Harry Potter 25th Anniversary: Events & Celebrations in France (2026)

The 25th of Harry Potter à l’école des sorciers is set for 2026, and Warner Bros. Has unveiled a slate of celebrations worldwide, with several first‑time experiences planned for French fans.

Return to Hogwarts at Versailles

Warner Bros. France will host the “Retour à Poudlard” event on 29 August 2026 in the royal gardens of the Château de Versailles. The day will be split into two parts: a free‑entry animation day in the Orangerie (reservation required) and an evening “Grandes Eaux Nocturnes” show honoring the film’s quarter‑century milestone.

Butterbeer Season Hits France

For the first time, the official wizarding beverage will be highlighted in France during May 2026. While the drink itself will not be sold on‑site, the restaurant chain Au Bureau will feature special menu items inspired by Butterbeer in all 214 of its locations from 6 to 31 May 2026, with décor and a Butterbeer‑flavoured coulis used in several recipes.

Ciné‑concerts at the Grand Rex

From 5 to 8 November 2026, the Grand Rex in Paris will host a series of ciné‑concerts of the first film, where the Yellow Socks Orchestra, in partnership with U‑Go & Play, will perform the score live. Tickets start at €25. The orchestra will also accompany “Harry Potter et le Prince de sang‑mêlé” in six French cities between 28 December 2026 and 10 January 2027.

Collector Merchandise

LEGO has released a “L’école des sorciers – Édition collector” set priced at €159.99, packed with hidden Easter eggs for fans. Noble Collection offers a silver‑finished wand set featuring Harry’s two wands and a replica of the Philosopher’s Stone. French silk‑scarf maker Malfroy is launching a limited‑edition scarf printed with eight patronus colours, and studio designers MinaLima will debut new collections inspired by the Hogwarts Letter and the Hogwarts Express.

Global Anniversary Activities

Internationally, the Studio Tour in London will run a summer event from 7 May to 7 September 2026, while Tokyo’s Studio Tour will host its own themed experience from 18 March to 6 September 2026. Universal parks and select shopping centres will also adopt Harry Potter décor throughout the year. All eight Harry Potter films will return to cinemas between 27 August and 3 September 2026, with the first film receiving an extra ten minutes of previously unseen footage.

Did You Know? The “Retour à Poudlard” celebration in France will take place in the historic gardens of the Château de Versailles, a venue traditionally associated with French royalty.

Expert Insight: The concentration of high‑profile events in 2026 suggests Warner Bros. Is leveraging the anniversary to reinforce the franchise’s cultural relevance before the HBO reboot launches in 2027, potentially using these celebrations to transition fan engagement from the cinematic saga to the upcoming series.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the “Return to Hogwarts” event take place in France?

The event is scheduled for 29 August 2026 in the royal gardens of the Château de Versailles, featuring a free animation day in the Orangerie and an evening “Grandes Eaux Nocturnes” show.

What special offerings are available for the Butterbeer season in France?

From 6 to 31 May 2026, Au Bureau will serve Butterbeer‑inspired dishes across its 214 restaurants, with themed décor and a Butterbeer‑flavoured coulis used in select recipes.

When will the Harry Potter films return to cinemas for the anniversary?

All eight films will be screened in theatres from 27 August to 3 September 2026, and the first film will include ten minutes of previously unseen bonus footage.

Which of these anniversary events are you most excited to experience?