The Diagon Alley in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood is highlighted in Sactown Magazine’s Best of the City 2026, transforming a block of 33rd Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue into a seasonal attraction inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. The event, described as a “magical trunk-or-treat tailgating” experience, features murals and installations depicting elements like Platform 9 3⁄4, the Hogwarts Express, and Eeylops Owl Emporium. Organized by local artists Thomas Sumpter and Aimee “Phoenix” Phelps, the festival includes an illuminated haunted maze in Sumpter’s yard and Phelps’ “Oak Park Halloween House” with fire dancers and a cauldron of candy, according to Sactownmag. The neighborhood’s transformation aligns with the magazine’s annual recognition of regional highlights.
The event, which occurs every Halloween, has drawn attention through social media, with Instagram posts documenting the space as a “hidden gem” for Harry Potter fans. Posts from accounts like @sacramento_life and @thewizardingsibs describe the area’s immersive details, including a “Platform 9 and 3/4” setup and a “Wizarding World of Harry Potter”-inspired atmosphere. Sactown Magazine, a recipient of over 30 national publishing awards, has promoted the location as part of its fall issue, which includes the Best of the City 2026 list. The publication, founded in 2006, serves the Sacramento region with content spanning from Davis to El Dorado Hills, as noted by Findglocal.
Seasonal Transformation of 33rd Street
The Diagon Alley event spans 33rd Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue, near the Guild Theater. It features collaborative art installations, including a “cauldron of candy” and a “skull arch,” as described in Sactownmag. The area’s seasonal theme includes a haunted maze and a Halloween house, both created by Sumpter and Phelps. The event’s timing coincides with Sactown Magazine’s annual Best of the City issue, which highlights local businesses, services, and cultural spots.
Artists Behind the Wizarding World
Thomas Sumpter and Aimee “Phoenix” Phelps are central to the Diagon Alley transformation, combining mural art with interactive attractions. Sumpter’s haunted maze, located at 33rd Street and Diagon Alley, and Phelps’ Halloween house at 33rd Street and 4th Avenue, are key components of the event. The artists’ contributions have drawn attention from both residents and visitors, with Instagram posts capturing the space’s whimsical details, such as a “wall of jack-o-lanterns” and “fire dancers.”
Community-Driven Halloween Attractions
The Diagon Alley event is a community-led Halloween activity in Sacramento’s North Oak Park neighborhood. Sactownmag notes that the festival includes a “tailgating event” where families can “score sweet somethings” while exploring the themed environment. Instagram posts from users like @sacramento_life and @easyadventures highlight the area’s appeal, describing it as a “special version of Harry Potter world” and a “thing to do in Sacramento.”
Sactown Magazine and Instagram provide further details on the event, while Findglocal outlines the publication’s regional impact.
