The Hufflepuffs turned out for Fan Expo this year. They started off strong with trivia on Friday and continued through the weekend to pull out a strong win for the House Cup.
Congrats Hufflepuff!
Captain Jack Spiderman
The littlest Gryffindor
Hagrid came to visit
Molly Weasley and her daughter
Sexy Gandalf
Queen Frostine
Frieren brought us some extra magic
Look at these cute Bowtruckles
Caesar the No Drama Llama wanted his letter (no, he really didn’t)
We had a great weekend, where we talked to a lot of new people and many of our regulars, took magical portraits of people in the acceptance letters, sold some of our new merch, and made Bowtruckles with anyone who wanted to take home a fantastic beast of their own.
We were able to interact with our fandom and many others. The Community Zone is always a fun place for us, because we get to see all the little witches and wizards coming to do crafts with us and visit all their other favorite fandoms and the amazing photo ops available. We also had a great view of Matthew Lewis (Neville) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny) at their signing tables.
If you stopped by our booth, thank you. We love chatting with you all and taking portraits for you on those Muggle squares you carry around. We’re looking to switch up our photo booth for future cons, which we hope will be just as enchanting and give you a new opportunity to engage with the magical world.
You can find us next at West Side Comic Con in May, at the Wingspan Events Center in Hillsboro.
Yule ball is always a labor of love and we couldn’t do it without everyone coming together for this one amazing event. We, personally, thank everyone who is part of this night, but this year, we want to go above and beyond and give a more intentional thank you to those involved.
We have hired these amazing professionals to make this night extra special (and you can, too):
DJ Switch PDX has been our DJ since our first Yule Ball. He plays a great mix of pop and nerd music that gets everyone on their feet. He is a wonderful supporter of SPEWW and as a Gryffindor, throws himself whole-heartedly into each event he does. You can see him at various events around town, but you can also hire him for your own event. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch | Website
Daniela from No Rules Photography captured some of the most gorgeous photos of our 2023 Yule Ball and we’re so excited to have her back. She knew exactly what we wanted and gave us even more than we expected. You can hire her for weddings and other events. She has done some truly magical photo shoots, including LGBTQ+ engagement and wedding photography. Instagram | Facebook | Website
The Rose City Dancing Witches bring whimsy and witchcraft to every event they do and we are so proud to have them be part of the Yule Ball for several years. Each year they do two different performances to entertain our magical community and we love to see them return and also do performances around town the rest of the year. Facebook | Email
Of course, we have so much love for the Sheraton bar & catering staff. They work their brooms off to keep everyone moving through the buffet line, clearing tables, mixing drinks, and keeping us all hydrated during the dance. The hotel also gives us a special room rate, so those who have imbibed or danced too hard can stay the night. Instagram | Facebook | Website
Our raffle table in 2024
Our raffle is always a big part of the funds we bring in for our charity and this year a lot of really wonderful local artists, businesses and individuals stepped up to make this one of the biggest raffles we’ve ever had. If you didn’t win, want to purchase something directly from them, or want to follow them on socials, you can find them here:
Art of Jo Nicholson
Jo Nicholson has been one of our great vendors for Wizarding Weekend and we are thrilled to bring a few of her fun pieces to our Yule Ball raffle. She has witchy prints, stickers, and more. Instagram | Facebook | Etsy
Black Cat Frozen Custard
The newest witchy shop in town serves up delicious frozen custard creations in a spellbinding setting + has a secret speakeasy coffee shop where you can have your conspiratorial meetings. SPEWW can neither confirm nor deny having one of our own. Instagram | Website
Bunnies-N-More
Do you have an exotic animal that needs some care? Bunnies-N-More does mobile grooming, emergency care, pet sitting, and even animal education in your classroom, party, or event. Need your iguana’s nails clipped or someone to take amazing care of your rats while you’re away? This is where you go! Instagram | Facebook | Yelp | Website
Cascadia Roots
When you’re looking for small batch organic skin and body care products, Cascadia Roots has a variety of sprays and potions to suit you. From scrape and bug spray to nursing balm and calming spray, you can feel good about using these products made for the whole family. Instagram | Facebook | Website
