THINGS TO DO

Where to celebrate Harry Potter release in Indy

Camille Hays
Star reporter
'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne is available in the U.S. on July 31.

Harry Potter fans are eagerly awaiting the release at midnight Saturday of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," the script of the play now on stage in London.

It is written by Jack Thorne based on a new story by Thorne, John Tiffany and J.K. Rowling.

Here are some events Potterheads can attend this weekend:

Saturday, July 30

• Harry Potter Birthday Bash: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Indianapolis Public Library Glendale Branch, 6101 N. Keystone Ave.

Dress up as your favorite Harry Potter character, enjoy games, a Harry Potter movie marathon and a performance by Lafayette improv group One Size Fits All. Birthday cake will be served at 3 p.m.

• Harry Potter Countdown to Midnight Party: 8 p.m.-midnight, Barnes & Noble Bookstores, 8675 River Crossing Blvd., 2540 Perry Crossing Way, Plainfield, and 17090 Mercantile Blvd., Noblesville.

Don’t miss a chance to win special edition giveaways, share your favorite Harry Potter memory on the Muggle Wall, and enter a sweepstakes for limited edition cover prints of all seven Harry Potter books.

Throw your own Harry Potter party

Sunday, July 31

• "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Celebration: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Barnes & Noble Bookstores
Indianapolis, Plainfield and Noblesville locations.

Join other Harry Potter fans for themed events and activities to celebrate the release of the new play.

• "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Book Release: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Half Price Books, 1551 W. 86th St., 4709 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis; 844 N. U.S. 31, Greenwood; and 9867 E. U.S. 36, Avon

Purchase the new story at a special new-item price, while supplies last.

• "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Release Day: Noon-5 p.m., Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore,
5619 N. Illinois St.

The bookstore is offering a 20 percent discount for a limited time. Fans can get stickers, coloring sheets and bonus prizes for dressing up in costume.

• Harry Potter Birthday Party: 2 p.m., Bookmamas, 9 S. Johnson Ave.

Enjoy refreshments and a costume contest at the store, followed by a parade of contest participants. The new book will be available for purchase during regular store hours, noon-4 p.m.

• Harry Potter Party: Noon-6 p.m., Indy Reads Books, 911 Massachusetts Ave.

Pick up a copy of the new book and enjoy some cupcakes.

In 2003, Erin Ellefsen, then 8, received a handshake from magician Kevin Holliday after helping him with a trick during one of the events leading up to the release of the "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" at Border's.