Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—Everything You Need to Know

The Eighth Book in Harry's Story

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany. San Francisco and New York are the only destinations in the United States where fans can see the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the most awarded play in theater history.

We love Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for both those who have read the series in its entirety and those who just have basic familiarity with the Harry Potter characters. This story takes place 19 years after the final book ends. If you are interested in reading about how we got to this point in Harry’s story, click here (this synopsis is also contained in your program at the show). 

How to Get Yourself to Hogwarts

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is shown in two parts and you'll need to purchase tickets to both parts to get the full story. You can choose to see the two parts on different days, or on one day with a break in between. We like the option of seeing both on one Sunday with Part One shown at 1 p.m. and Part Two at 6:30 p.m. as you are finished by 9 p.m. Each part runs just over two and a half hours (including a 20 minute intermission).

If you choose the Sunday option, book an early dinner at 4 p.m. nearby and then walk around Union Square until the second part starts. You'll find a number of nearby restaurants offering discounts when you show your ticket. We particularly like Bartlett Hall as a family-friendly option. 

Wear Your House Colors

Theater-goers are encouraged to wear their house colors and invisibility cloaks. If you need to purchase additional items, look for the shop on the second floor that sells Harry Potter-themed items. There's also a stand selling Harry Potter and the Cursed Child-themed gear, with different items offered at Part One and Part Two. 

The bars at the Curran Theater offer fun themed beverages, sodas, wine, beer and Harry Potter snacks like chocolate wands. You can even enjoy these items at your seat during the show. 

Details for Muggle Parents

It's good to have some knowledge of the Harry Potter storyline and characters before you see the show. But even without this knowledge, the show is amazing and definitely worth bringing the kids to. Parents should be aware that there are a few dark portions of the show where dementors are present and that might be scary for young audience members. 

All Aboard the Hogwarts Express

Tickets are currently on sale for shows through July 12, 2020. Tickets range from $59 to $199 per part with premium seats available for all performances.

Every Friday at 1 p.m. PT, tickets for performances the following week are made available to fans for some of the very best seats in the theater at $40 ($20 per Part). These tickets are known as the “Friday Forty” and are only be available via the official website HarryPotterOnStage.com, TodayTix.com, or the TodayTix App. To win access to purchase the “Friday Forty” tickets, fans can enter via Today Tix from Monday 12:01 a.m. PT until Friday 1 p.m. PT for the following week’s performances. Winners are notified each Friday between 1 p.m. PT and 5 p.m. PT.

Performance Schedule:
Wednesday – 2 p.m. Part One & 7:30 p.m. Part Two
Thursday – 7:30 p.m. Part One
Friday – 7:30 p.m. Part Two
Saturday – 2 p.m. Part One & 7:30 p.m. Part Two
Sunday – 1 p.m. Part One & 6:30 p.m. Part Two

The Curran Theater
445 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: harrypottertheplay.com