Staunton’s Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival Welcomes Magic and Fantasy Lovers

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Forget the serene, historic charm you know. As the weekend of September 27–28 approaches, Staunton will undergo a wondrous transformation. Its downtown streets, typically celebrated for their architecture, will begin to hum with a different kind of life. Staunton is preparing to welcome wizards, witches, and the delightful magic of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe for the tenth annual Queen City Mischief & Magic (QCMM) festival. As you explore this enchanted village, you’ll encounter costumed characters, fantasy-themed dining and shopping, exciting performances, Quidditch matches, and hands-on activities. Here’s how wand-wielding wizards, curious muggles, and every type of magical being can navigate all the whimsical fun.

Enjoying the Festival

Started in 2016 as a modest one-day Potter-themed party, QCMM has grown each year, drawing an ever-widening fan base. The city has welcomed those fans with more immersive activities and a widening festival footprint. Now, each block of Beverley Street and beyond is organized around a Hogwarts house. Each area will host magical pop-up events such as potions class, wand dueling, music, and dancing. Make sure you check the map for updates to festival layout.

Chat with Characters

This year’s festival brings the chance to meet Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, Buckbeak, and more than 100 characters on our streets and in our character spaces. Look for larger-than-life creatures, ample selfie spots, hanging dementors, and more. Great special guests as they arrive by train at the Staunton Train Station/Platform 9¾: Saturday at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm, and Sunday at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm. 

Firebolt 5K and Race of 100 Harrys

Early risers should register for the Firebolt 5k and Race of 100 Harrys, which can be run in person in scenic Gypsy Hill Park or virtually. The Race of 100 Harrys is an “almost 1k” for wizards 10 and under. Finishers receive a Buckbeak medal and other magic swag at the finish line. Firebolt 5k runners who finish the race will earn the final part of the three-medal Deathly Hallows-inspired medal series. After running, relax on a free train ride on the Gypsy Hill Express and feed the wildlife with free duck and fish food.

Quidditch

This year’s Quidditch pitch will be on Johnson Street (in front of Pufferbellies). 

• Want to learn the rules and get some training? If you’re 11 or older, come at 12:45 or 4:45 pm (Saturday) or 2:45 pm (Sunday) for a chance to play. Wear athletic gear and bring a parent to sign a waiver.
• Cheer on your house in the Quidditch matches at 1:30 and 5:30 pm (Saturday). The championship match is happening at 3:30 pm (Sunday)!

Feasts and Festival Dining

You’ll find lots of delicious food at the festival. Here are a few popular favorites.

• Saturday morning’s Character-themed Hogwarts Breakfast at Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Sunday morning’s Hogwarts Pancake Breakfast at Trinity Episcopal Church will give you a chance to clink your coffee mug with your favorite characters as you fuel up for the day!
• Join the Wizard Tea at the Frederick House on Saturday and Sunday mornings for morning beverages and light eats followed by a chance to meet sweet kitties from Wendy’s Place Cat Rescue. 
• The annual Hogwarts Reunion Banquet with official QCMM characters will be held Saturday night in Trinity Church’s gorgeous McCracken Hall.There will be lots of food and drink at the festival. 

• Make sure you get your creamy, butterscotchy Butterbrew in color-change dragon cups!
• Ciders From Mars will be serving Flux Elixir Color Changing Cocktails as well as  non-alcoholic Butterfly Elixir.

It’s Showtime

This year’s QCMM has lots of shows to keep you entertained. 

• Don’t miss Saturday’s Weasley Whimsical Wedding. Bill and Fleur say, “I do.” Hopefully the festivities proceed according to plan!
• Watch as Professor Snape Does Magic or meet your favorite reptiles at the Sssslytherin Sssssnake Ssssshow. Native Virginia wildlife will take the stage at Critters and their Stories.

• Catch performances of Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic 

• The festival’s musical offerings include: Wondrous World of Wizards Concert, Nickel Plate Brass Band, The Wand-erful Harmonies of Queen City A Cappella, and The Flutes of the Shenandoah.

• Both the Blackburn Inn and the Spotts-Coffman House are holding murder mystery experiences. 

Use Your Powers for Good

Staunton’s biggest hearted will find fun and worthy causes in Do Good Alley, which will remain open for the entire length of the festival. Stop by to learn about local charities, the good they do, and how you can help. There will be free crafting activities and items to collect! Look for the Valley Children’s Advocacy Center, the Valley Homeless Connection, and the Augusta Regional SPCA. 

For Grown-Ups and Night Owls

QCMM doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Saturday’s Dementor Dance Party (7-9 pm) promises a slightly darker vibe and enough dancing to fill Beverley Street. Wear your BOOgie shoes to help dance the dementors away. Baja Bean will host SKAnk–Rock Steady at 8:30 pm, and the most dedicated night owls should head to Silver Line Theatre Exchange for Late Night Wizard Improv from 11 pm – midnight.

Other don’t-miss activities during QCMM:  

There’s so much to do at QCMM! Some activities are ticketed, but much of the festival is free to guests. Check the official schedule for full details. Here are some highlights: 

• A scavenger hunt will guide participants through different retrospectives highlighting the 10-year history of QCMM.
• Find your wizard friends at the Hogwarts house sorting
• Watch Sorting Hat and Goblet of Fire ceremonies
• March in the Polyjuice Parade!
• Selfie spots featuring scenes from the Harry Potter world and the Virginia LOVE sign
• Yule Ball dance instruction, magical movement, and wand-dueling lessons 
• Enjoy a variety of crafts and games

• Learn about Staunton’s spooky side with Ghost and Magic Superstitions tours
• Craft your own wand with The Art Hive or Burrow and Vine

• Ciders From Mars, Baja Bean, and the Green Room are all hosting chances to demonstrate your spellcasting/trivia chops
• Enter your rubber ducky and win fabulous prizes in the Quackkitch “Fun”draiser race 
• The Triwizard Maze is full of mist and mysterious creatures
• Face Painting: choose from a number of magical designs
• Stop by the merch table to purchase your official QCMM t-shirt and other festival gear
• Shopping (including wizard gear and magical merch, unique gifts, crystals, and much more)

Visiting Staunton

• In addition to QCMM festival food mentioned above, many Staunton restaurants will run QCMM specials. Plan accordingly as lines may be longer during peak festival hours. Here’s a list of Staunton restaurants including those outside the festival footprint.
• If you’re coming for an entire weekend of fun, reserve your home base at one of Staunton’s hotels, motels, B&Bs, and small inns. Lodging fills quickly, so reserve your home base ASAP!
• Downtown Staunton is busy on festival weekend. Here’s where to leave your car:
  • The New St. and Johnson St. parking lots will feature limited availability.
  • Free shuttles will run continuously from the former Staunton Mall to downtown from 8 am – 10 pm on Saturday. 
  • Sunday is traditionally a slower festival day and guests can usually access parking downtown.
  • Handicapped parking is available in the City National Bank lot between Central Ave. and Lewis St. Look for the VWIL Cadets in fatigues to gain access.

More Information

Stay tuned to the Queen City Mischief & Magic Facebook page for details and the most up-to-date information. Check the official schedule to make your custom itinerary and find out what is happening at any given time. The QCMM website has festival and street closure maps, updated FAQs, and other useful information. 

The QCMM Information Booth will be outside Sunspots this year.

We’re counting down the days until the 2025 QCMM celebration! We can’t wait for you to make new memories with us here in Staunton!