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SALT LAKE CITY -- The end is near. For “He-who-must-not-be-named,” that is. Potter fans will finally have the opportunity to see the epic series come to a close on screen July 15 -- or before that, depending on their luck.
The "Harry Potter" films have been a staple in widely-popular midnight showings, spurring Potter parties and crowds of costumed witches, wizards and mystical creatures that make up J.K. Rowling’s world of wizardry.
The premiere of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is just days away. For fans wanting to see the movie as soon as is humanly possible, there are many midnight showings across the state of Utah. For the die-hard fans who just can’t get enough, expect plenty of marathons and celebrations.
There will be two Harry Potter Paloozas July 14, leading up to the premiere of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” both with tickets priced at $9.75 with movie tickets sold separately.
Festivities at the District at South Jordan will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a Horcrux hunt, followed by a special showing of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” at 7 p.m. After that, fans can celebrate at the Harry Potter Palooza party from 9 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., and then again at the "Farewell to Harry" after party from 2:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., following the part two premiere.
Though entrance is free to the Jordan Commons palooza, activities will be limited without a pass. With a $9.75 pass fans can visit Gringott’s Bank, drink Butterbeer, sit through a “Sorting Ceremony,” ride a hippogriff and experience a Care of Magical Creatures lecture from the experts at Hogle Zoo. Activities run 9 p.m. until midnight.
Several theaters across Utah are holding marathons for all eight movies.
Jordon Commons is hosting a multi-day marathon beginning July 11. Two movies will play Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. On Thursday, the last installment of the series will premiere at midnight, after the showing of part one at 8:45 p.m.
Cinemark locations at Tinseltown in Ogden, Century 16 in Salt Lake City and Cinemark 24 in West Jordan will be hosting two-day marathons starting Wednesday, July 13, at 11 a.m. The first four "Harry Potter" films will be played at 11 a.m., 2:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and the final four will be played the next day at 2:15 p.m., 5 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 12:01 a.m.
Both Thanksgiving Point in Lehi and the The Junction in Ogden will be holding one-day marathons of all eight movies beginning at 6 a.m. July 14.
Pineview and St. George theaters, both in St. George, will be taking the marathon at a slower pace, showing one "Harry Potter" film at a time beginning July 8 at 8:30 p.m.
Carmike Cinemas in West Valley City, West Jordan and Provo will be showing part one at 9 p.m. leading up to the midnight premiere. Heber City Theater will be doing the same, but showing part one at 8:30 p.m.
Unlike part one, part two will be shown in 3D as well as 2D. Many theaters, including The Junction, Thanksgiving Point and the District, will be have showings in 3D, but a Payson theater is bringing something unique to the experience. Instead of giving out conventional 3D glasses, Stadium Cinemas will be handing out round Harry Potter-style spectacles.
Events and premieres are not limited to the Salt Lake Valley alone. For residents in northern and southern Utah, midnight showings are available in 2D and 3D at theaters including Providence Stadium 8, University Stadium 6, Cedar City Stadium 8 and Cedar City Fiddler 6.
To find more “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” show times near you, visit our Family Media Guide at deseretnews.com/familymedia.
Email: corton@desnews.com and hbowler@desnews.com
