Harry Potter Frenzy Takes Hold: Final Installment Opens Tonight

The countdown clock is ticking for tonight's opening of the final installment of the Harry Potter series on the big screen, Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows: Part 2.

Much-anticipated first screenings begin at midnight, but many local theaters are reporting sold-out shows--some of which sold out more than a week ago.

Assistant Manager Wilbert Hawkins says all their midnight shows--on seven screens--"sold out by last week."

"We expect enormous crowds... lines outside will begin about 6 or 7 p.m. to get seats," said Hawkins. Seats are still available for showings on Friday, starting at 9:45 a.m. and continuing throughout the day.

Midnight shows are also sold out at AMC Loews White Flint 5 theaters, and AMC Loews Rio Cinemas 18. The Movies at Montgomery mall is not running a midnight showing, but still has seats available for showings tomorrow starting at 11:00 a.m.

But, don't fret if you can't get into a midnight show--how about 3:00 a.m.?

Both White Flint and have added 3:00 a.m. showings, after tonight's (or technically, Friday morning's) midnight runs. Seats are still available for the 3:00 a.m. shows at both locations.

So, if you've got your wizard garb (and coffee) ready, here's a rundown of where/when you can catch the movie tonight/tomorrow:

The Movies at Montgomery (at Montgomery Mall): Showings/tickets available Friday 7/15; showtimes 11:00 a.m., and 2:00, 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Regal Bethesda 10: Midnight shows sold out; tickets still available Friday 7/15 at 9:45 a.m., and 12:05, 12:50, 3:10, 3:55, 6:15 and 10:05 p.m. (Tickets also still available for the 3D version, showing 10:30 a.m. Friday and throughout the day).

AMC Loews White Flint 5 (at White Flint Mall): Midnight shows sold out but 3:00 a.m. show has been added with tickets still available. Friday 7/15 shows at 1:00, 4:15, 7:15 and 10:15 p.m. (All shows are 3D).

AMC Loews Rio Cinemas 18 (Gaithersburg): Midnight shows sold out, but tickets still available for the 3:00 a.m. showing. Plenty of showings Friday 7/15 with tickets still available for 11:15 and 11:45 a.m.; and 12:15, 2:20, 2:50, 3:20, 5:25, 5:50., 6:30, 8:30, 9:00, 9:40 and 11:35 p.m.; as well as three midnight showings. (3D and IMAX versions also available at this location, all day).