WAYNESBORO– The ninth annual Wizarding Weekend, hosted by Mainstreet Waynesboro, transformed the town into a magical realm on Aug. 1 and 2, drawing Harry Potter enthusiasts of all ages for a spellbinding celebration.
On Friday, the festivities kicked off with a Wizarding Treasure Hunt at the 1884 Market House, where participants scoured for clues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The TranquilTeaEA Tea Room hosted a Magical High Tea from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., complete with a gift shop stop for attendees. At noon, Main Street Park buzzed with the First Family Fun Night, featuring a Plant-Your-Own-Mandrake Party and face-painting by Miss Jen. Later, Gallery 50 and Music Makers hosted Live Music Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with performances by Sons of Pitches, Mike Dempsey, and Jason Mescia of YAM. The evening concluded with a lively Harry Potter Pub Crawl from 6 to 9 p.m., where costumed participants hopped between downtown venues, ending with a costume contest and giveaways at Trigger’s Table and Tap Room.
Saturday’s schedule was equally enchanting. Borogon Alley at Main Street Park opened at 9 a.m., offering magical supplies from 20 shops and activities like House Medal Painting, a sorting hat quiz, and Magic Bingo. The LEGO Lodge at 66 W. Main St. showcased Harry Potter-themed LEGO sets, while Bathe invited visitors to create Bubble Potions, Tonics, and Spells. A Magic Show by Bubble Magician River Barry dazzled crowds at 9:30 a.m., followed by a School Supplies Scavenger Hunt and a Wand Workshop. The Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library hosted a Potions Class and Troll Bogie Slime sessions, while a Kids Costume Contest and Parade marched from Borogon Alley to 66 W. Main St. The Great Hall of Activities offered Potion Paint Parties and Harry Potter Trivia: The Family Edition, with prizes for participants. Additional photo ops and crafting, including an Enchanted Vase Class, kept the magic alive throughout the day.
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with a Harry Potter Trivia Blowout Contest at Park Tavern from 7 to 9 p.m. Moviegoers also enjoyed screenings of “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025) at Waynesboro Theatre on both Friday and Saturday evenings.
Local businesses, including Waynesboro Owls Club, AFS Insurance, and Patriot Federal Credit Union, sponsored the event, ensuring a vibrant community experience. Organizers reported strong attendance, with families and fans praising the immersive activities and creative offerings.
For more details on future events, contact Mainstreet Waynesboro at 717-762-0397.