The Freckled Lion Workshop
Geeks selling laser-cut decor and gaming accessories for other geeks. Whether you’re looking for coasters, ornaments, or a place to roll and display your dice during your latest D&D campaign, with your favorite fandom on it, The Freckled Lion Workshop might have just the thing. Facebook | Instagram | Website
Goddesses & Grimoires
We have had a working relationship with Goddesses & Grimoires for years and they never fail to impress with their spooky and witchy wares. Get you potions, wands, monster books, and everything in between. Instagram
Historical Conjurer
We all love magic and there’s nothing more magical than a Muggle magician, because they have to make you believe it’s real. Professor DR Schreiber does historical illusions and magic at events around the Portland area, including doing multiple shows per day at Clockwork Rose Tea Emporium’s annual Harry Potter tea. He’s available for private parties and other events you want to add a bit of enchantment to and also learn some History of Magic. Instagram | Facebook | Website
Hopscotch
Hopscotch Portland is a spellbinding interactive art museum with different rooms dedicated to different kinds of art, from large murals in a room the size of a warehouse to small rooms resembling a recording space where you play with colors to a glowing ball pit for all ages. There’s even a bar in the lobby. Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn | Website
The Macabre Father
Xander makes creepy, kooky, and nerdy plushes, cake boxes, cookie magnets and more, all to scratch the itch for your favorite fandom or vibe. They do a great trade at Wizarding Weekend with their plush House bats and multiple sizes of fuzzy Acromantulas. Instagram | Facebook | Website
McMenamins Kennedy School
As you may or may not know, Kennedy School hosts our Wizarding Weekend every year. This historical school-turned-hotel is one of Portland’s unique landmarks, with several bars and a restaurant on the premises. Guests love the quirky rooms and the soaking pool that can rival the Prefect’s bathroom. It’s also located in a great, quiet neighborhood and has a ton of parking, which can be rare other places in the city. Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website
Misplaced Magical Creatures
Are you looking to adopt a Fantastic Beast all your own? Perhaps a Bowtruckle for your tree or favorite houseplant or a colorful Pygmy Puff to match your House or personality. Jenna conjures them all and fosters them until they are ready to go to their new magical homes. We’re lucky that Misplaced Magical Creatures only vends one show per year and that happens to be Wizarding Weekend. Instagram | TikTok | Etsy
My Journal City
Write down your innermost secrets, new spells, or travel memories in one of Kevin’s journals made from repurposed materials. Choose from vintage book covers, movie box art, and all your other favorite iconic pieces of pop culture. Facebook
¿Por Qué No? Taqueria
We don’t know about your House Elves, but the ones at school don’t make tacos or other Mexican food. Probably because they’ve never had it. If you want drinks and eats just as good as an elf could have made it, ¿Por Qué No? is the place to go. Indulge in brunch, Taco Tuesdays, and even holiday tamale orders. Instagram | Facebook | Website
Raven’s Manor
If spooky settings and creative food and drinks are your cup of Butterbeer, then Raven’s Manor has a seat for you. The dark, creepy vibes are only made better by cocktails that come in a lantern or a trio of screaming beignet ghosts. The menu changes to match the haunted feel of every season. Instagram | Facebook | Website
RoseCraft Accessories
You might be looking for a new creature to add to your family or helpful household items, like hot pads or kitchen towels promoting your favorite fandom or team. RoseCraft may be a bit hard to find, but they are worth the search or wait for the next craft fair they Apparate to. Facebook
Rushing’s Rarities
Searchers of spooky prop replicas, potion labels, magical accessories, and wooden signs will find them at Rushing’s Rarities. Mummified hands, spell components, handmade wands are just some of the things that you’ll find in their store and craft fairs around town. They’ll even work with you to make something customized. Instagram | Facebook | Website
Secret Dragon Collectibles
Secret Dragon Collectibles adopts out their handmade beaded dragons and magical accessories like these flying keys. If you’ve been to Wizarding Weekend, you’ve likely oohed and aahed over their elaborate and colorful dragons. You may have even taken one home. Instagram | Facebook |Website
Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
