Back to Hogwarts 2026: September 1 Is Changing

The Hogwarts Express departs in six weeks but this year, the party is not at King’s Cross.

Warner Bros. has unveiled its plans for Back to Hogwarts 2026, and the annual September 1 tradition is getting its biggest shake-up yet. Ahead of the HBO Original series Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone debuting this Christmas, HBO Max will host a first-of-its-kind fan celebration in London — a one-day event inspired by the new series, featuring interactive fan moments and exclusive giveaways. Location and ticketing details have not been announced yet, so keep your owl on standby.

One big change to note: Warner Bros. has confirmed there will be no official event, countdown, or announcement at King’s Cross Station this year, and fans are advised not to travel there.

A Showcase — and All Eight Films Back on the Big Screen

The annual Back to Hogwarts Showcase streams live on September 1 via the official Harry Potter YouTube and TikTok channels, with surprises and announcements promised from across the franchise. And the cinema news goes well beyond a simple re-release: to mark 25 years since the first film hit theaters, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is returning to the big screen with 12 minutes of never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage — and for one week, all eight films will be playing worldwide.

Worldwide: all eight films in cinemas August 27 – September 3, with tickets on sale July 31.
United States (August 28 – September 3): AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Megaplex, Harkins, and Marcus Theatres, with tickets through Fandango.
COSM domes: immersive Shared Reality screenings of Sorcerer’s Stone are already running in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta, with Detroit joining in September.
Canada (August 28 – September 3): Cineplex and Landmark theaters.
Everywhere else: check your local listings — more territories are expected to be announced.

Countdowns in London, New York, and Chicago

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London will broadcast a special 11:00am announcement on September 1, with additional broadcasts every 30 minutes at Platform 9¾ throughout the day, plus animatronic Hagrid demonstrations, themed food and drink, and exclusive photo ops. The Tour is also running a competition to win a personalized Hogwarts trunk signed by Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, and James and Oliver Phelps, along with two tickets to visit on September 1 — entries close August 12.

Stateside, Harry Potter Shop New York and Harry Potter Shop Chicago will each host their own 11:00am countdowns, with limited-edition treats at the Butterbeer Bars and the new Back to Hogwarts collection on shelves. Chicago adds an exclusive digital frame to its Sorting Hat photo experience.

Official celebrations are also planned for France, Italy, Spain, Germany, China, Australia, Japan, and more.

Universal Parks Join the Party

Universal Orlando Resort (August 1 – September 1): a limited-edition 25th anniversary Butterbeer Mug, special food and drinks, and the return of the Hogwarts Always castle projection show in Hogsmeade.
Universal Studios Hollywood (August 1 – September 1): an encounter with the Monster Book of Monsters, house-pride giveaways, and limited-time offerings.
Both U.S. parks debut a park-exclusive Build-A-Bag collection by Lug.
Universal Studios Japan: select guests get exclusive after-hours access to the Wizarding World on September 1, plus the return of the Hogwarts Castle Walk.
Universal Beijing Resort: the debut of the Hogwarts Always projection show, plus a dedicated Gathering Night on August 28.

Looking for more Harry Potter events? Check out our Things to Do page for everything else on the calendar.

Will you be celebrating Back to Hogwarts this year — in person or from your common room at home? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow along for more Harry Potter news.

Source: Wizarding World