Celebrate a magical world at wizarding weekend set in Waynesboro

Wizards and witches alike are preparing their robes, spells and wands for the fifth annual Waynesboro Wizarding Weekend presented by Mainstreet Waynesboro, Inc.

The festival, to celebrate the spirit and theme of Harry Potter, is being held on Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday Aug. 7 at venues up and down Main Street.

Events start Friday at 11 a.m. at TranquiliTea Tea Room located at 117 W. Main St. and continue into the evening with a wizarding social hour at Christine’s Cafe in downtown. A showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix caps off the evening at the Waynesboro Theatre at 7:30 p.m. 

According to Bill Kohler, director of economic development for Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc., the festival has grown each year in size and attendance, attracting over 3,000 each year, with smaller crowds last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

"It's coming together pretty good for this year, and we have some new things and great community sponsors," Kohler said. "We're excited about the addition of Big Whimsy, a stilt walking company out of Baltimore that will be walking around dressed up as magical characters."

Also new for 2021 is the addition of performances by A&B Dance Dimensions as well as 13 vendors and a handful of food trucks in Mainstreet Park on Saturday. 

Saturday events include a care of magical creatures class with Antietam Humane Society at the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free library at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Wand workshops will be held throughout the day at Music Makers, located at 46 W. Main St., where attendees can create a custom wand.

More:F&M Trust purchases new building for corporate headquarters in Chambersburg

More:One step closer: Greencastle Little League advances to Pennsylvania state tournament

Popular characters from the Hogwarts franchise will be on-site during a book giveaway at the library at 1:30 p.m. with a magic show starting at 2:30 p.m. at Mainstreet Park. 

If you missed the first showing of the featured movie, an encore showing will take place  at the Waynesboro Theatre at 3:30 p.m.

“This is a great community effort that gives people the chance to come downtown and enjoy some free, fun activities while celebrating the magical world of wizarding," Kohler said. "The scavenger hunt this year will be held inside the library, and we have tons of prizes this year to give out. It's going to be a fun day celebrating magic."

"The event is worked on throughout the year, and after the festival each year we start looking at what went well and what needs attention for next year," Kohler said. "I love the way downtown comes together for this." 

The event is made possible from the support of Alma Oyer, Patriot Federal Credit Union and the Owls Club as well as numerous private donations. 

For more information and a full list of reservation-required events, visit  mainstreetwaynesboro.org.