There are less than two weeks until Halloween and you know what that means: It’s time to watch “Hocus Pocus” every day until Oct. 31. While that is basically how I spend every October anyway, it’s even better this season, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the beloved film.
To celebrate, Freeform will not only be showing the movie multiple times — including all day on Halloween! — but the network also aired a special titled “Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Halloween Bash” on Oct. 20 in honor of the film’s milestone birthday.
While the network previously released some details about the birthday bash, (including the fact that Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy would make appearances) we were left wondering until the last minute if Bette Midler (aka Winifred Sanderson) would join in on the fun.
Finally, a YouTube video posted on Freeform’s channel confirmed that Winnie would, in fact, be there. “Wait, wait a minute,” Midler said in the video, while using her “Hocus Pocus” voice. “What’s a Sanderson sister celebration without Winifred?”
Winnie not only made the potions, but also performed the spells needed to “suck the lives out of little children.” Without her, there truly are no Sanderson Sisters!
The 90-minute birthday bash was filmed at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and featured music, trivia, and commentary about the film.
In case you missed this night of magic and wonder, Freeform has made it available online, and you can view it using the login for your TV provider.
So, what are you waiting for? Celebrate 25 years of “Hocus Pocus” with Freeform’s special anniversary bash! Just don’t light any black flame candles.