Residents will have the rare and spellbinding opportunity to engulf themselves in the magical world of Harry Potter, thanks to a collaboration with the Niles History Center and Niles District Library.

Dubbed “An Evening at Hogwarts,” the inaugural event is free and open to the public. The event will take place between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. The evening’s activities will take place at the Chapin Mansion, Niles District Library and Fort St. Joseph Museum. The buildings are located in the 500 block of E. Main Street in downtown Niles.

Mollie Watson, the assistant director at the Niles History Center, said staff from the library and museum have long mulled over creating a Harry Potter themed night.

The seven-book fantasy series was penned by author J.K. Rowling, inspiring the making of several Harry Potter movies and further initiating an international fan following. The first book in the series “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was released in Britain 20 years ago. Therefore, organizers thought “An Evening at Hogwarts” would be a fitting way to commemorate the still popular series.

Watson said they couldn’t help but feel that the city of Niles had its own magic to share.

“We thought the Chapin Mansion had a real Hogwarts feel,” Watson said. “Besides, who doesn’t love Harry Potter?”

For those unfamiliar with the popular books, the series follows the life of a wizard Harry Potter, who among other adventures is tasked with destroying the evil forces of Lord Voldemort, otherwise known as “He Who Shall Not be Named.”

Like Harry Potter and his friends first experienced upon arriving to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, participants of the event will first be sorted into their respective houses, based on a quiz.

Residents can then embark on their journey in magic education by hand-crafting a magic wand. There will also be available classes that include topics like learning to recognize dangerous creatures, dark magic, defense against the dark arts, potion demonstrations and a history of magic trivia quiz. Hogwarts students can then put their magic know how to the test by searching for Horcruxes — objects hidden by dark wizard or witch. These objects can be found within the walls of the Fort St. Joseph History Museum.

Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character for the event. A costume contest will take place and the winners will receive a prize.

The response to the event has so far has been overwhelming. Watson said they are expecting hundreds of people to attend, which encouraged them to expand the event into three buildings.

“Everybody is excited,” Watson said. “The best part is seeing how many different generations are excited to attend.”

Whether grandparent or elementary schooler, it is easy to be intrigued by Rowling’s series. Watson herself said as a child, she would read the books with her parents, who also became hooked.

Additionally, Watson said the event will allow the organizations to promote the local history center and historic Chapin Mansion, which was built in 1882.

Whether muggle, wizard or witch, Watson encouraged residents to partake in “An Evening at Hogwarts.”

“It is going to be a magical evening, if you love Harry Potter,” Watson said. “It is more than participating in activities, it is about bringing all these people together who share a common interest.”

For more information about the event, call the Niles District Library at (269) 683-8545 or the Niles History Center at (269) 845-4054.