More than 40 businesses are part of a Chicago event centered on magic.
Beverly/Morgan Park Wizarding Weekend is headquartered from July 23 to 24 at Morgan Park Academy.
“There’ll be a lot happening. We’re going to take fun things and bring them to life in a different way. It’ll be all over town,” said Mary Jo Viero, a member of the Beverly/Morgan Park Wizarding Weekend organizing committee.
“I’m so excited to collaborate with the entire community. That is the coolest thing about the event.”
Beverly/Morgan Park Wizarding Weekend offers activities for “Harry Potter” fans as well as families just looking for some fun.
“When my son was younger he read the books. We watched all the movies. I had a Harry Potter party for him when he was little,” said Viero about her son Frank Viero who starts college this year.
“It’s something I always enjoyed. I went to a Harry Potter fest with my son a long time ago and always felt that this was something we could do in our neighborhood. I felt like we have so many built-in things that relate to that world so it would be an easy transformation.”
Check-in begins at 10 a.m. July 23 at Morgan Park Academy Alumni Hall, where attendees may purchase admission maps showing Beverly/Morgan Park Wizarding Weekend sites. Quidditch games with the Loyola University Chicago team also take place outdoors there.
“It’s the perfect setting. It’s got a beautiful field. It’s one of our premier schools in the neighborhood. We’re really excited to show it off,” said Viero of Chicago’s Beverly community.
“I believe the building was built in the late 1800s and was a military academy so it’s got this really old feel. The interior is absolutely beautiful.”
The weekend includes the hands-on Care of Magical Creatures with approximately 10 reptiles, bugs and amphibians from Mokena-based Crosstown Exotics at 2 p.m. July 23, a scavenger hunt, costumed characters and strolling magicians.
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“There’s going to be great destination spots to walk down and you’ll see different things. Some things will be great for kids. Other things will be great for adults. There’s something for everyone on the map,” said Viero, who is also executive director of Beverly Area Planning Association.
“Everybody’s involved. That’s what’s neat about it.”
The festival also features potion making, herbology and divination classes at Givins Beverly Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Drive; treats from Sweet Freaks Chocolates, 9927 S. Wood St.; and Celtic music and beverages for adults on the evening of July 23 at Barney Callaghan’s Pub, 10618 S. Western Ave.
“We want to put proceeds toward beautification efforts in the neighborhood,” Viero said.
“We have a historic district. Our homes are absolutely stunning. Every type of architectural style is here. Beverly also has iconic buildings. We’re set higher so there’s hills. It’s a beautiful historic neighborhood.”
Beverly/Morgan Park Wizarding Weekend co-sponsors include Beverly Area Planning Association, 19th Ward Office, Beverly Arts Center, Morgan Park Academy, Beverly Bank & Trust, Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association and 95th Street Business Association.
“There’s 40-plus businesses that are going to have a Harry Potter-themed element,” Viero said.
“We really tried to incorporate a lot of our wonderful businesses and our restaurants. The fun of it is watching everybody get involved.”
Events taking place in conjunction with Beverly/Morgan Park Wizarding Weekend but requiring separate tickets include:
Halfway to Christmas Great Hall Feast: 5:30 p.m. July 21 at Open Outcry Brewing Co., 10934 S. Western Ave. Tickets are $90. Harry Potter-inspired cocktails are available during dinner for an additional charge. Call 773-629-6055 or go to facebook.com/openoutcrybrewing.
Magical Movie Marathon: July 21 to 24 at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. All “Harry Potter” films are screened. Tickets are $75 for adults or $60 for ages 10 and younger for an eight-film pass or $12 for adults or $10 for children per screening. Call 773-445-3838 or go to thebeverlyartscenter.com.
Trivia Tournament: 7 p.m. July 22 at Cork & Kerry, 10614 S. Western Ave. Teams of up to eight people are welcome. Tickets are $10 per individual. Call 773-445-2675 or go to facebook.com/corkandkerrychicago.
Brunch: July 24 at Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co., 10426 S. Western Ave. Call 773-779-2739. or go to horsethiefbrewing.com/.
Beverly/Morgan Park Wizarding Weekend
When: July 23-24
Where: Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St., Chicago
Tickets: $25 single or $50 family up to six people in advance; $30 single or $60 family up to six on event day
Information: 773-233-3100; bapa.org/wizardingweekend
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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