Entertainment
The end of July is near, which can only mean one thing. It's nearly Harry Potter's birthday. And though you may not be able to claim a squished cake from deep within the pockets of Hagrid's coat, or a little magic involving a pink umbrella, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday. Because Harry Potter is not only beloved in the wizarding world, but in the world of muggles, too.
If you can believe it, your favorite boy wizard is turning 36 years old this year, and in order to properly ring in the latter half of his 30s (and celebrate nearly two full decades with the series you just couldn't put down), you'll need to channel every last ounce of Hogwarts spirit you've got in you. After all, this is The Boy Who Lived. The Chosen One. A simple birthday cake and streamers just won't do. With a simple wave of your wand, you'll be able to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday in style, in a way that would even make Dumbledore proud, may he rest in peace. From reliving Harry's greatest moments to snacking on Harry's favorite things, read on for 13 ways to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday.
1
Binge Watch The 'Harry Potter' Movies
Perhaps the most obvious way to celebrate Harry's birthday is with the great wizard himself, in the comfort of your own home, binge watching his epic story from beginning to end in one sitting.
2
Make Your Own Butterbeer
Steven Jayson, the corporate executive chef for Universal Parks and Resorts, is the man responsible for bringing J.K. Rowling's delicious drink to life. Though Jayson has kept that recipe under lock and key, the team at Mic has discovered a recipe for butterbeer that's pretty darn close.
3
Get Sorted Into Your Hogwarts House On Pottermore
By answering a few deep, soul searching questions on Pottermore, you can find out which Hogwarts house you're supposed to be in.
4
Reread The Series
Go back to the beginning, and start the series all over again from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, to relive all of your favorite moments with your pal Harry.
5
Plan A Trip To Diagon Alley
Clear your calendar and book a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can peruse the shops at Diagon Alley, take a ride on the Hogwarts Express, and pick out your very own wand at Ollivander's.
6
Play A Game Of Lawn Quidditch
Thanks to the folks at Home Depot, you can now create your very own backyard Quidditch arena, so you can show off those skills on your Nimbus 2000.
7
Bake Harry's Favorite Treacle Tart
Treacle tart is a traditional British dessert made with golden syrup and lemon. Whip up the legendary Mary Berry's recipe for treacle tart to serve to all of your party goers, in honor of Harry Potter.
8
Wear Your House Colors
Personally, I'm a Slytherin. Green and silver all day long for me. After you've sorted yourself into your allotted house on Pottermore, show off your house spirit by wearing your Hufflepuff yellow, Gryffindor burgundy, or Ravenclaw blue.
9
Practice Your Spellwork
As the great Hermione Granger would like to remind you, "It's Levi-o-sa, not levio-sah."
10
Try Divining Some Tea Leaves
Even though Harry was complete rubbish at divining the tea leaves with Professor Trelawney, why not try your your hand at the age old wizarding tradition? Hopefully you won't see any Grims in the bottom of your cup.
11
Dive Into 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'
Last, but certainly not least, celebrate Harry Potter's birthday by catching up with the legend himself, by opening up the latest installment in the series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
