Potterheads unite for a weekend of magical events

Amarillo is creating a world of magic and awe with upcoming events centered around one well-known world and the "boy who lived" with the Don Harrington Discovery Center's (DHDC) Wizarding School event and the City of Amarillo's Harry Potter Birthday celebration.

To be held Saturday, July 29, DHDC will host its annual Wizarding World event inspired by the world of Hogwarts, featuring events based off of classes such as herbology, charms, astronomy, and Magical Creatures taught by Wild West Rehabilitation Center and the Wild Hanbury's.

The Amarillo Public Library will also be in attendance, and participants will have opportunity to test their skills with an escape room. Attendees can also create their own wand with Wizard Your Own Wand, participate in Table Quiddich or take part in a Triwizard Tournament. Mystical science demonstrations will also be performed for each time slot. In addition to all that is offered, attendees can also stop by Platform 9 3/4 for a special photo, purchase realm-renowned Butterbeer ice cream, and snag a Wizarding School exclusive t-shirt in their house colors.

"We host this event each year, and it isn't just about inspiring that different and magical view on the world, but it is also about science and learning with these really cool and magical experiments that we do — just letting everyone figure out how things work and how you can make sound with fire, and see all the real magic in the world," said Jennifer Noble, Events Coordinator for DHDC.

During the event, guests are encouraged to dress in their Hogwarts best for a chance to win a prize in their costume contest.

Available time slots to visit Wizarding School are 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Butter beer and t-shirts are not included in the admissions fees. Admission for this event is $5 per person for members and $8 for non-members. Tickets are still available, but space is limited. Tickets can be purchased in person at the door, or online at https://discoverycenteramarillo.org/wizarding-school-has-returned/ .

After enjoying the Wizarding World, all Potterheads are invited to attend Harry Potter's Birthday celebration with the City of Amarillo on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at John Stiff Memorial Park, located at 4800 Bell St.

The event will feature Sweet Sipz, a local food truck serving complementary Butter Beer, a magic show from the Minister of Magic, Quidditch matches, herbology and potions classes, Fantastic Beasts featuring Amarillo Zoo, a bounce house, and crafting tables where wizards can create golden snitches, and battle a dementor.

"I would love for anybody and everybody that is a fan of Harry Potter come out and help us celebrate his birthday. Although it his birthday is actually on the 30th, this is an early celebration and a chance for the whole family to have a good time," said Janel Mendoza, special events coordinator for Amarillo Parks and Recreation.

Face painting, photo booths, party favors and the possibility to sing "Happy Birthday" to Harry Potter himself are all included in the event. This event is free and open to the public. Pets are welcome.

For more information about the event, visit their event page on Facebook or at the city of Amarillo website at https://www.amarillo.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/26934/ .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Harry Potter fans to celebrate wizarding world at Amarillo events