Harry Situations

In case you haven’t heard, the final Harry Potter book comes out at midnight. And tons of places are holding special Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows events that’ll keep your kids up way past their bedtimes. Some of our favorites: Joseph-Beth Booksellers’ Potter Party in the Village (24519 Cedar Road in Lyndhurst; 216-691-7000), starting at 10 p.m., features balloon animals, face-painting, and a Tri-Wizard Tournament Maze. The Great Lakes Science Center (601 Erieside Avenue; 216-694-2000) begins a sleepover at 6 p.m. with potion-making and a screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on the humongous IMAX screen (admission is $45). Downtown Hudson transforms into Harry Potter Land (www.harrypotterhudson.com) at 6 p.m. More than 60 local businesses get in the spirit of things by changing into places like the Leaky Cauldron and Hagrid’s Hut. Likewise, the Blue Heron Bookstore-sponsored Harry Potter Fest (1593 Main Street in Peninsula; 330-657-2575) at 6 p.m. features a bunch of neighboring shops offering special wizard-themed menus, contests, and activities. And all local Borders (www.bordersstores.com) host a Grand Hallows Ball at 9:30 p.m., complete with costumes and prizes. All events are free unless noted.
Fri., July 20