Mischief and Magic in Staunton Staunton, a small town tucked away in the countryside, is no ordinary place. It is known for its mischievous and magical charm that weaves through its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. One cannot help but be captivated by the air of enchantment that hangs over Staunton. Quaint shops line the streets, their shelves filled with mysterious trinkets and potions. Every step taken in this town can lead to an unexpected encounter with something otherworldly. The mischievous nature of Staunton is evident in its hidden alleyways and secret nooks.
A Weekend of Mischief & Magic in Staunton
It’s a big weekend for Staunton as the third annual Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival gets underway on Friday. Originally known as a “Potter Party” before Warner Brothers cracked down, this mega wizardry fan event has taken on a life of its own. WMRA’s Jessie Knadler has more.
[fade up walking into Baja]
Baja Bean restaurant is a Staunton institution. Its owner is Sarah Lynch.
SARAH LYNCH: We opened in ’98 and there was really nothing going on downtown. We were the only light on downtown after 9 o’clock at night because we’ve been open until 2 a.m. since we opened.
Sarah Lynch is also an insatiable reader and a big Harry Potter fan.
LYNCH: If I went to trivia I don’t know if I’d win but it’s so near and dear to my heart. Harry Potter came along when I was an adult. If I would have read them as a child, I’m sure they would have been like Little House on the Prairie is for me.
It eventually dawned on her … some Staunton businesses were kind of like those featured in the books. The tiny clock shop on West Beverley reminded Sarah of Grimmauld Place. Baja Bean itself had sort of a Potter vibe to it.
LYNCH: Baja the bar was very easily seen as Hogshead. It is a little seedy sometimes….you know, undercover dragon trading going on over there.
Two years ago, she contacted Pufferbellies toy store and asked if they wanted to join her in hosting a "Queen City Potter Party” to coincide with the release of the latest Potter spin-off, The Cursed Child. Before she knew it, ten Staunton shops wanted to be included. She put the word out on Facebook and more than 5,000 wannabe wizards from across the country descended on Staunton.
The downtown transforms into a magical village. People show up as their favorite Potter characters. Kids experiment with wand crafting and wizard dueling, Grown ups drink butter beer.
SOPHIA BERATTA: It was like, it was like this joy. You know, if like clouds could rain rainbows I feel like that’s how Staunton would have felt that day.
Sophia Beratta is an actor with the American Shakespeare Company. She volunteered last year to help “sort” kids into the various houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Harry Potter was a member of Gryffindor. Slytherin is sort of known as the villain house.
BERATTA: This one kid got sorted into Slytherin. At first he was really excited. Then his siblings started to make fun of him. And he almost started to cry. I said, ‘Don’t tease your brother for being a Slytherin. Slytherins have really ambitious people. A lot of people are really smart who come out of there.’ // So I listed a couple of good Slytherins. So he could be like, Ha, I’m a Slytherin! It was really sweet in the end and I gave him a lollipop because I had one.
Sarah Lynch’s Potter Party became so popular with fans that Warner Brothers, which owns the film rights to the Harry Potter movie series, got wind of it and asked her to comply with their guidelines for events involving Potter.
One month before last year’s event, she changed the name to The Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival. It’s already taken on a life of its own. They expect this weekend’s attendance to hit 10,000.
BERATTA: You can say we can’t be Harry Potter themed, okay. But we’re going to have owls and brooms over here. We’re going to play this game that’s kind of like Quidditch but not exactly Quidditch.
There will still be wands and spells and potions and costumes. Lynch says everyone should dress up.
SARAH LYNCH: Come in their favorite costume. We’ve had owls, phoenix, dragons, all kinds of creatures show up here. And just have your best day doing exactly what you want. Come as early as you can because there will be lines for things.
Crafting starts down in the wharf area at 10 a.m.
Harry Potter Fans Enjoy Festival in Staunton VA
Downtown Staunton, VA will be transformed into a magical village during the weekend of September 27-29, 2019. Muggles and Wizards from far and near will prowl the streets of the historic town and enjoy themed dining and shopping (complete with owls and magic wands) during the 4 th annual Queen City Mischief and Magic.
