October 31, 2024
Two nights ago, I steered my flying car to the Circle C neighborhood to check out — finally — Diagon Alley Austin, where each year one family displays jaw-dropping constructions from the Harry Potter series in their front yard. Hogwarts Castle, the Hogwarts Express train, the Owlery, the Leaky Cauldron, and other scenes have been wowing visitors for years. I was expecting quite a lot, thanks to news coverage like KVUE’s. But I was still blown away by the detail and scale of their homage.
Diagon Alley is the creation of Joel Pace and his family and friends. Each year he constructs new elements to add to his Harry Potter village, which goes up for Halloween and remains on display through January 1st, transitioning to a Yule Ball theme after Halloween.
The attention to detail is incredible. Faux firs near the castle give it a lifelike sense of scale, as if you’re seeing it at a distance, just like at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Disney World. I wonder if the owner was a theater kid who learned how to make realistic stage sets out of plastic, wood, and paint.
Not only is there a Hogwarts Express train, but there’s even a Platform 9-3/4, which looks to be made of brick, although I know it’s an illusion.
This creative and generous family invites the public to view their creation from the street, staying behind a rope — or else Umbridge will have a WORD. They light it from 6 to 8 pm on weeknights and until 9 pm on weekends. On special occasions — like tonight, for Halloween — they open the Leaky Cauldron for “business,” handing out treats at the window.
Here’s the notice on their Facebook page about tonight’s opening: “The serving window at The Leaky Cauldron will open at 5:30 pm for Trick-or-Treating! Our friends at Austin Scoops have also donated Butterbeer Ice Cream! We will be serving samples until we run out. Please drive slowly and be mindful of children walking in the area. Let’s have a fun & safe evening!”
I’m in love with the creativity and sense of play on display here. Thank you, Diagon Alley ATX, for making magic! By the way, they accept donations via Venmo for their favorite charities:
“We do not keep any portion of your donation for materials or expenses related to the project. All money collected will be split between Foster Angels of Central Texas, Variety Texas, and ZACH Theatre. All have been serving local children in our community & are worthy of our support. Please consider donating. You can Venmo: @DiagonAlleyAtx.”
You can find the Harry Potter house in the Vintage Place section of Circle C, near the cross streets of Slaughter Lane and Bungalow Lane. Turn in on Bungalow Lane, and Diagon Alley will be directly across a park-like green space. You can’t miss it.
And just down the street…
A few doors down from Diagon Alley, we spotted this fantastic and well-lit display of spooky skeletons…
…including a pole-dancing skeleton and one barfing something radioactive. Funny! We were on foot, which is the best way to see any display, when I spotted something odd…
…a kid in a yellow rain slicker with a basketball, lying on the sidewalk, his arm reaching into a storm drain. The interior of the drain glowed red, so I crouched down to peek inside.
Could it be…..?
Yes! Pennywise, the evil clown from Stephen King’s horror classic IT, is lurking there. Eek! So good! I applaud you, Harry Potter neighbors.
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