Wizards has announced the 2011 Pro tour schedule, calling them 'Magic Weekends.' This appears to be the next iteration of the 'Magic Festival' concept which they began with the 2010 Pro tour. Since it's inception the Pro tour has been considered, by many, to be an advertising cost for Wizards. A big tournament that has driven sales for Magic, however as the game has matured and grown there is a need to turn it into more than just a 300-400 person invite-only event. Thus enters the 'Magic Weekends.' Of especial interest is Paris which will feature a Grand Prix alongside the main event. This might be a test to see if it is a feasible model to move towards in the future.

The schedule, as announced, is as follows:

Paris, France: February 10–13, 2011

• Location: Espace Champerret
• Pro Tour format: Standard and Booster Draft with a Standard Top 8
• Grand Prix format: Scars of Mirrodin & Mirrodin Besieged Limited
• Qualifier Season: October 2 through December 31, Sealed Deck format

Nagoya, Japan: June 10-12, 2011

• Location: Nagoya Congress Center
• Pro Tour format: Block Constructed and Booster Draft with a Booster Draft Top 8
• Qualifier Season: January 1 through April 10, Extended format

Philadelphia, PA USA: September 2-4, 2011

• Location: Philadelphia Convention Center
• Pro Tour format: Extended and Booster Draft with an Extended Top 8
• Qualifier Season: April 16 through July 31, Standard format

San Francisco, CA USA: November 17-20, 2011

• Location: Fort Mason Center
• 2011 World Championships formats: TBA