The countdown to Back to Hogwarts 2026 is officially on, and Harry Potter fans are being invited to celebrate the annual wizarding tradition with a spectacular first-of-its-kind experience in the heart of London.
Taking place on Tuesday 1 September 2026, this year’s Back to Hogwarts celebration will transport fans to Old Billingsgate, where Platform 9¾ will take centre stage for a one-day event packed with magical experiences, photo opportunities, giveaways and surprises.
Tickets to the event are free but required for entry, with tickets being released in batches at 11:00am BST each day from Monday 24 August through Friday 28 August, while supplies last.
The celebration comes as anticipation continues to build for the forthcoming HBO Original series ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ which will debut this Christmas on HBO and stream exclusively on HBO Max.
Inspired by the iconic journey to Hogwarts, the 2026 Back to Hogwarts experience will put Platform 9¾ at the heart of the festivities. Old Billingsgate will provide a suitably spectacular backdrop, with sweeping views across London’s skyline and Tower Bridge setting the scene for fans of all ages.
Visitors can expect a host of activities, demonstrations and exclusive giveaways spanning the wider Harry Potter universe.
Book lovers will have plenty to discover, with Bloomsbury, Pottermore Publishing and Audible joining the celebration. Bloomsbury will offer a book giveaway throughout the event, while Pottermore Publishing and Audible will team up to provide attendees with a complimentary download of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: The Full-Cast Audio Edition.’
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Fans will also be able to browse a curated selection of merchandise from the official Harry Potter Shop.
The event will feature interactive experiences from a host of Harry Potter partners.
MGA Entertainment will showcase its Harry Potter-inspired Slime Life range, with visitors having the opportunity to win magical prizes. Craft Buddy will invite guests to get creative with Crystal Art giveaways and live crafting demonstrations, while The Carat Shop will offer a prize-filled spin-the-wheel experience alongside a look at its enchanting Time-Turner Advent Calendar.
Meanwhile, Rubies Masquerade UK will showcase its costume collection, including a special photo opportunity featuring authentic robes and scarves inspired by the Harry Potter film series.
The Noble Collection will display a selection of its wizarding world-inspired products, including an impressive Wizard Chess Set, alongside limited giveaway opportunities.
Brick-building fans can head to LEGO Harry Potter, which will bring along giveaways and a display of its latest Ministry of Magic set, giving visitors the chance to discover more about the collection and continue the adventure at home.
Gaming will also be a major part of the festivities, with interactive stations allowing attendees to play Hogwarts Legacy, LEGO Harry Potter Collection, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells.
There will be plenty of opportunities for fans to capture their Back to Hogwarts memories, too.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will bring iconic photo opportunities to the celebration, including the chance to pose in Hagrid’s flying motorcycle.
Adding another milestone to the celebrations, ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ will mark its 10th anniversary with special Time-Turner-themed photo moments celebrating a decade of Harry Potter magic on stage.
Fans planning their Back to Hogwarts celebrations should take note of one important change.
There will be no official Harry Potter event, countdown or announcement at King’s Cross Station on 1 September 2026. Fans are therefore advised not to travel to King’s Cross Station for the Back to Hogwarts celebration.
Tickets are free of charge and will be released in batches at 11:00am BST daily from Monday 24 August through Friday 28 August, subject to availability.
Book tickets for Back to Hogwarts: The HBO Max Platform 9¾ Fan Experience
