Downtown Kent is quickly transforming into a wizardly world.
On July 19 and 20, Main Street Kent will hold its annual Wizardly Weekend. Activities like the Wobbly Wizard Bar Crawl, Magical Movie Night, Par for the Curse putt putt, costume contests and Vendor Village promise to immerse Harry Potter fans in the universe they know and love.
“We’re really excited to bring Wizardly Weekend back again this year, with a good balance of family-friendly and adults-only activities that entertain guests and support our local businesses,” said Heather Malarcik, the director of Main Street Kent, in a press release. “We’ll have one road closure for a vendor area on Saturday, plus photo opportunities and activities spread out around town on both days.”
It all starts with the 8th annual “Run that Shall not be Named 5 3/4 K Fun Run,” kicking off at 6 p.m. Friday.
Here is a complete list of events for the weekend:
Friday, July 19
- Run that Shall not be Named 5 ¾ K — A new location this year starts runners at Fred Fuller Park. The course will be along the bike trail beside the river. Attendees must register ahead of time.
- Wobbly Wizard Bar Crawl — Adult wizards can enjoy themed cocktails at the Wobbly Wizard Bar Crawl. Check in runs 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Water Street Tavern. Attendees must register ahead of time. Participants include Barflyy, Barrio Tacos, Bell Tower Brewing, Brewhouse Pub, Dominick’s, Nineteen 10 (Kent State Hotel), North Water Brewing, Panini’s, Ray’s Place, The Loft, The Pub in Kent, The Venice Cafe and Water Street Tavern.
- Magical Movie Night — Families can enjoy a free screening of “Matilda” in Hometown Bank Plaza starting at dusk.
- Swish & Flick Podcast Meet and Greet — From 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., all ages are welcomed to attend Over Easy at the Depot for a meet and greet with this Potter-themed podcast. There will also be a wizard-themed menu for attendees to try.
Saturday, July 20
- Par for the Curse — Guests start this wizard-themed miniature golf at 154 N. Water St. The nine-hole course goes through local businesses and runs from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Attendees must register ahead of time.
- Wizardly Themed Cookie Class — From 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tree City will host cookie decorating. Guests get six baked cookies. Get tickets here for $45 per person.
- Mandrake Workshop — Flourish Plant Market will run this workshop from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Get tickets here for $18.
- Third Annual Bell Tower Ball — Dress like a wizard, witch or in your favorite house colors for this 18+ event. It runs from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., and no ticket is required.
- Forbidden Forest at the Dan Smith Community Park — Visit the Dan Smith Community Park throughout the day as it transforms into the Forbidden Forest.
- 12 p.m. Children’s costume contest (17 and under)
- 2 pm. Swish and Flick Live Podcast
- 4 p.m. Adult costume contest (18 and over)
- Goblin’s Plaza at the Hometown Bank Plaza — Events will cycle throughout the day starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m.
- Vendor Village — From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Erie Street will close to make room for Vendor Village. This is the only road closure for the event.
Alton Northup is editor-in-chief. Contact him at [email protected].
