Despite falling in love with the wizarding world through our favorite Hogwarts students over 26 years ago, the Harry Potter franchise continues to evolve and bring in new witches and wizards to the fandom with each passing year. This international day was dubbed in 2012 by David Cameron, a former Prime Minister of the U.K., to be celebrated annually on May 2nd. This date is significant within the series in 1998, where the Great Battle of Hogwarts commences with the final fray of good vs. evil.
Even though it has been over two decades since the books were first published, the Potter Universe remains a permanent fixture in all forms of entertainment from — books to theme parks. To celebrate, we will provide some of the latest updates around the franchise and some muggle activities to test your wizarding skills!
Harry Potter World News
Book Publications
- New MinaLima style books (1-3)
MinaLima is the design studio behind the graphic props of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, founded by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima. From Harry’s acceptance letter to Hogwarts, the Platform 9 3/4 tickets, Hogwarts textbooks, to paperwork from the Ministry of Magic, it was all designed by them.
In a MinaLima edition, pages teem with rich illustrations, interactive paper-engineered elements, and intricate details. They have currently released books one through three of the series with hopefully more on the way.
- Fully Illustrated Series by Jim Kay (1-5)
Along with the newer interactive MinaLima books, fans have slowly been collecting the fully illustrated set of the series by the British illustrator Jim Kay. This re-publication of the books has allowed the novels to be enjoyed by a younger audience as well as providing beautiful illustrations alongside the words we all know and love.
Television
Despite no new films currently being planned for the franchise, fans have been scouring for all the news they can find about the latest announced series installment being produced by Max. It is rumored to debut in 2026, and will depict a faithful adaption to the books with a decade-long series to cover all the details that were not part of the original full-length films. JK Rowling is said to be working with the production company, but no information yet on casting or further details.
Theme Parks & Experiences
- For those Potter enthusiasts who also like their magic with a little thrill, fans of the Universal theme parks have been counting down the days for Epic Universe, the fourth gate park located in Orlando, FL, which is set to open in 2025. This park will feature a new land themed after the Ministry of Magic and locations from the Fantastic Beast series, which should complement the already popular implementations in their other parks.
- If you happen to use the Floo Network and end up in New York, be sure to stop by the Harry Potter Store, which recently opened back in 2021. This one-of-a-kind retail experience offers interactive shopping, a Butterbeer bar, a wand shop, and exclusive merchandise. Definitely a must-see for any magical fan!
Entertainment
LEGO has continuously been providing our wizarding fix for years with their line of Harry Potter sets starting all the way from 2001. A new batch of sets recently hit stores earlier this year, with more promised on the way. These are always fantastic ways to experience the series with a particular set or scene, and LEGO always brings great details and Minifigures.
Muggle Activities for Harry Potter Day
If all that news didn’t knock you off your broom, why not craft some Harry Potter treats, or conjure some creativity to show your love for our favorite wizards? Here are a few easy recipes to throw together for a watch party, or crafts you can do while you watch your favorite film from the series.
Food & Drink
- Gotta have the iconic drink of choice for all wizards — Butterbeer!
- Less drinkable version? Butterbeer cookies!
- The wand chooses the wizard with these easy pretzel wands.
- Make sure not to let these chocolate frogs hop away!
- If you want more options and where they appear in the series, look no further than here!
Crafts
- Homemade Slime, but with a magical twist.
- Re-reading the series? Try making a house bookmark.
- Want the crafts to apparate to you? The widely popular crocheting craft brand The Woobles, has its own Harry Potter line you can try your next hobby with!
- Have an iPhone? Try this magical trick that will amaze any wizard who hasn’t seen it yet.
- Although not a physical craft, this fun activity allows you to be sorted into your Wizarding house, which you can do here! Or want to know your Patronus — sign up here.
