We’ve been getting lots of mail alerting us to events all over the world meant to celebrate World Hobbit Day (September 22 -also Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday) and cap off a fabulous Hobbit week that included the debut of a new Hobbit Trailer. As a service to our readers, we’ve gathered information about all of the events we know about into one place so you can plan your weekends accordingly. Starting with world-wide second breakfasts tomorrow, and moving on to online events and local celebrations, the weekend promises food, friends and fun for all: what Hobbit wouldn’t love that? If you have an event that you’d like us to include, please drop us a line at spymaster@theonering.net and we’ll add it to the list.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Hobbit 2nd Breakfast – worldwide
11:00 a.m.
Brought to you by: Harper Collins UK (and other events as written up by our friends at the Wall Street Journal)
At 11 a.m. sharp tomorrow, “The Hobbit” fans from all over the world are invited to raise a buttered scone to Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo and Frodo are hobbits in the beloved J.R.R. Tolkien classic, “The Lord of the Rings,” and they share a birthday on Saturday, Sept. 22. But tomorrow, Sept. 21, 2012, also marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of “The Hobbit,” the prelude to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy that introduces readers to Bilbo, Gollum and the ring.
To celebrate, publisher HarperCollins UK is organizing “The Hobbit Second Breakfast,” encouraging fans everywhere to eat a second breakfast at 11 a.m., “inspired by the ideals cherished by hobbits everywhere: camaraderie, companionship and, of course, a love of good food.” Lots of other good links and ideas here! Read more…
Oxonmoot – Oxford, England, U.K.
September 21 – 23
Brought to you by: The Tolkien Society
Oxonmoot is held in Oxford in September every year, usually on the weekend closest to the 22nd of September, Frodo and Bilbo’s birthday. For many years the event has been held at a picturesque Oxford college, some closely associated with Tolkien or other literary figures. There are usually around 100 to 200 people attending. The moot centres on talks and panels hosted by people researching Tolkien’s works and life, and there is usually a quiz, an art show, an evening get-together with a masquerade, a remembrance visit to Tolkien’s grave in north Oxford, and last, but not least, the chance to spend a weekend in the company of other people who love J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. Read more…
Festival in the Shire – Leiden, Holland
September 20 -22 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Brought to you by: Festival Art and Books
Art exhibition featuring the work of world renowned fantasy artists, a bookfair with a large selection of books and Lord of the Rings movie merchandise, and a program of talks.
Confirmed speakers so far: Rodney Matthews, Roger Dean, Tim Kirk, Joe Gilronan, Peter Kenny, Renee Vink, Henk Brassien. Read more…
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
TheOneRing.net 10th Annual Baggins Birthday Bash – Los Angeles, California
Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Brought to you by: Your friends here at TheOneRing.net
Can you believe it has been 10 years since we first gathered at Griffith Park to celebrate the birthday of not one, but two imaginary characters from a book and film? The Baggins’ Birthday Bash has always been a great way to celebrate Fellowship amongst LA Fandom, act a little goofy, and to farewell the Summer. This year the party comes just a day after the official 75th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit back in 1937, so we’ll have more to celebrate than just Bilbo and Frodo. Read more…
Hobbit Day Gathering and Celebration – Longmont, Colorado
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Brought to you by: The Grey Havens Group
Celebrate Hobbit Day with The Grey Havens Group at Dickens Tavern and Opera House in Longmont, Colorado. There will be an epic Trivia Battle of Five Armies with many prizes to be won. There will be face painting, crafts, games, live music, “fireworks,” a raffle and you never know which friendly hobbits you might meet. Costumes are encouraged! Read more…
Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the publication of “The Hobbit” – St. Paul, Minnesota
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Brought to you by: The Rivendell Group, the Minnesota Tolkien Society, and Common Good Books
Enjoy a Hobbit trivia quiz. Sing a couple of filk-songs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filk_music). David Emerson will read his Tolkien fan-fiction inspired short story; Ruth Berman, author of the new novel, Bradamant’s Quest and Rhysling Award-winning poet will read Tolkien-inspired poetry, from her own pen and others’; Mikeal Smith will share his extensive collection of Hobbit editions; and yes, there will be birthday cake. Read more…
Hobbit Day Party – Asheville, North Carolina
3:00 p.m.
Brought to you by: Malaprop Bookstore and Café
Malaprop’s Bookstore and cafe in North Carolina will be a hosting a party of special magnificence on Hobbit Day, September 22nd at 3pm it also happens to be a 75th Anniversary celebration since the publication of The Hobbit, they’ll have prizes and are holding a costume contest (photos can be sent in now). Read more…
Elevenses, on the 75th anniversary of “The Hobbit” – Concord, New Hampshire
11:00 a.m.
Brought to you by: Gibson’s Bookstore
September 22, 2012 marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien’s THE HOBBIT, and it’s also the birthday of the beloved main character Bilbo! To celebrate, we’ll be having Elevenses (The third meal of the day for hobbits. After Second Breakfast but before Luncheon) in the store, and a few games and contests. Join us for a cup of tea and a snack! Read more…
Birthday Party for Bilbo – Weslaco, Texas
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Brought to you by: The Storybook Garden
You know we love to celebrate at The Storybook Garden so we’re throwing a birthday for our favorite hobbit, Bilbo! September 21st marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of “The Hobbit” and September 22nd is Bilbo’s birthday. So join us for some sweets and fun as we introduce a whole new generation of readers to this timeless classic! Read more…
ONLINE EVENTS:
Celebrate Hobbit Day with us on TheOneRing.net’s discussion boards – enjoy lots of games, quizzes and reminisces about “The Hobbit” and J.R.R. Tolkien with fellow enthusiastic fans. If you’re not already a member of our boards, sign up here and join in the fun!
Hougton Mifflin Hobbit Day Events – September 22nd is Hobbit Day! Celebrate Bilbo’s birthday and the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit with us. On Twitter, use #hobbitday to follow the celebration and post your own events, birthday toasts, and favorite Bilbo moments.
Warner Brothers Hobbit blog – You never know what interesting Hobbit news will surface here. Be sure to check it throughout the weekend for Hobbit updates.
