Downtown Kent turned spellbound Saturday, July 19, as people gathered for the city’s annual Wizardly Weekend, a two-day celebration where magic meets Main Street.
The festival, which draws “Harry Potter” fans of all ages, featured themed vendors, costume contests and many butterbeer-inspired treats.
“People love this series. It’s nostalgic for people who are my age, and it’s nice to see that children are getting into it as well,” said Tiffany O’Malley, co-host of “Swish and Flick,” a popular “Harry Potter” podcast.
“Swish and Flick” held a costume contest at Dan Smith Community Park on Saturday afternoon, featuring costumes ranging from Hogwarts professors to mythical creatures.
Erie Street and the surrounding blocks were lined with booths selling everything from handmade wands to colorful witches’ hats. Many attendees wore robes, scarves and character costumes, adding to the immersive experience.
For Emily Roselli, who recently moved to Kent, the weekend offered a surprising and fun way to get to know the city.
“I didn’t expect something this big,” she said. “It’s so cool to see everyone in costume, even the local stores are in on it. The whole town feels like Hogwarts.”
Roselli, dressed in a yellow Hufflepuff robe, said the event gave her a glimpse of Kent’s personality.
Some local groups even added their own twist to the weekend. Members of the Kent League of Women Voters, Sherry Rose and Kate White, joined the festivities with a snack trolley decorated to match the event’s theme.
“Our main thing this weekend is having the kids vote for their favorite mystical creature,” Rose said. “It’s a way to introduce them to voting in a very fun, non-threatening form.”
The event also included live music, putt-putt, face painting and a potions class for people 21 and older. Families stopped for photos and explored downtown, which was decorated with inflatable creatures and banners representing the Hogwarts houses.
Rose said participating in the event gave the league an opportunity to connect with families in a fun way.
“It’s important for people to keep voting at the top of their minds,” she said. “So anytime that we can get out there and be a part of the community, we definitely take that opportunity.”
O’Malley, whose podcast has listeners across the country, said Wizardly Weekend continues to stand out because of the community behind it.
The “Swish and Flick” podcast has covered similar events in other states, but O’Malley said Kent’s version feels more creative and personal.
“We met someone from Utah today that was in the costume contest, somebody from California is here and we met somebody from Alabama last night,” she said. “Wizardly Weekend brings the city together and brings other people in.”
Many families stayed from afternoon to evening for the event, enjoying “Harry Potter” themed treats from local businesses and stopping to take pictures in front of themed backdrops.
For Roselli, the weekend was a welcome surprise that made her feel more at home in a new town.
“You can tell people care about the community,” she said. “It’s not just an average event, it’s something people really enjoy putting together.”
Now in its eighth year, Wizardly Weekend continues to be one of Kent’s biggest summer events, drawing crowds from across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Rachel McKean is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
