ACOTAR 6 Midnight Release Parties: Target and Barnes & Noble Events Explained

By Ahaqir Ishaq

ACOTAR fans can celebrate the arrival of A Court of Splintered Harmony at midnight release parties hosted by participating Target and Barnes & Noble stores. The celebrations take place on Monday evening, October 26, ahead of the book’s Tuesday, October 27 release.

Before planning your night, check the rules for your chosen location. Target has specific instructions for midnight purchases and preorder pickup, while Barnes & Noble directs readers to individual stores for event details.

Here is what to know before heading out.

When Are the ACOTAR 6 Midnight Release Parties?

Target lists its events for 9 p.m. on October 26 through midnight on October 27, local time. Barnes & Noble’s announcement confirms October 26 festivities and midnight sales, but readers should check their store’s start time.

That means you should plan around Monday night if you want to join the countdown.

For background on the novel itself, visit our ACOTAR 6 release-date and reading refresher guide.

What Is Target Planning?

According to Target’s official announcement, approximately 250 stores will host release celebrations. Activities include ACOTAR trivia, photo opportunities and shopping for merchandise.

The retailer’s collection launched October 11 and includes series-inspired apparel, teas, jewelry, drinkware and fragrances. Most items are priced below $20, although individual availability will vary.

Target also announced an exclusive gift for purchasers of book six, designed in partnership with Sarah J. Maas, while supplies last.

For readers who enjoy collecting, decide which extras matter to you before arriving. A book budget and a merchandise budget can quickly become two different things.

Target’s First-100-Guests Rule and Preorder Pickup

Target’s event page says the first 100 guests receive a free keychain and a ticket giving them the opportunity to purchase the book at midnight, while supplies last. The corporate announcement identifies the keychain as Bryaxis-themed.

The ticket is an opportunity to buy a copy; it is not a free book.

There is another important detail: preorder pickup orders will not be available until the store opens on October 27. Readers should not assume that an existing pickup order can be collected during the midnight celebration.

Use the participating-store list linked on Target’s event page, then contact your location about arrival and ticket distribution. If you already ordered a copy, clarify your options before making another purchase.

What Is Barnes & Noble Planning?

Barnes & Noble’s October 19 announcement says more than 500 stores will host ACOTAR-themed games and festivities on October 26, with the opportunity to buy the book at midnight.

Its merchandise includes a House of Wind library book counter, a Feyre Archeron Funko Pop!, a Bryaxis bag charm and an A Court of Silver Flames-inspired book vase.

A Barnes & Noble-exclusive book shoulder bag becomes available October 26, with midnight-party attendees receiving first access to purchase it.

The bookseller specifically asks customers to contact their local store to confirm participation and event details. Treat that call as part of planning the evening, especially if you are coordinating with friends.

Do You Need Tickets for Barnes & Noble?

Check the individual event listing before traveling. The Union Square event page in New York City includes a “Buy Tickets” option.

Meanwhile, the Colonie Centre event listing in Albany is marked sold out as of October 24.

Those examples show why a national announcement does not establish availability at your nearest branch.

Before committing to a location, confirm whether admission requires registration, whether a book purchase is included, and how reserved copies will be handled. Save the confirmation so you have the details handy at check-in.

Should You Choose Target or Barnes & Noble?

My recommendation is to prioritize a confirmed place at an event over an advertised collectible.

Target may appeal to readers interested in its merchandise collection and first-100-guests offer. Barnes & Noble may be a convenient choice if a nearby branch has an event with available admission.

Consider the trip home, too. If you have an early Tuesday start, a nearby celebration may be more enjoyable than a long drive after midnight.

What to Check Before Leaving

• Confirm the exact store address and event start time.
• Check registration, ticket and book-reservation requirements.
• Ask where attendees should enter or line up.
• Keep your order or admission confirmation accessible.
• Set a spending limit for optional merchandise.
• Plan transportation home after the countdown.

If your first choice is full, ask another participating location about availability before changing plans.

A Chance to Celebrate With Other Readers

The appeal of a midnight release is the shared anticipation: meeting fellow readers, comparing theories and counting down together.

Choose the event that fits your schedule, confirm the purchase arrangements, and enjoy returning to Prythian with other fans.

Prefer to order online? Check availability for A Court of Splintered Harmony on Amazon.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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