Everything you know if you spent Hallo-weekend in Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley, Ithaca that is

Harry Potter fans, were you devastated when the series ended? Or are you planning your trip to London asap so you can see the Cursed Child and get your picture on Platform 9 3/4? If that’s you, then I have your next HP saving grace right here in the lovely Ithaca.

Last year, a new festival came to town called Wizarding Weekend and it is a weekend that embodies any and everything wizardry downtown in the Ithaca Commons. 

There is simply no beating the Harry Potter series

Literally no better way to celebrate the wonderfulness that is the Harry Potter series. I’m not ashamed to say I have read the series time and time again, and it’s just as great (if not more) every time. After the sadness that came with the end of the greatest series, I have never been more excited with a weekend modeled after and designated to any and everything Harry Potter.

From one alley to the entire commons, this year’s celebration was huge

This entire idea came about last year when it was decided to turn an Press Bay Alley into the one, the only, Diagon Alley for a wonderful recreation of the Harry Potter world we all know and love for an exciting twist on trick-or-treating. Little did they know, this recreation would generate an absurd amount of excitement and enthusiasm, so much so that the event went viral and went from a tiny candy exchange to an 8,000+ person extravaganza. Needless to say, the excitement and demand for this creativity came back bigger and better than ever for this weekend and Wizarding Weekend is taking over the entire Commons. Second time’s the charm amIright?

Wonderful wizardly events were around every corner

From Powerful Potions to Witches in the Alley to Wizarding Classes, this Harry Potter-inspired weekend has it all. All of the exciting aspects of this series inspire the different events that are meant to bring the community together for some fall/Halloween fun!

The timing could not have been more perfect

This event was created with the intention of providing the coolest trick-or-treating experience on planet Earth. Anyone who knows about Ithaca knows how beautiful the fall is here. You know that whole “Ithaca is Gorges” slogan? Yeah. That particularly applies to the fall season here with the everchanging foliage and (in my opinion) the best kind of weather right before winter comes. That said, not only do you have the beautiful surroundings, but you also have the fun creativity that goes into the planning of every Harry Potter fan’s dream come true.

Any and every person was able to attend

Muggles, wizards, whatever you want to define yourself as, you’re welcome! Seriously, the events are geared towards people of all ages. With some events specifically for the kiddos, others specifically for adults or college kids, and some perfect family-oriented events, Wizarding Weekend is a fun event for every type of person to check out.

There were so many free things

While not every event here is free, there are tons, like the Horcrux Hunts and Triwizard Challenges, that are free. And if you ask a broke college kid like me (a.k.a. a substantial portion of Ithaca’s population) I find nothing more exciting than a chance to partake in some free fun downtown!

The community feels were real

Ithaca has its moments of great small town vibes yet has such an influx of population during the academic year that its small-town feels can get lost in all the people. However, if Ithaca does one thing right, it’s the festivals. Apple Fest, Oktoberfest, Chili Festival, Wizarding Weekend, you name it. Down in the commons any and every Ithacan can come experience what our lovely local vendors have to offer and give tourists a true taste of Ithaca.

The event was fully accessible

Now this is something I find really cool. This event is truly accessible in every way they can think of – it offers accessibility accommodations for people with disabilities. Whether an individual requests a sign language interpreter for events they can request that ahead of time, and all ticketed events offer accessibility ramps and/or elevator access. An accessible event for everyone that is truly trying to reach everyone.

Real. Life. Wizard. Duels.

Okay so this is a totally nerd alert, BUT hear me out. You can duel. In real life. Like they do in Harry Potter. Do I even need to say more? How cool is that?!

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