Sheraton has been our Yule Ball venue for 3 years now and we couldn’t be happier with the staff, space, catering, and rooms. Not only does it offer tons of parking and space for our partying, they have great ideas for Yule Ball, and offer our guests a special discount on rooms. Instagram | Facebook | Website
Shereen Travels Cheap
Shereen runs a budget travel blog where she gives advice on how to travel more affordably for adults who aren’t willing to sleep in hostels or on people’s couches. She reviews travel items and destinations, while giving practical tips to do more while spending less. Instagram | Facebook | Website
The Sparkly Stitcher
Decorate your home with beautiful geeky cross-stitch of all sizes. Get a tiny Deathly Hallows stitch or a large piece for your Dr. Who loving heart. You’ll find them at craft fairs across the metro area or you can request a custom piece for commission. Instagram
Stargazer’s Gourmet
One of our favorite sweets makers, Stargazer’s Gourmet is known for their handmade small-batch fudge in amazing flavors, including those inspired by the Wizarding World. You can also find some of those sweets you might find in Honeydukes, so you can live your wizard candy dreams. Instagram | Facebook | Website
VDX Designs
If you’re looking for quality woodwork with your favorite fandom, VDX Designs makes it. From laser-etched dungeon master screens to shields to wooden ornaments, you’re likely to find everything for the geeks on your list or yourself. Instagram | Facebook | Etsy
Westside Comic Con
Hillsboro is getting its own Con in 2026. We’re thrilled to be part of their inaugural year and are excited to see the west side getting a new way for people to engage with the community and another reason to perfect those cosplays. We’re looking forward to more artists, vendors, nerds, fandom, and more! Instagram | Facebook | Website
We also have to say a giant thank you to all the volunteers that help us set up, run the Yule Ball, and tear down at the end of a long night. We truly couldn’t do any of it without them ♥
Sorry everyone! SPEWW has had an infestation of pesky Pixies who have rearranged all of our schedules and now we need to sort those out and reschedule our book event for this week. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know when and where it will take place.
Yule Ball tickets have gone on sale and we have a theme this year! Yes, yule is its own theme, but this year we’ll be adding dragons! Since we have our virtual Triwizard Tournament leading up to the Ball, we wanted to also bring that to our decor. That means if you are buying a Champion’s Feast ticket, you can choose a specific dragon-named table to sit at.
Unlike the dragons in the Tournament, our dragons will be free-range, much smaller, and won’t set you on fire.
Again, tickets for Yule Ball are $45 for Generally Magical tickets & $105 for Champion’s Feast tickets (this includes a buffet dinner + swag) and can be purchased here.
This event is 21 and over, an excuse to dress up in your wizarding best (or Muggle best), drink some adult Butterbeer (or other themed beverages), and dance with your fellow nerds. Come stag, bring your significant other, or come in a group. Everyone is welcome and people make new friends every year. It takes place at the Portland Airport Sheraton and will have some fantastic raffle prizes as well.
We also always look for volunteers for this event. If you volunteer, you get free general entry to the Ball. We need help setting up, tearing down, running the raffle table, and checking people in. Last year, we were blessed with so many great volunteers who worked their magic to set up so much more quickly than we have set up in the past. We would love to have you for 2025. You can sign up to be a volunteer on this form if you haven’t volunteered with us before. If you have, we’ll be sending out emails mid- to late-October.
Stay tuned for our menu. In the meantime, here’s alink for special room discount if you’d like to stay at the Sheraton. We can’t wait to see you at the Ball!
We love a good book and we love sharing our favorite books with people. The beginning of October is Banned Books Week, and we’ll be doing something special for that, but afterwards, we wanted to do something fun and book-related for you all in the Portland area.
Join us for Blind Date with a Magic Book! Everyone will bring one (or more) book that they wrap up and write teasers for, so others can find a new book that they vibe with to take home with them. Your books should center around magic in some way – since we all came together for our love of Harry Potter – but can be any genre.
Wrap your book in kraft paper or plain wrapping paper and decorate it if you like. On the front, write a few keywords or a teaser sentence (e.g., “Time travel, Found Family, 1920s”). You could even include the first line of the book—just no spoilers. Aim for 3 clues that will help others determine if they might like the book.
