For the first time in nearly a decade, Harry Potter fans will line up in bookstores on Sunday to get their hands on a copy of the magical hero's latest exploits.

The hard-copy screenplay for West End stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be released simultaneously around the world on July 31 – Potter's 36th birthday within author JK Rowling's canon.

Set 19 years after seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the world's most famous boy wizard has grown up in the story and is dealing with the difficulties of raising a family.

The release of the rehearsal script is timed for just after midnight in Britain, the day after the play's official premiere in London.

Thankfully for Canberra fans, that timing means no queues in the winter witching hour, allowing for a good night's sleep before the story is available at 9.01am locally.

Hoping to revive the enthusiasm seen in bookstores during the 2000s, Canberra retailers are throwing Potter-themed parties to celebrate the franchise's return to the page.

Although pre-orders of the book haven't quite overtaken those for the seventh novel, the Cursed Child has come close, with many retailers describing it as one of the most in-demand pre-ordered titles in years.

Westfield Woden and Harry Hartog bookshop are hosting a launch party from 8am with trivia, a free copy of the book for the best-dressed patron and a guest appearance from the Australian National University Quidditch team.

In the city, Dymocks Canberra will be transformed with themed food, entertainment and prizes for the best costumes, with patrons welcome from 8am.

Four other Canberra bookstores are listed on the official website's party locator, with many others planning events across the city.