You no longer have to be a certified wand-carrying wizard to experience the Harry Potter universe. Bits and pieces of J. K. Rowling’s imagination have made their way to San Francisco, as if a Pensieve of her thoughts exploded into the fog and infected our Muggle minds. Like the Hogwarts course catalog, Harry Potter–related functions in the Bay Area run the gamut from athletics (Quidditch!) to the Dark Arts (HP-themed kink party!). Here’s where the magic happens.
The Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt
“Follow in the footsteps of young wizards,” and teleport on over to the Legion of Honor’s scavenger hunt, where you’ll encounter strange magical creatures, soul-sucking Dementors and maybe even a few Dumbledore look-alikes (off-season Santas?). If your hobbies include art criticism, practicing wand skills and rereading Harry Potter on the weekends, this is the event for you.
Muggle-Friendly Sweets
Humphry Slocombe is rumored to have the best butterbeer ice cream in the Muggle world. Named for the ambiguously mind-altering beverage of choice for Hogwarts students on holiday in wizard vacation haven, Hogsmeade, butterbeer contains no actual beer — regrettably. Still, ice cream is arguably a healthier vice than alcohol.
Harry Potter…in Concert?!
Yes, because nothing screams “young-adult fantasy” like the Bay Area’s finest symphony. On a 40-foot screen, you can watch a “once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon” (a little dramatic, but OK) showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.
“You’re A (Naughty) Wizard, Harry.”
If you ever wondered what the Slytherins do in their common room, here you go. All Hogwarts students need to blow off a little steam. Kinky wizards? Horses that spank you? Bring your wand (he, he) to this Chamber of Secrets for a magical night that you surely won’t forget — unless your kink is getting memory-charmed.
Quidditch, IRL
If you’re more of the athletic type who’s dabbled in football or lacrosse, why not give Quidditch a try? It’s not just for the students of Hogwarts. Teams like the Skyfighters Quidditch Club (SFQC) are bringing Quidditch to the Muggle world. Part of the fun is trying to hold onto your nonaerial broomstick as you run around a field while simultaneously throwing rubber balls back and forth.
