Tampa Theatre Turns Into Hogwarts With Harry Potter-Themed Wine Festival

Tampa's historic movie palace will turn into Hogwarts next spring for its yearly WineFest. The two-day event, happening March 7 and 8, ranges from $80 wine tastings to a fancy $500 dinner. Over the past 20 years, this popular fundraiser has brought in $2 million to help keep the theater running.

With SouthEast Personnel Leasing as the main sponsor, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Wine" starts March 7. Wine lovers can choose between two options: a Premium Tasting at 7:00 p.m. for $130 or the Grand Tasting at 8:00 p.m. for $80.

Event chair Lauren Ferrell talked about keeping up the theater, saying, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could just wave a wand and magically restore Tampa Theatre? But it takes a lot of hard work, and a little bit of magic, to make it all happen."

The big dinner on March 8 will host guests in a decorated Great Hall. Guests will enjoy several courses, each paired with special wines. A live auction will feature amazing trips and unique items.

During the tasting, people can place silent bids on gifts from local stores and restaurants. Theater members get to buy tickets first, before they go on sale to everyone else on Dec. 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Guests are welcome to dress up in Harry Potter outfits to match the magic theme. Special event items will be for sale too.

Every ticket and auction bid helps fund community programs and maintains this beautiful old building. The event adds another year to the theater's long history of wine celebrations.