Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has arrived at last. The fans are chomping at the bit to get their hands on a newly minted copy of the last installment of J.K. Rowling's best-selling series. The official release date is Saturday, July 21st, but many L.A. booksellers are staying open late on Friday, July 20th and having special events to celebrate. The books will go on sale the instant the clock strikes 12am. If you want to join in the Muggle-loving madness then get your wand and your owl and head to one of these cool Potter parties.
1. Skylight Books
© 2007 Scholastic
Skylight Books in Los Feliz is going all out for this event. They are hosting a book release party from 9:30pm to midnight, and then an all-night reading party from midnight until 9am the next morning. The release party will feature Wand-making, Harry Potter trivia games, and a Self-Sorting Station where you can pick your very own Hogwarts house. Themed food and beverages will be served and music from bands like Harry and the Potters will be played.
- Time:
- Release Party: 9:30pm - 12am
- All-night Reading Party: 12am - 9am
- Address: 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, California 90027
- Phone: (323) 660-1175
- Skylight Books Website
2. Vroman's Bookstore
Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena is planning a big party with Storytelling, Fortune-Telling, Face Painting, Harry Potter crafts and a Trivia Booth where you can win cool prizes. Live music will keep the party rocking with performances by Wild Youth and Dirty Spanglish. Local schools will provide refreshments.
- Time: 10pm - 1am
- Address: 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California 91101
- Phone: (626) 449-5320
- Vroman's Bookstore Website
3. Portrait of a Bookstore
Studio City's favorite little bookshop, Portrait of a Bookstore, will have a Fortune Teller reading Tarot cards and Oracles, a magic show, games, treats, and prizes. Come in costume! The adjoining Aroma Café will stay open late to provide snacks and beverages.
- Time: 10:30pm - 12am
- Address: 4360 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604
- Phone: (818) 769-3853
- Portrait of a Bookstore Website
4. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Booksellers are throwing major Potter parties at all of their stores. The best of the bunch is the Barnes & Noble at The Grove. They'll have prizes and giveaways, Harry Potter and Hagrid lookalikes, and lots of cool Potter activities. The store's prime location in the middle of The Grove makes this a great spot to take the whole family for an evening out.- Time: 9pm - 1am
- Address: The Grove at Farmers Market, 189 Grove Drive, Suite K 30, Los Angeles, CA 90036
- Phone: (323) 525-0270
- The Grove Barnes & Noble Website
If the Grove is too far check this link to find a Potter party at the the Barnes & Noble closest to you.
5. Dutton's Brentwood Books
Head to Dutton's in Brentwood to face off with Harry Potter experts in a trivia contest. They'll have games, costumes and food. If you can't make it down tonight, they'll open up at 7am on Saturday so the early risers can get a copy of the book.
- Time: 11pm - 1am
- Address: 11975 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
- Phone: (310) 476-6263
- Dutton's Website
6. Storyopolis
Storyopolis in Studio City is throwing a book release party from 11pm to 2am on Friday night. They will have a Diagon Alley Party and games, a Sorting Hat event, and raffle drawing. The party continues the next day when the store opens at 11am. They'll have Sorting Hat events at 11:30am and 1pm. At 2pm they will be a reading of the first three chapters of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.- Time: 11pm - 2am
- Address: 12348 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
- Phone: (818) 509-5600
- Storyopolis Website
7. Children's Book World
Master Magician Mark Paskell hosts the release party at Children's Book World in West L.A. In addition to a cool magic show, visitors will get free prizes and learn magic tricks. Costumes are encouraged.
- Time: 9:30pm-12:01am
- Address: 10580 1/2 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90064
- Phone: (310) 559-BOOK
- Children's Book World Website
8. Once Upon a Story
If you're in Long Beach the place to be is Once Upon a Story. They bill themselves as a Certified Muggle's Gathering Place. They'll have readings, trivia quizzes, fun games, and good food. To spice things up they're also having a sweepstakes where you can win a trip to London.- Time: 10pm - 12am
- Address:3740 E 4th St., Long Beach CA, 90814
- Phone: (562) 433-6856
- Once Upon a Story Website
9. Book Soup
West Hollywood's Book Soup kicks off their Harry Potter Weekend Spectacular with a release party from 10pm to midnight. If you buy a $100 Book Soup gift card, they'll give you a free copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
- Time: 10pm - 12am
- Address: 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
- Phone: (310) 659-3110
- Book Soup Website
10. Village Books
Village Books in Pacific Palisades is hosting a fun party with costumes, refreshments, and prizes. The winner of their Harry Potter Poster Contest will be announced at the party.
- Time: 10:30pm - 1am
- Address: 1049 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
- Phone: (310) 454-4063
- Village Books Website
11. Your Living Room
The best place to tackle Harry's final adventure may just be the couch in your very own living room. Get your own copy and join in the fun. Expecto Patronum!
