HBO’s Harry Potter series is gearing up for its highly anticipated release on Christmas 2026 with its first season titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Ahead of its premiere, Warner Bros. Discovery has revealed its 2026 ‘Back to Hogwarts’ celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The celebration will follow a theatrical re-release, live events across four global regions, and unseen footage of the HBO series.
The ‘Back to Hogwarts‘ celebration will begin on September 1, 2026. The date may sound familiar to OG fans since it coincides with the day Hogwarts students traditionally board the Hogwarts Express from Platform No. 9 ¾ and return to school for a new session. What began as a simple moment in the story turned into a global tradition celebrated by fans every year.
From global screenings to a special live event by HBO Max, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming Back to Hogwarts celebration.
Back to Hogwarts celebration 2026: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone returns to cinema and more
This year, the Back to Hogwarts celebration is particularly special as it marks 25 years since the first film hit theatres. To commemorate the milestone, Philosopher’s Stone returns to the big screens this year with 12 minutes of unseen behind-the-scenes footage. According to the official website, people from fans from the US can book their tickets on Fandango, with screenings scheduled to run from August 28 through September 3. Special COSM screenings will be available in L.A, Atlanta, Detroit, and Dallas. All eight films will be available in theatres worldwide.
Apart from that, HBO Max will lead a special Back to Hogwarts celebration in London for the first time on September 1. The one-day celebration will feature interactive fan moments and special giveaways. Since HBO Max will be leading the event, fans can expect some exclusive updates from the upcoming series. According to Variety, fans can expect new glimpses of the HBO series. The location and ticketing details of the London event are yet to be disclosed.
Apart from that, Warner Bros Studio Tour London -The Making of Harry Potter will celebrate the Back to Hogwarts events with a special 11 am announcement broadcast during the tour. Every 30 mins, additional broadcasts will take place at Platform 9 ¾ throughout the day. From Hagrid demonstrations to photo opportunities to themed meals and complimentary tickets, guests can avail all these exciting facilities.
Additionally, fans can also enter an exclusive competition to win a personalized Hogwarts trunk signed by Mark Williams, James and Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright and tickets to the Studio Tour on September 1.
If you’re in Chicago or New York, you can walk to the Harry Potter store to join the 11 am countdown and enjoy themed treats. Live celebration will take place all over the world, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, China, Australia and Japan.
The Universal theme parks/resorts in Orlando, California, and Japan have also arranged for exciting new experiences and merchandise to celebrate the 25th anniversary. At Universal Orlando resorts, guests can enjoy an exclusive Butterbeer Mug, special meals, or experience the Hogwarts Castle projection show.
Universal Studios Hollywood will celebrate the event with new experiences for guests starting August 1, including an encounter with the Monster Book of Monsters.
At Universal Studios Japan, some lucky guests can enjoy exclusive hour access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The park is set to bring back the Hogwarts Castle Walk. Universal Beijing Resort will celebrate with a new projection show, Hogwarts Always. Guests can enjoy other exciting offers at the Gathering Night event on August 28.
Fans can also tune in to watch the Back to Hogwarts showcase on September 1 on the official YouTube or TikTok channel.
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Edited by Archi Biswas