Book Release Events in Baltimore: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final installment in the popular, 7-book children's book series, is released on July 21, many Baltimore-area fans will queue up in the early morning hours to get their copy. On the evening of July 20, magic, games and costumes are on the agenda for the Baltimore bookstores hosting release parties that culminate with sales of the books at stroke of midnight.

Earlier this summer the Harry Potter Knight Bus Tour stopped in the Baltimore's newest library Southeast Anchor Branch as it trekked across the country to drum up interest in the book (as if that were necessary!).

If all this sounds like too much for you, you can always order your copy online and have it delivered to your door.

But if you want to get out among your fellow Potter-philes then check out these Baltimore-area events all beginning on Friday, July 20:

• Daedalus Books – Belvedere Square
  5911 York Rd.
  (410) 464-2701
  Light up the night with fire performances from the Calefaction Society, featuring Sensoriel, beginning at 11:45 p.m. Potter fans can purchase the long-anticipated last book in the series at 12:01 a.m. Store is open until 1 a.m. Call to reserve advance copy.
• The Children's Bookstore – Roland Park
  737 Deepdene Rd.
  410-532-2000
  Pre-order a copy and you're guaranteed admission to this Potter bash, which includes illusion and magic tricks. 10 p.m. – midnight.
• Barnes & Noble's Midnight Magic
  Many of this national chain's Baltimore-area locations will host Potter parties that include costume contest, trivia scavenger hunt, magic potion demonstration, amulet and magical creature making and photo opportunities with characters. The events begin at 8 p.m. Call local store for details.
  • The Power Plant – Inner Harbor
    601 E. Pratt Street
    410-385-1709
  • Owings Mills/Pikesville
    1819 Reisterstown Rd.
    410-415-5758
  • Long Gate Shopping Center - Ellicott City
    4300 Montgomery Road
    410-203-9001
  • Towson Circle
    1 East Joppa Road Suite 100
    410-296-7021
  • Marketplace - Bel Air
    620 Marketplace Drive
    410-638-7023
• Grand Hallows Ball
  Bookstore chains' evening of wizardly activities, games and giveaways beginning at 9:30 p.m., then get your copy at the stroke of midnight.
  • Borders Express – Gen Burnie
    7900 Ritchie Highway
    410-760-5733
  • Waldenbooks - Towson
    825 Dulaney Valley Rd.
    410-821-7818
  • Borders - Lutherville
    170 W. Ridgely Rd.
    410-453-0727