The Harry Potter Lover's Guide to September (& Beyond)
Photo by Anastasia Ankudinova / Pexels
It is almost September 1st - The first day back to Hogwarts, or maybe this is the first year for a young witch or wizard. It's time to celebrate!
If you are a regular here, you know I love having events to look forward to - no matter how small. Back to Hogwarts is always something I look forward to. As a lifelong Harry Potter reader, watcher, and player I am sharing with you all the fun ways you can celebrate another year at Hogwarts.
Read the Books
The movies, the theme parks, the merchandise - all of it was inspired by the magic of the book series. If you haven't already read them, I highly recommend them for children and adults alike. There are, of course, physical books (hardback & paperback), but there are also digital versions and audiobooks. Which book is your favorite? Mine is Prisoner of Azkaban. Happy reading!
Watch the Films
The movies are so magical, especially in order. This year, in many parts of the world there will be screenings on the big screen. If you can't make it one, though, don't worry. The Harry Potter film series is available to stream on NBC's Peacock (or you can rent from Hulu, YouTube, Amazon, or Apple TV+) and the DVDs are a great collector's item. You could also deep dive into the Fantastic Beasts film series available on Max (formerly HBO), the 2022 Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special, also on Max, or the newest Potter-themed television series Hogwarts Tournaments of Houses, also on Max. The perfect way to make your movie marathon magical is to prepare a Honeydukes Express trolley of your very own. As a HP fan, we all recognize butterbeer, chocolate frogs, and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Of course, if you'd like to leave the preparation up to someone else, you can buy these very items via the Harry Potter shop. But, if you'd like to grab the snacks, you can make this yummy butter beer recipe yourself! I will be making some pumpkin juice, too!
Three Broomsticks Inn Butterbeer Recipe
*makes one serving*
Drink
- 4 cups chilled cream soda
- 1/4 tsp caramel syrup
- 1/4 tsp butter extract
Topping
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 tsp of caramel sauce
Mix your chilled cream soda with your caramel syrup and butter extract. Then, in a separate container, blend or froth your half & half with your caramel sauce. Then, place the half & half and carmel mixture on top of your cream soda mixture. There ya have it!
Wizarding World
One of my favorite Harry Potter online excursions is Wizarding World. There you can take official quizzes like assigning your patronus, your wand type, and get sorted into your Hogwarts house. Once creating an account, there is also a fun Portrait Maker where you can customize your own Harry Potter character (check out mine below). In addition to personalization, there are other movie & book quizzes and puzzles all HP universe-themed.
Hogwarts Legacy
One of my newest Harry Potter-themed hobbies has been Portkey Games'
Hogwarts Legacy. While not directly based on our usual cast of characters, Harry, Ron, & Hermione, you create your own Hogwarts destiny. I have been slowly getting through each season (the storyline goes through seasons, starting in the summer) on Xbox, though it is available on most consoles and PC. I've been having so much fun!
There are many other ways to celebrate, like visiting Universal Studios or attending a fan event. Are you celebrating? If so, how?
This post is all in good fun. Harry Potter is a beloved book and film (and soon-to-be television show on Max) series. I am not affiliated with Warner Bros., The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Scholastic Press, Portkey Games, Wizarding World Digital, or any other Harry Potter-licensed, registered, or trademarked entity.
Note: This page may contain affiliate links. If you click on an item and make a purchase, I may receive a small amount of money in return at NO extra cost to you. Read my Disclaimer for more information!
Happy reading!