Begin the weekend on Friday, September 27 starting at 3pm, with a greeting from Norberta the Dragon. Take a selfie in your robe with Norberta before moving on to the Wizard Trivia Contest. Do you have the best recipe for that secret potion?
There will be two Games of Quidditch Friday evening on Beverly Street in the Huffle Block. The magical fun continues with the Fire Circus at the Wharf Lot followed by the Wizard Dance Party on the MBU Stage at Sunspots Pavilion. Ghosts of Staunton Tours will also bring you other-worldly experiences during your visit to Queen City Mischief and Magic. Friday night’s festivities end with the Fire Circus at the Wharf Lot and the Wizard Dance Party on the MBU Stage at Sunspots Pavilion followed by the Dragon Wagon from 9-10pm.
Saturday, September 28 is full of magical shopping and mischief galore! Take a workshop about Wand Dueling, shop for a proper costume for wizardry, and learn some magical dance steps at the Yule Ball Dancing Workshop at the American Shakespeare Center. See a magic show (learn a few tricks of your own) performed by Fytherly Undercliff at 11:30am and one by Tyler the Magician at 12:30pm. Observe a Live Owl Show in the afternoon and play some Wizard Chess at Ravenclaw Block. Saturday afternoon also features a costume parade where you can lots of Harry Potter look-alikes!
There is more happening on Sunday, September 29 too! A 3D Chalk Art show begins at 9am at the Staunton Augusta Art Center. If you were not able to see the magic shows or duel with your wand on Saturday, those activities will continue on Sunday. The big addition to the Sunday schedule is the Slytherin Snake Show being held at noon and 3pm at the Sunspots Pavilion Stage.
We will show you magical hospitality when you stay at Steeles Tavern Manor B&B during the Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival! Wave your magic wand (or just user your mouse and click) to make your reservation today for September 27-29, 2019.
Mischief and magic staunton
Dwight Peck's personal website
End of Summer 2019
A photographic record of whatever leapt out at us
You may not find this terribly rewarding unless you're included here, so this is a good time for casual and random browsers to turn back before they get too caught up in the sweep and majesty of the proceedings and can't let go.
Staunton en fête: 'Queen City, mischief & magic'
Or in other words, a celebration of Harry Potter. And everyone here (said to be 20,000 over the weekend last year) seems to know all about Harry Potter. (Alas, we don't.) (28 September 2019)
This is ground zero in downtown Staunton, Virginia -- the main street, East Beverley to the left, West Beverley off to the right; South Augusta straight ahead, and North Augusta behind us.
Festive crowds along East Beverley Street, on a fine day for the fête, with . . .
. . . many having brought along their own transportation.
West Beverley Street thronged
Do Not Climb on the dragon!
Not being entirely the festive sort, nor much inclined to dress ourselves up as witches and wizards, we're just wandering round admiring the fellow citizens who are. Here's where it's all happening, and . . .
. . . here's a list of Saturday's activities. Sunday's have their own chart.
'And great multitudes were gathered together unto him' (i.e., Harry Potter, in this case).
-- All Wizards, please report to the front desk, with dependents.
We don't recognize any of the participants, and wouldn't even without their costumes, but they might well be the city officials pressed into service by 'civic duty'.
A fine mural, nearly completed at this stage
We've been told that Staunton acquired the name the 'Queen City' way way back, when (as now) it was the seat of Augusta County, but in the mid-18th century Augusta County extended to the Mississippi River, and Staunton was its administrative capital. The county, named for the Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, mother of Britain's future King George III, now covers a mere 971 square miles.
Participatory Hogwart dancing (Kristin is merely observing)
A special price on 'Mystical Pretzels'
-- Stand back. Comin' through!
Youthful enthusiasm
This is the Staunton Antiques Centre, with a piano perpetually out front to be played upon by whomever passes by. In this case, very well indeed.
Another show just about to begin . . .
