There's a lot of Harry Potter parties in Toronto this week

Harry Potter fans in Toronto have a lot to be thankful for this long weekend. After years of re-reading the epic series over and over (and over) again, there's finally a new magical story to add to the Hogwarts canon. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two comes out at midnight on July 31, so get ready to celebrate its launch (and Harry's 36th birthday) in style. Dress robes required.

Here are 6 ways to toast the boy who lived.

Midnight Launch Party with Mabel's Fables (Bad Dog Theatre Company, July 30)
Mabel's Fables is teaming up with the Bad Dog Theatre Company to put on an all ages midnight launch party that'll run from 8:30 p.m. on July 30 to 2 a.m. on July 31. You'll be able to grab a copy of the book at 12:01 a.m. Or, reserve yours early and simply pick it up at the event.

Costume Party (The Lockhart, July 30-31)
The Lockhart is Toronto's unofficial Harry Potter-themed watering hole, so it's obviously throwing down for the Cursed Child release. The witch or wizard with the best costume on Saturday night will get a free copy of the book and there will be another costume contest at brunch on Sunday, July 31, so apparate over to Dundas West this weekend.

Midnight Release Party (Another Story Bookshop, July 30)
Another Story Bookshop on Roncy will be serving up butterbeer and other magical snacks on Saturday night starting at 11 p.m. You can pick up your copy of the script on Saturday, but reserve one in advance to avoid disappointment.

Midnight Magic (Chapters/Indigo locations, July 31 at 12:01 a.m.)
Most Chapters/Indigo locations in Toronto will stay open late so you can get your hands on the eighth Harry Potter story first. If the other book releases are any indication, you should expect lineups.

Free play reading (Berkley Street Theatre, Aug. 9)
Once you've devoured the play a few times, venture to Canadian Stage's Berkley Street Theatre to watch as The Howland Company brings it to life. This event is free to attend and you can even read a part if you're so inclined.

Midnight Magic with the TPL (Toronto Reference Library, July 30)
The Toronto Reference Library and the TCAF's Page & Panel bookstore are co-hosting a free party on Saturday night. Tickets, however, sold out earlier this month, so count yourself lucky if you're on the guest list!

Do you know of any other Harry Potter parties? Let us know in the comments.

Photo via @Scholastic.

by Amy Grief via blogTO