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It’s been a full year since the Harry Potter Shop Chicago first opened its doors on the Magnificent Mile, and the magic hasn’t worn off. To mark the milestone, the shop is throwing a birthday celebration on April 10 that's set to be exactly the kind of whimsical, fan-first energy you’d expect from the wizarding world.
This year also marks 25 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, so the store is going all-in with immersive, slightly over-the-top fun.
To start, of course, there will be cake. The first 100 visitors on April 10 can grab a free slice inside the Butterbeer Bar, where a full birthday cake will also be on display for photos. Guests that day will also receive a limited-edition birthday pin, while party hats and festive décor will fill the space all weekend.
Beyond the treats, the shop is rolling out a couple of new interactive experiences that will continue after the big celebration. A Sorting Hat photo op invites fans to find out where they belong, with a keepsake to take home. There’s also a dragon egg scavenger hunt launching for spring, complete with maps and a small reward for those who complete it.
The store is also offering a new drink to enjoy this spring. Pumpkin Juice joins the menu at the Butterbeer Bar, served cold in a reusable cup and blending apple juice, pumpkin purée, peach nectar and vanilla.
The shop is partnering with The Birthday Party Project, donating $1 per transaction on April 10 to support birthday celebrations for children experiencing homelessness.
What: Harry Potter Shop Chicago's first birthday celebration
When: April 10
Where: 676 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611