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Coupeville: A Town Forever "Practical Magic"
2 Sep
Summary
- Coupeville transformed for "Practical Magic," with painted storefronts.
- "Practical Magic 2" filming in England, not the Pacific Northwest.
- Local shops thrive 28 years later selling "Practical Magic" merchandise.
The Washington town of Coupeville experienced a cinematic transformation when Hollywood filmed the original "Practical Magic" there nearly three decades ago. For the 1998 fantasy film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, the town's storefronts were repainted, and local residents participated as extras. This event is being revisited as "Practical Magic 2" is set to release in theaters on September 10, 2026.
While the original film left a lasting impression on Coupeville, with shops continuing to sell "Practical Magic"-themed items and offering guided tours, the sequel was filmed in Hertfordshire, England, not the Pacific Northwest. The town's charm, enhanced by the movie's filming, continues to draw visitors who seek to recapture the magic, even though the iconic Victorian house from the film was a prop built in Friday Harbor and later destroyed.
Coupeville's connection to "Practical Magic" is celebrated annually during Practically Magic Halloweekend in late October. This event features movie-themed activities like scavenger hunts and parades, highlighting the town's enduring enchantment. The town's ability to preserve and promote its cinematic history showcases the lingering impact movies can have on a location and its community.
