Mischief and Magic is a unique entertainment destination located in Staunton, Virginia. This charming city in the Shenandoah Valley is known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene. Mischief and Magic perfectly encapsulates the spirit and energy of Staunton, offering an array of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. One of the main attractions at Mischief and Magic is the escape room experience. Participants are immersed in various themed rooms, where they must solve puzzles and unravel mysteries to escape within a set time limit. This thrilling activity is perfect for friends, families, or even team-building exercises for corporate groups.
Queen City Mischief and Magic returns to Staunton
STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - Queen City Mischief and Magic (QCMM) returns to Staunton for the 6th time. The festival will take place September 23-24 in Downtown Staunton.
The Harry Potter themed festival will bring magic and adventures to people across the world. Staunton’s economic development department expects over 20,000 people at the QCMM.
Sarah Lynch, founder of QCMM, said this fundraiser gives back to the Staunton community and the non-profits that work in the city.
“This festival has become one of the biggest fundraisers for a lot of our smaller non-profits in this town,” Lynch said. “That’s what we were doing this morning, we were giving away coloring cards and things that we’ve collected over the years so they have something to give our guests.”
The wizarding event is made for all ages, bringing fun for the entire family. Streets in downtown will be blocked off, a map of road closures and impacted areas can be found here.
Sheryl Wagner, director of tourism for Staunton, said businesses thrive in QCMM and more businesses are added to the event every year.
“We estimate that over 20,000 people from around the country and other countries come to downtown Staunton for this magical weekend,” Wagner said. “We know that it has a huge economic impact in the city of Staunton.”
The festival has grown exponentially since it started. In 2016, there were around 30 businesses and non-profits that worked in conjunction with QCMM. According to the itinerary and map, there are 113 supporting organizations this year.
The festival will have food, games and activities for people of all ages. Lynch said the magic of the event doesn’t come from fake wizards or butterbeer, it comes from the smiles and joy of the events.
“It’s a boon for our economy but it’s also just this lovely magical thing that happens,” Lynch said. “People are smiling all weekend, connecting with each other. People leave here and they’ll send us emails through Christmas and say how it was a highlight of their year. I think people look back and do those countdowns of the year and look back to this weekend.”
QCMM brings revenue and tourism to the city, but it also brings new prospective residents to the Queen city.
“We get repeat visitors from QCMM but we also get people who moved here because they have experienced Staunton,” Wagner said.
Copyright 2023 WHSV. All rights reserved.
Rain doesn’t stop annual Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival
STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - Staunton’s Harry Potter-inspired festival returned for its eighth year.
The Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival is a two-day event that fans of the series come to Staunton to experience. Many view the festival as a chance to showcase their creativity and wear costumes with confidence.
“It’s very expressive; you can basically be whoever you want, whatever you want, whenever you want,” said award-winning seamstress Kyleen Brown. “My apron — I made it specifically from scratch. I got a pattern from her clothing store and I just went to town.”
Different organizations from around the community say they are enthusiastic about being on Do Good Alley as an opportunity to show what impact they make.
“To me, it means seeing the magic of everything out here and everyone just being so amazing and integrating themselves into the fun of the day,” Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Community Engagement Manager Elizabeth Copp said.
People were determined to attend the event, even as Tropical Storm Ophelia hit Virginia.
People were not going to let a little rain wash away the fun, adventures, and memories they wanted to have.
“The magic is all about the imagination for the kids, especially seeing other kids that have read the same books that have the same wonderment about it all.” QCMM Entertainer Michael Shwedick said.
QCMM has been a free festival since the beginning, and no tickets are needed to attend.
“Kids can come and play and just have fun with the family and other people who are also dressed up in costumes and they can meet new friends and just have fun, " Dobby Enthusiast Tracy Bowles said.
As long as the support continues, the Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival will return to Staunton every year.
Copyright 2023 WHSV. All rights reserved.
Queen City Mischief & Magic
At American Shakespeare Center, we believe in the joy, the beauty, and the transformative power of words – including books like the Harry Potter series. We create stage magic year round, but during QCMM we get to perform a special kind of magic with visitors to Staunton. Join us at our special events for wizards, muggles, and magical beings of all ages!
