Welcome to wizarding school.
Grab your wand and head over to the Wizard Festival Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s South Haven Club in Valparaiso.
“We offer a fully immersive experience for our guests, from the moment you walk into the venue to the minute you leave,” said Scott Zizic, festival organizer. “It’s a magical experience bringing fans together and giving wizards the chance to enjoy community.”
From wizarding classes and trivia to butterbeer and sorting ceremonies, the weekend is packed with plenty of bewitching wonders.
“Each event offers our guests the opportunity to attend classes to help sharpen their wizard skills,” Zizic said.
Costumed professors will lead curriculum such as Potions, History of Magic, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Flying Lessons.
“Witches and wizards will have the opportunity to play for their house at Wizard Trivia in a race for the house cup, take tons of pictures with special photo ops and props, get sorted into their house, and interact with characters straight from the book/movie,” Zizic said. “Many of our props and setups are made or crafted in-house, and we love to include many little details into our setups.”
As a Harry Potter fan, if you’ve ever wanted to duel, visit Platform 9 3/4 or join a broom race, here’s your opportunity.
“Don’t worry if you don’t have everything for wizard school — during study hall you will get the chance to shop Wizard Alley (which) will be full of vendor shops for you to purchase your wands, merch and crafts,” Zizic said.
Feel free to get into character while you’re at it.
“Dress up — it is optional, but we always encourage our guests to dress for the event,” Zizic said. “It adds to the experience, and we can’t wait to see all the students, professors and other characters come to life from the wizarding world.”
If all this wizarding works up a wicked appetite, The Hogs Head Restaurant has a themed menu including roasted phoenix, Hogsmeade sausage and chocolate frogs. Meanwhile, The Cauldron offers drinks like butterbeer and polyjuice potion served in souvenir glasses.
Organizers expect about 200 guests over the weekend, spread out in timed sessions.
“Each session, guests will be split up into groups averaging 20 guests and will receive a classroom and event schedule upon admittance to Wizard Festival so everyone will have a chance to enjoy all the classes, activities and offerings to the fullest.”
The mystical festival is produced by Wizarding Events, a division of The Bennett-Curtis House. For a Wizard Pass ($22.85), register for timed tickets in advance at eventbrite.com and search Wizard Festival.
Other add-ons are available, including a fine wand from Ollivanders ($38.77) and an event goody bag ($12.24) complete with a color-change cup, chocolate frog with a chocolate frog card, a Wizard Festival acceptance letter and the Daily Prophet, filled with event information.
As a fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana, a portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated directly to the organization.
All guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. COVID protocols are listed on the event website.
“This is a family-friendly event that is suitable for all ages, whether you have always been a fan or you are just along for the ride,” Zizic said. “This is an amazing experience.”
Wizard Festival
When: Feb. 19 and Feb. 20
Where: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s South Haven Club, 723 Long Run Road, Valparaiso
Tickets: $22.85
Information: 815-465-2288; eventbrite.com and search Wizard Festival Valparaiso
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
