ITHACA, N.Y. — If you haven’t made it out to Wizarding Weekend yet, have no fear! There’s still time to enjoy the festivities and we have scouted out the seven (disputably) best things to do Saturday!
Did we miss your favorite event? Put it in the comments section!!!
1) First you have to get your letter — yes, that letter
Get your official letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from none other than Hagrid, himself. You’ll be able to meet the man behind the beard on North Cayuga Street, between West Green and East Seneca streets (near Lot 10 and Sunny Days). It’s worth the wait in line to get the personalized letter a lousy owl may have forgotten to get to you!
2) Get your hands on a wand
What is a witch or wizard without a wand? Since the Battle of Hogwarts, wandmakers have been cropping up all over the place. You can snag one at one of the local shops or at several other street locations throughout the festivities (Though, please be sure to let the wand choose you, okay?).
3) You really, really have to get sorted
The interactive sorting hat is new this year! After a brief wait in line, you’ll be able to go up, sit in a chair and have the sorting hat placed onto your head. We can then all hear the dialogue as the hat decides where to put you. This is an essential task for any witch or wizard, regardless of age.
4) Stupefy! Petrificus Totalus! Impedimenta!
Dueling is happening directly in front of the State Theater of Ithaca, located at 107 W. State St. You have the choice to take on your friends or challenge the reigning champ from a previous duel. Unforgivable curses are discouraged.
5) Street performances!
There’s a reason hundreds of people keep gathering on the West End of the Commons. There will be street performances throughout the day that are worth catching. Sword fights! Circus culture! Raptors!
10:00am & 1:00pm – Azkaban Breakout – become an auror and help track down dark wizards
10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm – Circus Culture
11:00am, 4:30pm – ComedyFLOPs
11:30am, 1:30pm, 4:00pm – Pyromancy
12:00pm – Hilby The Skinny German Juggle Boy
1:30pm-4:30pm – Cornell Raptor Presentation
2:00pm – Wizarding Kids Acting Performance
A 3 p.m. sword fighting demo will also be on State Street.
6) Musical acts in the Commons
For a Wizarding Rocking good time, check out performances at the Bernie Milton Pavilion throughout the day. The schedule is below:
10:00am Huffle My Puffle
11:30am IC Voicestream
12:00pm Snidget
2:30pm Cornell Bhangra
3:00pm Errand of Mercy
4:00pm Hawthorn & Holly
5:00pm Draco and the Malfoys