Harry Potter fans celebrate Back to Hogwarts Day on 1 September

Wands at the ready. It’s time to go back to Hogwarts.

Every year on 1 September, Harry Potter fans around the world celebrate Back to Hogwarts Day, marking the date students traditionally board the Hogwarts Express for another year at the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry.

In the Harry Potter universe, the train leaves Platform 9¾ at London’s King’s Cross Station at 11:00, a moment that has grown into an annual celebration for fans.

But Back to Hogwarts 2026 looks a little different, with changes to the traditional London gathering, a global digital showcase and special events marking 25 years since the first Harry Potter film arrived in cinemas.

Fans asked not to gather at King’s Cross

One of the biggest changes this year is taking place in London.

Harry Potter fans have traditionally gathered at King’s Cross Station for the 11:00 countdown and Hogwarts Express departure announcement.

This year, however, fans have been asked not to travel to King’s Cross for the occasion, with no official countdown or announcement taking place at the station.

Instead, the main London celebration has moved to Old Billingsgate for the ticketed Back to Hogwarts: The HBO Max Platform 9¾ Fan Experience.

Back to Hogwarts goes global

Fans unable to make it to London are not being left out.

The 2026 celebrations include a global digital showcase broadcast through the official Harry Potter YouTube and TikTok channels.

The showcase forms part of a wider programme of Back to Hogwarts activities taking place around the world.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone returns to cinemas

This year also marks 25 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first arrived in cinemas.

To mark the anniversary, the film is returning to selected cinemas around the world, with screenings taking place from late August until 3 September.

For fans who grew up with Harry, Ron and Hermione, it offers another chance to experience the beginning of their Hogwarts story on the big screen.

Hogwarts celebrations head to Universal parks

The celebrations extend beyond London and cinemas.

Universal Studios parks in Orlando, Hollywood, Japan and Beijing are also marking Back to Hogwarts with special experiences.

These include Hogwarts Always projection shows and exclusive merchandise linked to the celebrations.

From watching the first film again to joining the celebrations online, fans around the world have plenty of ways to mark 1 September.

After all, for Harry Potter fans, there is something about this particular date that will always mean one thing.

It’s time to go back to Hogwarts.

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