WIZARDING Events
A midsummer NIGHT’S DREAM ON BLKFRSTV
On-Demand & Family Friendly
Bring the Playhouse to your house in cinema-quality.
Tickets are just $10!
In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare casts a theatrical spell powerful enough to make audiences of all ages believe in anything. This mischievous comedy of lovers, heroes, fairies, and rude mechanicals is his tribute to humankind’s power of imagination, and reveals that the “course of true love” can alter with just one touch of magic.
BOOK NOW
MAGICAL PLAYHOUSE TOUR
LIVE via special Zoom invite on Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM ET
Tickets are just $5!
Join your tour guide Sarah Ravenclaw for a magical tour of the Blackfriars Playhouse, a special wizarding building that has apparated to Staunton from the 1600s! See our very own Room of Requirement, candlelit Great Hall, and more!
GET TICKETS
HELP US KEEP OUR OWLS STRAIGHT: If you are able, please purchase your A Midsummer Night’s Dream ticket & Magical Playhouse Tour ticket as separate transactions. This will help ensure our e-owls arrive on time with the links to view each video.
ON OUR BLOG:
SHAKESPEARE: SORTED
ASC SAFESTART SEASON CHARACTERS & MORE GET SORTED INTO THEIR HOGWARTS HOUSES FOR VIRTUAL QCMM 2020
READ NOW
Queen City Mischief & Magic is a homegrown fan event created for our local community to celebrate and grow our appreciation for the Harry Potter books and film series. Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling are not responsible for or affiliated with this event.
ASC Education
Learn about ASC's Fall 2020 Education Curriculum! Try out a SHXcademy workshop to dive deep with the joy and magic of Shakespeare online.
SafeStart Season
ASC is offering live performances: online or in-person! Click here to explore our industry-leading SafeStart Season before it ends on October 18.
Holiday Season
Share the light with us this December when your favorite holiday tradition, "A Christmas Carol," returns to the Playhouse! Seating is limited; get your tickets now!
This thrilling activity is perfect for friends, families, or even team-building exercises for corporate groups. For those interested in the mystical and supernatural, Mischief and Magic also offers tarot card readings and psychic readings by experienced professionals. Visitors can gain insights into their past, present, and future, allowing for a unique and introspective experience.
In addition to these captivating activities, Mischief and Magic hosts regular events and workshops for individuals looking to explore their creative side. From painting classes to craft workshops, there is always something new to discover at this enchanting establishment. Furthermore, Mischief and Magic has a charming retail shop filled with an eclectic mix of magical merchandise. From spell books to crystals and unique trinkets, visitors can take a piece of the mystical world home with them. Beyond the enchanting experiences offered, Mischief and Magic is also committed to giving back to the community. They frequently collaborate with local charities and organizations to host fundraisers and awareness campaigns, making this destination not only entertaining but socially responsible as well. Mischief and Magic truly embodies the essence of Staunton, providing visitors with an immersive and enchanting experience. Whether you are seeking adventure, insight, or simply a fun-filled day, this magical destination is sure to create lasting memories. Come and experience the mischief and magic for yourself in Staunton, Virginia..
Reviews for "The Enchanting Side of Staunton, VA: Mischief and Magic Abound"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with Mischief and Magic in Staunton, VA. The place was extremely crowded, and there were hardly any activities for the kids to enjoy. The staff seemed overwhelmed and disinterested, and there was a lack of organization. The whole experience felt chaotic and not well thought out. Overall, I would not recommend going to Mischief and Magic if you're looking for a fun and enjoyable time.
- Sarah - 1 star - My visit to Mischief and Magic in Staunton, VA was a complete letdown. The place was dirty and lacking maintenance. The bathrooms were filthy, and the overall appearance of the place was unappealing. The exhibits were outdated and seemed like they haven't been touched in years. The whole experience felt underwhelming and not worth the price. I would suggest looking for other entertainment options in the area.
- Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Mischief and Magic, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The staff was unfriendly and unhelpful, and the overall atmosphere was just not enjoyable. The activities were limited and didn't offer much variety. The only positive aspect was the location, which was convenient. However, I wouldn't recommend visiting Mischief and Magic if you're looking for a memorable experience.