This Thursday, November 18 happens to be a 3rd Thursday and we couldn't resist one more street party on the first block of North Street to help celebrate two big events going on that night: the midnight premiere of the first half of the FINAL Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and the successful first year of the Beacon Cinema!

The southbound lanes of North Street, from Columbus Avenue to West Street, will be closed to traffic from 7:30pm – midnight, for all the witchcraft and wizardry. We're kicking off the evening with a birthday cake for the Beacon Cinema! Mayor Ruberto will be on hand to cut a delicious cake, and to lead the crowd in a birthday song.

Thursday, November 18 | 8:30pm - 11:30pm | 1st block of North Street | FREE!

DJ Alan Wrench of Minty Fresh Productions will be playing magical music throughout the night, while Councilman John Krol emcees the rest of the festivities. Come up with the most creative costume and you could win some great prizes from the Beacon Cinema.

Harry Potter Costume Contest | in front of the Beacon Cinema | 57 North Street |  9:30pm | Free!

Do you know the name of Hermione’s cat? What about the date of Harry’s birthday? If you think you’ve got what it takes to beat other Potter fans, hop inside Brulees between 8:45pm and 10:45pm for fast-paced trivia games that will test your knowledge of the wizarding world. Prtty Pitty hosts the trivia games.

Harry Potter Trivia | Brulee's Restaurant | 41 North Street | 8:45pm -10:45pm | No cover + prizes!

Ever wanted to see what Muggle Quidditch looks like? The Quidditch Team from Lenox High School will be putting on a Quidditch demonstration on North Street, starting at 9pm. Before the game, there will be a quick explanation of Quidditch rules and regulations so you can follow all the action. While the game is going on, Pittsfield's youth dancers will get the crowd going with a performance on stage, and then we'll have a live band rounding out the rest of the night starting at 10pm.

Quidditch Demonstration Game | 1st block of North Street | 9-10pm

Pittsfield Youth Dance Performance | City Stage | 57 North Street | 9:15pm

Justin Allen + Kali McConnell | City Stage | 10-11pm

To really get into the Potter groove, restaurants on North Street will be serving up bewitching and delicious Harry Potter-themed snacks and drinks. Hot Harry’s will stay open late so you can try out the Sloppy Harry “Potter” Burrito: chili, cheese, rice, lettuce, red onions, and sour cream. Stop inside the Marketplace Café for a taste of butterbeer (non-alcoholic!), cauldron cake, jelly slugs, and chocolate covered pretzel wands. New Berry Place will have a special Harry Potter cupcake, and Brulee's is serving up a special Harry Potter menu too!

Don't forget to buy your midnight premiere Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows tickets tickets ahead of time, before they sell out! You can buy them in person at the Beacon Cinema or online, by clicking here!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | 12 midnight | The Beacon Cinema | 57 North Street | $9/$6.50

Stores along North Street will also participate in all the fun! Thursday night, Downtown Inc is hosting a downtown holiday shopping event at Central Block from 4-8pm featuring discounts, food samples, music & more! At Bisque, Beads & Beyond you can paint your own Hedwig (Harry's pet owl) and Ancient Languages Boutique will be open until late until 8pm. Dress warm & come out and enjoy a late night bonus 3rd.Thursdays this Thursday!

*All times are approximate, as some Muggles may get lost getting through the Floo network and may be late as a result.*

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