Estepona turns into the world of Harry Potter for three days of cinema, magic and music
From 3 to 5 September, the town will celebrate 25 years since the release of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ with a special programme including outdoor cinema, an exhibition, escape room, parade, concert and board games.
Harry Potter fans have a special date on the Costa del Sol at the beginning of September. Estepona will mark the 25th anniversary of the first film in the saga with three days dedicated to the wizarding world, spread across several locations in the town centre.
Under the title ‘25 Years of Magic’, the programme will run from Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 September 2026 and is organised by Estepona Town Hall in collaboration with Asociación Unicornio.
The event is aimed both at fans who grew up with the films and at younger generations who have since discovered the adventures of Harry, Hermione and Ron.
Harry Potter under the stars at the Orchidarium
The celebrations will begin on Thursday 3 September at 9.30pm with an outdoor cinema screening in one of Estepona’s most distinctive settings: the Botanical Park-Orchidarium.
The film chosen for the occasion could hardly be more fitting: ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, the movie that launched the film series and was released in Spain on 30 November 2001.
Watching Harry’s first journey to Hogwarts surrounded by the tropical vegetation of the Orchidarium promises to be one of the most atmospheric moments of the three-day programme.
Life-size Harry Potter characters take over Estepona town centre
Friday 4 September will feature the largest number of activities.
From 12 noon until midnight, Calle Terraza will host an exhibition devoted to the Harry Potter universe, featuring recreations and life-size characters.
Visitors will be able to see figures inspired by Harry Potter himself, a troll and other creatures from the wizarding world. There will also be stalls selling merchandise and themed products, turning the central street into a meeting point for fans and collectors.
The long opening hours will make it easy to combine the exhibition with the other activities taking place throughout the day.
An escape room for aspiring witches and wizards
Those who prefer to take part in the adventure rather than simply observe it will have another option.
The Padre Manuel Cultural Centre will host a Harry Potter Escape Room on Friday between 3pm and 9pm.
There will be five sessions, each limited to a maximum of eight participants, making this one of the most exclusive activities in terms of capacity.
Participants will have to solve a series of challenges inspired by the wizarding world in order to complete the experience.
Magic takes to the streets of Estepona
As evening arrives, the celebrations will move outdoors.
At 8pm, the Harry Potter Magical Parade will set off from the Botanical Park-Orchidarium and make its way through the town centre before finishing in Plaza del Reloj.
It is expected to be one of the most visual events of the programme, bringing the atmosphere of the films directly onto the streets of Estepona.
The route will also lead naturally into another of the highlights of the weekend.
Harry Potter music performed live in Plaza del Reloj
At 9pm, the Ciudad de Jaén Symphony Band will perform a concert featuring some of the most recognisable music from the Harry Potter films.
Music has played a fundamental role in the identity of the saga since the very first movie, with several themes becoming instantly recognisable even outside the cinema.
Plaza del Reloj will provide the setting for these pieces to be performed live, bringing Friday’s programme to a close.
Saturday is all about Harry Potter board games
The celebrations will finish on Saturday 5 September with an activity designed especially for families and groups of friends.
From 10am to 2pm, the Padre Manuel Cultural Centre will host a free session of Harry Potter-themed board games.
A total of ten games will be available, with participants rotating between them depending on availability. The selection includes Harry Potter versions of Parchís, Dobble, Trivial, Brain Box and Strike.
No advance booking will be required for this activity, with participation organised on a first-come, first-served basis.
Three days to return to Hogwarts without leaving the Costa del Sol
The celebration will make Estepona one of Málaga province’s main meeting points for Harry Potter fans during the 25th anniversary of the film saga.
With activities spread across the Orchidarium, Calle Terraza, the Padre Manuel Cultural Centre and Plaza del Reloj, visitors will also be able to explore different areas of the town centre while taking part in the programme.
Practical information
Event: ‘25 Years of Magic’ – Harry Potter Tribute
Dates: 3 to 5 September 2026
Location: various venues in Estepona town centre
Thursday 3: outdoor cinema at 9.30pm
Friday 4: exhibition, escape room, parade and concert
Saturday 5: board games from 10am to 2pm
Organised by: Estepona Town Hall and Asociación Unicornio
The full programme, timings and participation details can be found in the official information published by Estepona Town Hall.
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