Wizardfest Botches Spell on Cabooze

The magic finally wore off Wizardfest last night at the Cabooze. Unfortunately, one question remains: What was the spell supposed to do? Wizardfest had this great perception of transforming venues into the mythical world of Harry Potter, Fans expected to be hit with wondrous music, imaginative details, and competitive spell games. None of that came true.

Instead, we were hit with the legendary, mystical, and lovely Cabooze! I love the Cabooze, it is Minneapolis venue royalty. For this event, however, it seemed to have been turned into a crappy college party thrown by fraternities to pay the electrical bill. Upon entering, I had to do a double take. I thought the party itself was in other section of the Cabooze, it’s a big venue.

As I looked around, I noticed little touches. A few cardboard cutouts of my favorite characters (Harry and Malfoy) standing in front of a poster of Platform 9 ¾. The Wizardfest banners on the stage. Some black ghost looking things hanging from the ceiling which looked like Dementors. I saw a few blinking wands, and a house elf walked by, so I knew I was in the right place.

Taking in the sounds as I walked to the bar made me think, ‘I guess Harry would like Bruno Mars?’ Having a DJ led me to expect some quirky mixing collaborations between the musical soundtrack and modern day hits. Instead, it was house music. Thinking a round of Butterbeer could save the night, I glanced at the specialty bar menu and was hit with black sharpie.

Multiple drinks crossed out nailed my macular vision. Grabbing a beer without the butter, I started to admit defeat and admire the creatively dressed guests. I suppose the spirit of the night was really about creativity and coming together for a love of a common cause. Myrtle Warren (Moaning Myrtle) walked by and I took it as a sign the night was done.

Low production dance party it was, imaginative fantasy land it wasn’t. Wizardfest has boasted about all the wonders anyone could imagine. Unfortunately, these wonders had to stay in the mind. Wizardfest has only been around for 2 years, so they have plenty of room to improve. I hope they refine their spell crafting to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality.