout the Harry Potter series). There will also be a Harry Potter-themed costume contest for fans to participate in.