Warner Bros. Discovery confirms a first-of-its-kind London event dedicated to the upcoming HBO Original series, as the wizarding world gears up for its biggest Back to Hogwarts yet.

Warner Bros. Discovery has officially unveiled its 2026 Back to Hogwarts programme, and this year the spotlight is firmly on the HBO Original series. With the show’s Christmas debut inching closer, WBD confirmed that HBO Max will lead a first-of-its-kind Back to Hogwarts celebration in London on September 1st, a dedicated fan event built entirely around the new series.

A London Celebration Built for the HBO Series

According to the press release, the one-day event will offer fans “interactive fan moments and exclusive giveaways” inspired directly by the upcoming show, marking the first time a Back to Hogwarts celebration has been built specifically around the HBO series rather than the film franchise. Location and ticketing details have not yet been announced, but WBD says more information is coming soon.

One important housekeeping note for London-based fans: there will be no official event, countdown, or announcement at King’s Cross Station on September 1st. WBD is explicitly asking fans not to travel there expecting series-related activity — so save the trip to Platform 9¾ photo-ops for another day.

Timed to Build Anticipation Ahead of Christmas

The London event is explicitly positioned as a lead-in to the series’ Christmas 2026 debut, WBD’s clearest signal yet that the promotional push for the show is ramping up. Coming during the same window as the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone‘s theatrical release, the celebration ties the franchise’s cinematic legacy directly to its television future.

Part of a Bigger Global Celebration

While the HBO series takes the spotlight in London, the wider Back to Hogwarts programme spans the globe. Highlights include a week-long theatrical re-release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with 12 minutes behind-the-scenes footage never before seen on the big screen, all eight films returning to theatres worldwide from August 27th through September 3rd, and live fan events in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, China, Australia, and Japan.

The celebration culminates in the annual Back to Hogwarts Showcase, streaming live on September 1st via the official Harry Potter YouTube and TikTok channels, where WBD has promised “unmissable announcements from across the Harry Potter universe”, leaving the door open for further HBO series reveals.

Theme Parks Join the Celebration

Universal’s theme parks are getting in on the anniversary as well. Universal Orlando Resort will run 25th anniversary experiences from August 1st through September 1st, including a limited-edition Butterbeer Mug (while supplies last), special food and beverage offerings, and the return of the fan-favorite Hogwarts Always castle projection show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.

Universal Studios Hollywood will debut new experiences over the same window, including an encounter with the Monster Book of Monsters, along with house-pride giveaways and themed treats. Both Orlando and Hollywood will also launch a park-exclusive Build-A-Bag collection by Lug.

Overseas, Universal Studios Japan will offer select guests exclusive after-hours access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on September 1st, alongside the return of the Hogwarts Castle Walk and digital collectibles. Universal Beijing Resort will debut its own Hogwarts Always projection show, plus new themed food and merchandise, immersive photo opportunities, and a dedicated Gathering Night event on August 28th.

What This Means for Fans of the Series

With casting, set photos, and production details having trickled out over the past year, this marks WBD’s first major dedicated fan-facing event for the HBO series itself. If the London celebration lives up to its billing, September 1st could bring fans their most substantial look yet at the show ahead of its holiday premiere.

I’ll be covering ticketing and location details for the London event as soon as WBD announces them. Stay tuned to Wizarding World Direct for the latest.