Upcoming Harry Potter and the Cursed Child dates
Dates and live ticket listings appear here as soon as they are on sale. The guide below covers what to know before you buy.
A stage sequel set 19 years after the books
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play, not a musical, that continues the Harry Potter story 19 years after the final book. It plays on Broadway at the Lyric Theatre on West 43rd Street, where it opened on April 22, 2018, and as of October 2026 it is still running there. The script is by Jack Thorne, from an original story by J.K. Rowling, Thorne and director John Tiffany.
The center of the story is not Harry but his younger son, Albus Severus Potter, and Albus's unlikely best friend, Scorpius Malfoy. Their attempt to undo a past tragedy with a Time-Turner (a magical device that sends the user back in time) drives the plot, while an adult Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Draco deal with the fallout. Fans who know the books well get the most from the callbacks, but the play explains enough for a casual viewer to follow.
The production began in London, opening at the Palace Theatre on July 30, 2016. It won nine Olivier Awards in 2017, then six Tony Awards in 2018, including Best Play and Best Direction of a Play for Tiffany. Its Broadway gross has been reported as the highest of any play in Broadway history.
Broadway status, the one-part version and the tour
The play originally ran in two parts, seen over two performances. On Broadway it reopened after the pandemic shutdown as a single performance, starting November 12, 2021, and that one-part version is what plays at the Lyric today. If you read about needing two tickets for one story, that advice is out of date for New York.
- Broadway: running at the Lyric Theatre as of October 2026. The official site lists Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the films, in the role of Draco through January 3, 2027, and Rupert Grint returning as Ron Weasley from February 2, 2027.
- North American tour: launched in Chicago in September 2024. As of October 1, 2026, the tour site lists an engagement at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City from September 19 to October 11, 2026, and says further cities will be announced.
- Elsewhere: productions also run in London, Tokyo and the Netherlands.
Casting news matters for demand. The weeks around a famous film actor's arrival or departure tend to sell faster than ordinary weeks, so check who is scheduled for your date before you compare seats.
Runtime, age guidance and what to expect
The official Broadway site lists a running time of about 2 hours and 55 minutes, including an intermission. The show is suitable for ages 8 and up, children under 5 are not admitted, and anyone under 15 must attend with an adult. Every person needs a ticket.
Expect strobe lighting and loud visual and sound effects. The play's illusions are a large part of the experience: wands, transformations and Dementors (the hooded, soul-draining guards from the books) appear without obvious machinery. Some scenes are dark and tense, and younger children who are frightened by the darker films may find parts of the second act intense.
The Lyric is certified sensory inclusive by KultureCity and offers noise-canceling headphones and other sensory tools, which helps families with children sensitive to noise. Arrive early; the opening moments set up the time-travel rules that the rest of the play depends on.
Where to sit at the Lyric Theatre
The Lyric is one of the largest houses on Broadway, with 1,622 seats after a 2017–2018 renovation for this production removed 199 seats. It has three levels: the orchestra (the ground floor), the dress circle (the lower balcony) and the balcony above it. The renovation left wider seats and more legroom than most Broadway theaters, but the size of the room means distance is the main issue in the upper level.
Orchestra
Center orchestra in the middle rows is the strongest overall choice. You are close enough to see faces and near enough to the effects that many illusions happen right in front of you. The very front rows put you below the stage and can make you crane your neck. Far-side orchestra seats lose some of the stage picture on the opposite side.
Dress circle
The front and center dress circle is a good alternative to the orchestra for this show. From a slight elevation you see the full stage, the movement of the ensemble, and the lighting design, which won a Tony. Many repeat visitors prefer it to the rear orchestra.
Balcony
The balcony is the budget level and sits far from the stage. It works for a fan who wants to be in the room, but the actors look small and some of the close-up magic loses its punch. If you choose the balcony, stay near the center and toward the front.
When demand peaks for Cursed Child
Demand for Cursed Child follows the New York tourist calendar more than the school year alone.
- Highest demand: Thanksgiving week, the weeks between Christmas and New Year's, school spring breaks and summer weekends.
- Star weeks: runs by film-series actors push up demand, especially opening and closing weeks of their engagements.
- Widest choice: Tuesday through Thursday performances in late January, February and early fall.
On the resale market, the date moves prices more than the seat does, so shifting a trip by a few days often opens better locations. Every GoodSeats order is backed by a 100% guarantee. For the current performance schedule, see the official Broadway site.
Seeing the play on tour
The touring production plays multiweek engagements in large performing arts centers, which are often bigger than the Lyric and may have two or three balconies. The same logic applies: center seats beat side seats, and the lowest balcony often beats the back of a deep orchestra. In very large halls, avoid the top balcony if the effects are the reason you are going. Check the tour site for confirmed cities, since new dates are added as they are announced.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway?
About 2 hours and 55 minutes, including an intermission. Broadway now performs it as one part in a single performance.
Is Cursed Child still two parts?
Not on Broadway. The New York production switched to a one-part version on November 12, 2021, so one ticket covers the whole story.
What age is Cursed Child appropriate for?
The production lists it as suitable for ages 8 and up. Children under 5 are not admitted, and anyone under 15 must be with an adult. It includes strobe lights and loud effects.
Where is Cursed Child playing in New York?
At the Lyric Theatre, 214 West 43rd Street, where it has run since April 2018. As of October 2026 it is still playing there.
Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child touring?
Yes. As of October 1, 2026, the North American tour lists Salt Lake City from September 19 to October 11, 2026, with more cities to be announced.