The Portland Hostel Cafe has offered to host our event, so you have the option to order off their delicious menu or one of their many alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
We’ll also have cards for you to write down book titles that you don’t take home, but sound like something you might like to read in the future. We would also love if you bring a list of other magical books you think people would like if they enjoyed Harry Potter.
Rose City Comic Con (RCCC) is just a few weeks away (Sept 5-7) and SPEWW will be there to rep our favorite witches, wizards, and magical beings. This will be our first con as SPEWW and we are excited to see how the new name is received. We had a lot of great feedback at Wizarding Weekend, and hope that is the case here, too.
Come see us outside Hall E, where we will be joined with a few other organizations. We will have our merch, including pins, stickers, magnets, jewelry, and our new Prophecy craft boxes. You can take your photo in our “falling” acceptance letters photo booth.
Try your luck at daily trivia. We will have O.W.L.- and N.E.W.T.-level questions that are new each day. Correct answers can gain you House points, which we tally up at the end of the weekend to announce the winning House. If you get all three questions for the day correct, you have the option to be entered to win a pair of Yule Ball tickets. Correctly answer the bonus WIZard question of the day and get another entry.
We will be bringing all our fantastic beasts, including our dragon Pyxus, our owl Virgil, and our Niffler Nyla. Nyla will be available with her shiny hoard for trinket trading. Bring something sparkly to trade her one-to-one items. If you happen to have some coins on you, she is will also trade with you, and be willing to part with those coins after the Con in order to donate to a deserving charitable organization (TBD).
HoH Summer conducting WotW at Wizarding Weekend
Each day of the con, our dueling witches will be conducting our Way of the Wand workshop for the littles in Rose City Jr. They will be loaned a practice wand and our witches will take them through some warm-up exercises to stretch and then some important wand movements to practice effective and safe spellwork. Every wizard needs to know how to properly hold and brandish a wand. Our times for these workshops are:
Friday 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Sunday 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
We’re still looking for volunteers for RCCC, especially during these times. If you can work 3-4 hours over the weekend, we would love to have you. If you already volunteer, send us an email at PDXHPA (at) gmail. If you are new and would like to volunteer with us, please fill out our volunteer form.
The 2023 Yule Ball was truly an enchanted evening! Guests feasted, danced the night away, enjoyed performances by the PDX Dancing Witches and the music of DJ Switch, bought ALL the raffle tickets, and celebrated the new Yule Ball Triwizard champion! All told, they helped PDXpelliarmus raise $6,000 for Friendly House’s Elder Pride Services!
Thank you to everyone who attended! We look forward to another evening of well-mannered frivolity in December of 2024!
After a few years away, HEAP returned! The Hogwarts Early Admission Program is an enchanted afternoon of games and activities for all ages, this year held as part of our Accio Books campaign. Our focus this year was on celebrating the books that turn muggles into Wizards!
This year’s HEAP took place in the Gresham Library, where we rounded up a bunch of escaped pesky pixies, sprouted bowtruckles, took Hogwarts school photos, competed in a transfiguration exercise, practiced our cauldron tossing, and played a heated game of Wizards, Giants, and Elves. It was great fun, and an excellent chance to connect with our community and spread the magic of books.
The wizard activists of PDXpelliarmus brought the magic to FanExpo Portland! From our booth in the Community Zone, we played quidditch, posed trivia questions, and hosted sorting hat ceremonies. We tallied House Points as we went, and at the end of the weekend, awarded the prize to Gryffindor!
On Saturday, December 10th, PDXpelliarmus brought back the Yule Ball! Returning to our original venue, the historic Emerald Ballroom, the ball was an enchanted evening of well-mannered frivolity for a great cause! This year’s Yule Ball was a fundraiser for Q Center, Portland’s LGBTQ+ community center.
Guests enjoyed magically-themed food and drinks, dancing, and the chance to celebrate with their magical community! We saw performances by the PDX Dancing Witches. We hosted a raffle to raise more funds for Q Center, and awarded the 2022 Virtual Triwizard Championship!
With our guest’s support, PDXpelliarmus was able to raise $4000 to donate to Q Center! Thank you to everyone who joined us in making magic happen!
Welcome to SPEWW PDX 