Every year on Sept. 1, fans around the world mark the day students return to Hogwarts. This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful as fans commemorate 25 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first brought the wizarding world to the big screen, and excitement builds for the forthcoming HBO Original series.
A host of events, celebrations and special screenings will take place around the world leading up to and including Sept. 1, but we’ll limit ourselves to what’s happening at the theme parks.
One note: Fans are reminded that there will be no official event, countdown or announcement at King’s Cross Station in London on Sept. 1 and are advised not to travel there.
Universal Studios
- At Universal Orlando Resort (Aug 1- Sept.1), fans can enjoy exclusive 25th anniversary experiences, including a limited-edition Butterbeer Mug (while supplies last), special food and beverage offerings, and the return of the fan-favourite Hogwarts Always castle projection show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.
- Universal Studios Hollywood will debut enchanting new experiences from Aug 1- Sept.1, including an encounter with the Monster Book of Monsters. Fans can also celebrate their Hogwarts house pride with exclusive giveaways, themed treats and limited-time park offerings.
- Both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will debut the new, park-exclusive Build-A-Bag collection by Lug, allowing fans to customize their own wizarding world-inspired look.
- At Universal Studios Japan, select guests will enjoy exclusive after-hours access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ on Sept. 1. The park will also bring back the popular Hogwarts Castle Walk, alongside special themed giveaways and digital collectibles.
- Universal Beijing Resort will mark Back to Hogwarts with the debut of Hogwarts Always, a spectacular new projection show celebrating a year at Hogwarts. Fans can also enjoy new themed food and beverages, exclusive merchandise, immersive photo opportunities, special giveaways and a dedicated Gathering Night event on Aug. 28.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
- New for 2026, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will mark Back to Hogwarts with a special 11 a.m. am announcement broadcast throughout the Tour. Following the opening announcement, additional broadcasts will take place every 30 minutes at Platform 9¾ throughout the day.
- Guests can enjoy animatronic Hagrid demonstrations, exclusive photo opportunities, themed food and drink, and complimentary Hogwarts Train Tickets included in Summer Feature Activity Passports. Fans can also test their knowledge with a digital Back to Hogwarts quiz in the Butterbeer Café.
- Fans can enter an exclusive Back to Hogwarts competition for the chance to win a personalized Hogwarts trunk signed by Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, James and Oliver Phelps, plus two tickets to visit the Studio Tour on Sept. 1.
- One runner-up will receive a bundle of merchandise from the brand-new Harry Potter Shop Back to Hogwarts collection. To enter, submit your details by 23:59 on Aug. 12 at https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/bth-prize-draw-2026/
- Guests visiting Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter can also look forward to magical Back to Hogwarts celebration moments, including a countdown event and special photo opportunity.
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