Warner Bros. Discovery Announces ‘Back to Hogwarts’ IRL and Digital Celebrations

Sept. 1 marks the day students return to the magical school for another year of mayhem and adventure, and a day of global celebration. 

 Grossing over $7.7 billion at the box office during the original theatrical runs, the Harry Potter series is one of the most enduringly popular of all time. Theaters worldwide will run special Back to Hogwarts screenings of the movies now through Sept. 1. 

Snapchat 

On Sept. 1, Snapchatters can access two new Back to Hogwarts Lenses inspired by the famous Sorting Hat and Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, exclusively via the app.  
Aug. 26-Sept. 9, fans in London, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, New York City and Tokyo can see how the Hogwarts Express looks against a backdrop of five of the world’s most iconic landmarks – The Eiffel Tower, Copacabana Fort, The National Gallery, Grand Central Terminal and the Hachiko Statue.  

Global Fan Celebrations  

There will be digital activities, in-person events, watch-alongs and celebratory moments at Harry Potter destinations worldwide, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Destinations & Experiences, all three Warner Bros. Studio Tours and various Harry Potter traveling experience locations. Fans can also engage in Harry Potter activities and see the latest LEGO Harry Potter range at select LEGO retail stores and LEGO.com, with more details to follow soon.  

U.K. and Ireland fans can enter a competition to win the ultimate Back to Hogwarts experience. One lucky winner and their family will be whisked away on an exclusive celebration weekend, including a personalized Hogwarts house bundle, a VIP feast in the Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter on Aug. 31 and a stay at the luxurious Grove Hotel.   

U.S. fans can visit a Back to Hogwarts pop-up in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The event is free to attend and will be open Aug. 30-Sept. 1, with magical performances, LEGO building activities, an interactive Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions fan experience, Scholastic, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and a chance to enjoy a Butterbeer – courtesy of the flagship store, Harry Potter New York. 

In France, a Quidditch-themed event will take place at Parvis de la Part-Dieu in Lyon on Aug. 31. Fans can brush up on their Quidditch skills and pose against Back to Hogwarts-themed photo opportunities, play games, enjoy giveaways and more. 

On Sept. 1 in Germany, a fan event will be held outside the Theatre at Hamburg’s Großmarkt, the German home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Fans in Munich can stop by Harry Potter: The Exhibition and the Wizarding World by Thalia store to celebrate the occasion. 

In Italy, the Galleria Alberto Sordi in Rome will host a fan get-together on Sept. 1. The event will include a live 11 a.m. countdown, new Harry Potter-themed photo opportunities and family activities. 

In China, fans can head to Changsha for a Back to Hogwarts celebration with a host of activities in store Aug. 30-Sept. 1, including photo opportunities, artwork displays and stalls selling Harry Potter merchandise.  

In Macau, fans can celebrate Back to Hogwarts at Harry Potter: The Exhibition and explore various Hogwarts-inspired galleries. 

In Japan, on Sept. 1, fans can join an 11 a.m. countdown at Platform 9¾ in Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter.