Rejoice. The drought is over. The "Harry Potter" release parties are back.
Barnes & Noble revealed Monday that "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is its most pre-ordered book since "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in 2007, the last time Potter fans had reason to cheer at midnight.
Some fans might have outgrown their first set of robes by now, but the Wizarding World's enchantment knows no age limit.
The book will be available at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. Here's where to welcome the next generation and reunite with fellow witches and wizards in the Twin Cities area:
Book it now: Where there are Barnes & Noble stores, there will be squealing fans partying around a Muggle Wall of memories and giveaways. The bookstores will host daytime celebrations Sunday for fans with early bedtimes the night before or those who've finished the book overnight and just need to gush about it. (8 p.m. Sat.; 9 or 10 a.m. Sun. See stores.barnesandnoble.com for details.)
Pass me a Butterbeer: Make Ron Weasley proud in a round of life-size Wizard Chess in the parking lot of NorthGate Brewing, then flex your trivia skills and snap (non-moving) pictures in the Harry Potter photo booth. Sink the snitch during the Quidditch beer pong tournament, but don't spill on your Seamus Finnigan garb before the costume contest at the brewery's free, family-friendly party. (4 p.m.-midnight Sat. 783 NE. Harding St., Suite 100, Mpls. 612-354-2858, northgatebrew.com.)
Harry birthday, Harry: Meet at Tin Whiskers Brewing Co. for pints and a costume contest at 9 p.m. Then fly on over to SubText Books at 11 p.m. to sugar up with birthday cake from St. Agnes Baking Co. before the midnight release. (9 p.m. Sat.-1 a.m. Sun. 6 W. 5th St., St. Paul. 651-493-2791, subtextbooks.com.)
Rise and Shine: Valley Bookseller will open an hour early at 8 a.m. to ring in Harry Potter Day with treats, trivia and giveaways. (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 217 N. Main St., Stillwater. 651-430-3385, valleybookseller.com.)
Fab Fantasy: Red Balloon Bookshop's midnight release party may be sold out, but you can still make the Wee Wizard brunch on Sunday. Your book purchase will let you dine in the Great Hall, duel in trivia and craft with some Muggles dressed for the contest competition. (10:30-noon Sun. 891 Grand Av., St. Paul. 1-888-224-8320, redballoonbookshop.com.)
Danielle Fox • 612-673-4525
@foxddanielle
