7 ways to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday today

Harry Potter's birthday is July 31. He was born in 1980.

Credit: Warner Bros.

Credit: Warner Bros.

Harry Potter's birthday is July 31. He was born in 1980.


Thirty-five years ago today, the boy who didn't die was born.

Witches, wizards and muggles everywhere will be celebrating the birthdays of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling, author of the books about the boy wizard.

Here are a few ways to mark the day:

1. Make some Harry Potter-themed snacks: From butterbeer to Harry's favorite treacle tarts, you can treat co-workers, friends and family to food so good it's magical. [Get recipes here | and here]

2. Since you've made all that food, why not have some people over for a movie marathon? [Click here for the movies, in order, with trailers]

3. Prefer the books? Gather your army and find your room of requirement, then take turns reading "Harry Potter and the Scorcerer's Stone," in which Hagrid brings Harry a birthday cake. [See the full list of Harry Potter books]

4, Have you read the books and seen the movies too many times to count? Maybe you should host a Harry Potter crafts party. [make a house scarf | hold a potions class | make a golden snitch | make a flying key]

5. Play muggles quidditch: Chances are you don't own a Nimbus 2015, but that doesn't mean you can't catch a gold snitch. There are now more than 300 quidditch teams around the world you can join (or start your own team). [rules of the game]

6. Play the Harry Potter version of the board game Clue: A member of the Gryffindor house is missing. Was it Draco Malfoy in the trophy room with a vanishing cabinet? [available on amazon.com | check out the  game]

7: Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Unless Hermione has loaned you her time turner, it might be too late to do that today. There's always the weekend. [Florida's park | gallery of grand opening]