On 29 August 2026, the Palace of Versailles hosts a special Harry Potter ‘Return to Hogwarts’ event marking the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter films. It consists of two separate parts: (1) a free daytime event in the Orangerie Gardens (registration required at inscription.retourapoudlard.fr); and (2) a paid Harry Potter-themed Night Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) in the evening, with tickets sold via chateauversailles-spectacles.fr. These are two completely separate events — many visitors confuse them.
The 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter films is being celebrated with a one-night-only event at one of the world’s greatest palaces. Versailles’ gardens and fountains will be reimagined through the world of Hogwarts on 29 August 2026 — but the event has two parts that are commonly confused. Here’s exactly what each part is, how to access it, and what to expect.
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# Full Access Ticket
# Versailles Night Fountains Show Ticket
Table of Contents
The Two Parts of the Harry Potter Event
| Part | Type | Time | Cost | How to Access |
| Daytime ‘Return to Hogwarts’ event | Free public event in Orangerie Gardens | Daytime (exact hours TBC) | Free | Registration required at inscription.retourapoudlard.fr |
| Harry Potter-themed Night Fountains Show | Paid evening show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) | From 8:30 pm; fireworks ~10:45 pm | €32 adult / €10 children | Tickets at chateauversailles-spectacles.fr |
These are two entirely separate things. Registering for the daytime event does not give you access to the evening show, and buying an evening ticket does not include the daytime event. You need to register and/or purchase independently for each.
Part 1: The Free Daytime Event
The free daytime ‘Return to Hogwarts’ event takes place in and around the Orangerie Gardens of the Palace of Versailles. It is a public event open to all, but registration is required in advance at inscription.retourapoudlard.fr.
This event is separate from standard palace entry. You do not need a palace ticket to attend the daytime event in the gardens, but you must register — it is not a walk-up event. Registration opens on a date to be announced; check the site regularly as places are limited.
What to expect at the daytime event: themed installations and decorations in the Orangerie Gardens, photo opportunities, interactive elements inspired by the Harry Potter world. Full details of the daytime programme will be released closer to the event date by the organisers.
Part 2: The Harry Potter Night Fountains Show
The evening show is a special Harry Potter-themed edition of the Versailles Grandes Eaux Nocturnes (Night Fountains Show) — the same format as the regular Saturday evening show, but with the fountains, lighting, music, and projections reimagined around the Harry Potter universe.
The evening show runs from 8:30 pm, with the illuminated fountain walk through the gardens ending at approximately 10:40 pm, followed by fireworks at around 10:45 pm. The format is not seated — it is a walk through the illuminated gardens. Tickets must be purchased in advance at chateauversailles-spectacles.fr. Standard Night Fountains Show pricing applies: €32 adult, €10 for children aged 6–17.
Tickets for this show went on sale from 12 March 2026 and are expected to sell out. If this article is being read after that date, check chateauversailles-spectacles.fr for remaining availability. Third-party resellers may have allocation if the official site is sold out.
Is This the Same as the Regular Night Fountains Show?
No. The Harry Potter Night Fountains Show on 29 August replaces the regular show for that date. The lighting design, music, and fountain choreography are entirely reimagined for the Harry Potter theme. The format (garden walk, no seating, fireworks at the end) is the same as the regular show, but the content is completely different. This is a one-night-only special event.
Is This Related to the Harry Potter Film Concert?
No. There is also a Harry Potter film concert planned at the Grand Rex cinema in Paris in November 2026 — a separate event entirely, involving a live orchestra performing the film score while the movie plays. That event is in Paris, indoors, and unrelated to the Versailles Night Fountains Show.
Practical Tips for 29 August 2026
- Register for the daytime event as soon as registration opens at inscription.retourapoudlard.fr
- Buy evening show tickets at chateauversailles-spectacles.fr — these will sell out
- You can combine both: attend the daytime event, visit the palace and gardens with a Full Access Ticket, then stay for the evening show
- Wear warm layers and comfortable walking shoes for the evening — the garden walk lasts over 2 hours outdoors
- Plan overnight accommodation in Versailles — the evening show ends around 11 pm. See our where to stay guide
- The regular Night Fountains Show also runs on nearby Saturdays in August (2, 9, 16, 23 Aug) if 29 August sells out — these are the standard baroque music show
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a palace ticket to attend the Harry Potter event?
For the daytime event in the Orangerie Gardens: no standard palace ticket is required, but registration at inscription.retourapoudlard.fr is mandatory. For the evening show: an evening show ticket (€32 adult) is required. If you also want to visit the palace during the day, you need a Full Access Ticket separately.
Are children allowed at the Harry Potter Night Show?
Yes. Tickets are €10 for children aged 6–17. Children under 6 are free but require a ticket reservation. The evening show lasts over 2 hours and ends around 11 pm, which is late for young children. The daytime event may be more suitable for families with very young children.
