Warner Bros. is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Back to Hogwarts celebration, marking nearly a quarter-century since the first “Harry Potter” film enchanted audiences worldwide. The Sept. 1 annual tradition has evolved into a massive global event spanning theatrical re-releases, digital partnerships, and fan experiences across multiple continents.
The centerpiece of the 2025 festivities is a special 20th anniversary theatrical re-release of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” hitting cinemas worldwide for a limited engagement. In the U.S., fans can catch the Triwizard Tournament spectacle through official ticketing partner Fandango.com, with promotional giveaways planned. International territories including Canada, EMEA regions, and other markets will also participate in the theatrical rollout.
Warner Bros. has inked a partnership with Snap Inc. for four new 3D Harry Potter Bitmoji Lenses launching mid-August. The interactive filters will allow global Snapchat users to place their Bitmojis into iconic scenes from the franchise, including the Dursleys’ home, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, the Goblet of Fire ceremony, and the Wizard Chess sequence from “Philosopher’s Stone.”
The studio is orchestrating region-specific events across major markets. London’s Cineworld Leicester Square will host a free screening of “Goblet of Fire” on Aug. 31, featuring a live Q&A with James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), moderated by TV presenter Yinka Bokinni. The event includes photo opportunities with props from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and prizes from Lego and The Noble Collection.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London will host 300 guests for countdown event on the Hogwarts Express platform Sept. 1.
In North America, Harry Potter Store locations in New York and Chicago are stocking exclusive time-limited merchandise starting July 28. Broadway’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is offering $19 tickets for select autumn performances, available for one day only on Sept. 1.
International activations span multiple markets. Paris will transform the Sainte-Geneviève Library into a Harry Potter-themed educational event Aug. 30, complete with interactive quizzes and a special dictation session read by Solange Boulanger, the French voice of Dolores Umbridge.
Hamburg will host a three-day celebration at Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier (Aug. 29-Sept. 1), while 10 Thalia bookstores nationwide will run themed promotions mid-August through mid-September. Special overnight events are planned for Thalia locations in Düsseldorf, Hannover, Leipzig, and Hamburg.
Milan’s Teatro Nazionale will host a free Sept. 1 event featuring a countdown, interactive games, and surprise guests. Madrid fans can expect a two-day celebration at a yet-to-be-revealed location Aug. 31-Sept. 1.
The Asia-Pacific region isn’t being left out. Tokyo’s Saitama Seibu Lions baseball games will feature a Harry Potter collaboration Aug. 29-31, with a “Cursed Child” cast member throwing a ceremonial pitch. Shanghai will present “Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Goblet of Fire” in concert Aug. 7-10, while Hangzhou plans a West Lake District celebration Aug. 30-Sept. 1.
