Hopping on the Hogwarts Express to New York City to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway? From Butterbeer to hippogriffs and beyond, we have all the tips you need to make your visit magical!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre
For more than five years, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has called Broadway’s Lyric Theatre home. And what a home it is! The theater and auditorium were revamped to welcome the production in 2018, following the play’s premiere in London’s West End.
Be sure to arrive at the theater early to explore the immersive space. The enchanting three-tier lobby features many photo ops, including a Patronus room, an opportunity to show off your Hogwarts House pride, interactive photos that come to live with the wizardry of augmented reality and much more. And whether Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, there’s something for everyone at the magical gift shop.
(Photo courtesy of AKA)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child welcomes theatergoers to get into the spirit of the magical world, so be sure to don your robes, bring your wands and show off your House colors.
Anticipation for the show making you hungry? There’s a concession stand to rival Honeydukes, offering Bertie Botts’ Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, Butterbeer, themed cocktails and more. And clocking in with a run time of nearly three and a half hours, a snack is not a bad idea.
Check out the interactive 360 degree map of the venue before heading to the show!
Looking for other kid-friendly shows to see on your trip? We’ve got you covered!
Extend Your Harry Potter Experience
Your visit to Hogwarts doesn’t need to end when the curtain falls! Read on for a selection of Potter-centric activities and exhibitions to keep your trip magical.
- Head to Harry Potter New York to keep your immersive adventure going. The massive store features exclusive merchandise, an interactive wand shop, a magnificent Butterbeer bar and the largest selection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise you’ll find anywhere.
- If you’re looking to explore the world of Harry Potter, and get a peek behind-the-scenes Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a must! The interactive event celebrates the iconic universe of Harry Potter, featuring authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films as well as inside info on how the stories are brought to life on screen and stage. There’s even an opportunity to select a wand and take a personalized journey through the magical world of Harry Potter!
- Brush up on your Potions skills at The Cauldron NYC, a bar that blends magic wands with tasty treats. Sign up for a Hot Chocolate class or just reserve a table and enjoy the fantasy-inspired ambiance. With two NYC locations, each with their own menu, there’s plenty to sample and enjoy.
- Who hasn’t dreamed of catching the snitch?! The NYC Titans are a professional Quadball (formerly known as Quidditch) team that plays a non-flying adaptation of the thrilling sport. Keep an eye on their schedule right here.
- And if all of this adventuring is making you hungry, head to Schmackary’s cookie shop, where their butterbeer inspired Wizards Brew cookie is a favorite!
Once you've hit all of the Potter-themed spots, check out what else Times Square has to offer!
