Local Life

An Interactive Harry Potter Experience is Coming to Austin This Fall

McKinney Roughs Nature Park is set to transform into an enchanted nighttime trail inspired by the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films

By Cassie Butterfield
August 22, 2024

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is coming to Austin on November 9. (Photo courtesy of Fever)

This fall, Austin will be home to a magical new attraction as McKinney Roughs Nature Park transforms into an enchanted nighttime trail inspired by the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. Beginning November 9, the park will host the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, offering an immersive journey through some of the most iconic scenes and creatures from the beloved wizarding world. Since its debut over 25 years ago, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series—both the books and blockbuster films—has become a global sensation, remaining one of the most enduring and beloved franchises in entertainment history.

The experience, produced by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment in collaboration with Fever and IMG, has previously been held in locations including the UK, New York and Australia. The Austin event will feature a lighted woodland trail where visitors can encounter magical creatures like Unicorns and Hippogriffs, along with interactive elements such as spell-casting and Patronus-summoning.

The Harry Potter themed experience features themed activations on an illuminated trail at McKinney Roughs Nature Park. (Photo courtesy of Fever) — The Harry Potter-themed experience features themed activations on an illuminated trail at McKinney Roughs Nature Park. (Photo courtesy of Fever)

Explore the interactive trail while sipping on Butterbeer

In addition to the trail itself, the event will feature a themed village where guests can purchase official “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” merchandise, as well as food and drink options. Among the offerings will be the iconic Butterbeer, a popular wizarding drink in the “Harry Potter” universe known for its sweet butterscotch flavor.

The experience is expected to take approximately 60–90 minutes, with the trail activation lasting around 45–75 minutes. Tickets start at $41 for adults and $28 for children, with sales opening on August 29 at 10 a.m. CDT. Those who join the waitlist will receive early access to tickets. The event will run through the holiday season, operating daily from 5:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., with the last entry at 10:15 p.m. More information and tickets are available at www.HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.