Harry Potter Deliciousness

By Amy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 5, 2008 5:56PM

Harry Potter fans from around the world will be converging on the Hilton Chicago Hotel this weekend for Terminus, a five-day conference revolving around all that is "wizard". Attendees can expect “academic presentations and lectures, educational workshops, a Quidditch tournament, a bon voyage ball, and certainly, lively discussion about Harry Potter.” Other planned events: a pre-conference Wrock (wizard rock) concert, featuring over 30 wizarding bands over three stages, and the chance to attend the wedding of two Potter fans.

Reservations for the event are open to the public and must be made at the door. A full conference package is $200, with admission to five days of presentations, events, and activities, as well as two buffet-style meals. One-day passes for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday events are $60.

Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling has been keeping herself busy; her new book in the Harry Potter series, The Tales of Beedle the Bard (thematically linked to the plot of Deathly Hallows) is scheduled to be released on December 4, 2008. Rowling signed over the royalties from the book to her charity, The Children's High Level Group, which hopes to raise $8 million from sales to support European children living in residential institutions.

Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 South Michigan Avenue, 12 p.m. 8/7 through 2 p.m. 8/11, $200 for full conference, or $60 per day