A release party is being held Saturday, July 30, starting at 9 p.m., at Princeton Public Library to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday and the midnight release of the official script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a new play based on an original story by J.K. Rowling. The play is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first to be presented on stage.

People are invited to come to the library dressed as a favorite character or wearing Hogwarts house colors. There will be games, prizes, wizard candy, butterbeer, photo opportunities, and more. Also featured will be Wizard Chess, fortune-telling on the Divination Tower, a magician, and Harry Potter crafts. A Harry Potter movie will be played throughout the event, beginning at 8 p.m. for those who arrive early.

As the night progresses, the party will move to Labyrinth Books and jaZams in anticipation of the midnight release of the two-part script: Ages 15 and up will head to Labyrinth Books and those 14 and under will go to jaZams. There will be Potter trivia and chances to stump the experts at both stores during the countdown to midnight.

During the event, Thomas Sweet will be running Honeydukes Sweet Shop, Small World Coffee will be providing butterbeer, and Olives will make a birthday cake for Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling.

Copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child can be pre-ordered for pick-up at the release party through Labyrinth Books, (609) 497-1600 or jaZams at (609) 924-8697. A portion of all food and book sales will be donated to the library.

This event is presented by The Princeton Kids’ Events Coalition, a partnership between the library, jaZam’s Toys & Books, Labyrinth Books, and the Princeton Public Schools. Support has also been provided by Olives Princeton, Thomas Sweet Ice Cream, and Small World Coffee. The media sponsor is Princeton Online.