. . . as soon as all the props have been set up
Down by the 'Wharf' district, a little human chess and some appropriate lectures by faculty members from the Mary Baldwin University
Long lines for some kind of Haunted House or something
The Wharf district is characterized by rows of renovated warehouses from the old railroad days. The station buildings, now put to other uses (like the Depot Grill, our favorite), date from the late 19th century.
The Wizard began his demonstration by noting that we all know what dragons are, but who here has ever seen a 'talking dragon'. And a little kid piped up 'I have'.
After an awkward pause, the Wizard replied 'Well, okay, but here's ANOTHER talking dragon'. With a voice very like the Wizard's own.
No takers
Tarot readings, etc. The commerçants were permitted to sell their wares and services, in the spirit of the occasion, organizations were permitted to use the occasion for awareness- and fund-raising, and other volunteers donated their time and imagination for free.
Like this chap
The American Freestyle Karate Federation members are here in small numbers, and happy to explain their art.
A train's just pulled into the station -- we have one Amtrak train, the Cardinal, passing through thrice a week in each direction between New York and Chicago, but that's a local cargo carrier on a spur line, the Buckingham Branch Railroad, recruited for special service for the weekend.
The old Masonic building across the street, now hosting offices and a used book shop
Harry Potter fans will no doubt recognize all of these characters.
-- Hold my pizza for a minute, mum.
That's good for at least a couple of nightmares.
It's clouding over, and we're getting tired anyway. (A few hours later the heavens opened.)
A Kodak moment
The Handkerchief Dance Club in performance
Poor Choupette had to watch the whole thing from an upstairs window.
Feedback and suggestions are welcome if positive, resented if negative, . All rights reserved, all wrongs avenged. Posted 2 November 2019.
Recent Events
The mischievous nature of Staunton is evident in its hidden alleyways and secret nooks. Mercurial beings dart between shadows, leaving behind a trail of laughter and playful pranks. Residents and visitors alike find themselves entangled in the whimsical schemes, unsure of what awaits around the next corner.
Wandering through the historic district, one may stumble upon a peculiar bookstore tucked away in an inconspicuous corner. Here, the pages of ancient spell books whisper forgotten incantations, beckoning the curious souls who dare to step in. It is said that those who venture here may find themselves transported to another realm, their reality blending seamlessly with the fantastical. The locals of Staunton, although seemingly ordinary, possess an innate connection to the magical realm. It is not uncommon to witness acts of illusion and marvel as street performers astonish their audience with their supernatural talents. The town's inhabitants embrace their peculiar gifts, casting spells and summoning mystical creatures with a mischievous grin. The magic of Staunton extends beyond the physical realm, reaching into the hearts and minds of its people. It fuels the imagination, encouraging creativity and passion in all who reside here. Artists find solace in painting vibrant landscapes that seem to come alive under the moonlit sky. Musicians compose melodies that carry the essence of enchantment, filling the air with a symphony of invisible notes. It is this coexistence of mischief and magic that makes Staunton truly unique. The town dances on the edge of reality, blurring the lines between what is possible and what is simply imagined. It is a place where dreams come to life and the unexpected becomes the norm. So, if you find yourself wandering through Staunton's streets, be prepared for whimsy and wonder. Embrace the mischief and magic that surrounds you, for in this charming town, the impossible becomes a reality, and the extraordinary becomes the everyday..
Reviews for "Unveiling the Mysteries of Staunton's Mischief and Magic"
1. Jane Doe - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Mischief and Magic Staunton". The plot was predictable and lacked any originality. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was dry and did not engage me as a reader. Overall, it was a forgettable read and I would not recommend it to others.
2. John Smith - 2 stars
While "Mischief and Magic Staunton" had potential, it failed to deliver. The pacing of the story was off, making it difficult to stay engaged. The world-building was lackluster, leaving many questions unanswered. The protagonist was unlikable and their actions resulted in a lack of sympathy from the reader. I was left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed by the end.
3. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars
"Mischief and Magic Staunton" had an interesting premise, but the execution fell flat. The writing was average, at best, and did not bring the story to life. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, leaving little room for character development. Additionally, the dialogue was awkward and did not flow naturally. Overall, it failed to captivate me as a reader and left me feeling disappointed.