This weekend is for the Swifties. After two and a half months of anticipation (and Easter eggs) Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, is set to be released on Friday. And the region is ready to celebrate. You’d be a foolish one if you missed out on a weekend full of Taylor Swift-themed celebrations. Instead, head events around Northern Virginia and DC this weekend.
Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelet Night!
April 18, 6:30 p.m.
Before the album is released, make a handful of friendship bracelets for album release day. Join One More Page Books as it hosts Swifties for an evening of crafts, music, sparkling wine (for when you listen to “Champagne Problems”), and other Swift-related activities. The bookshop will also have some new Taylor Swift merch. You do need to register. One More Page Books: 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington, $15
FREE Taylor Swift Album Drop Party
April 19, 5–10 p.m.
Let your pooch get in on the Taylor Swift hype. As the new album and Swift’s greatest hits play throughout the dog park, enjoy a Swift-themed cocktail. Whether you’re a Fearless fan or a Reputation diehard, make sure to dress in your favorite era because a best costume prize will be given out every hour. Bark Social Alexandria: 529 E. Howell Ave., Alexandria, free
Taylor Swift Album Release Party
April 19, 6–8:30 p.m. (all-ages) and 9 p.m.–2 a.m. (21-plus)
Everyone can dance the night away at this release party. While you’re listening to the new album during the all-ages session, enjoy a luxurious photo booth experience, limited-edition merch, and Swiftie karaoke. Come 9 p.m., the dance floor opens up to the 21-plus crowd for a night full of the singer’s biggest hits. The Monument: 186 N. Loudoun St., Winchester, $19.89 in advance, $25 at the door
Taylor Swift New Album Listening Party with Kittens
April 19, 6–7:30 p.m.
We are sure the cat-loving Swift would approve of this album party. Grab a blanket and cuddle up with some of the cutest kittens at the shelter while you listen to Swift’s newest songs. There will be a friendship bracelet station, a glass of screw-top rosé (shout out to the “Maroon” stans) for each guest. There are only 25 tickets up for grabs, so don’t wait. Animal Welfare League of Arlington: 2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington, $25
Taylor Swift Dance Party!
April 19, 8 p.m.–April 20, 1 a.m.
Shake off the week with a dance party. The Wunder Garden will turn into a Swiftie haven Friday night, so dress up in your Eras Tour outfit and order one of the themed cocktails for a night out that just “hits different.” Wunder Garten: 1101 First St. NE, Washington, DC, free
Taylor Swift Rave! + New Album Listening
April 19, 10 p.m.
Make your way to Dupont Circle for a night you won’t forget. The bar, which will be decorated to the nines, will be buzzing with Swift’s hits, classics, and vault songs. Your followers will feel FOMO as you fill your Instagram feed with all of the Swiftie-themed photo ops and cocktails. Plus, HOT 99.5 will give away a chance to win tickets to the Eras Tour concert in New Orleans. Public Bar Live: 1214 18th St. NW, Washington, DC, $24.99
Taylor Swift Album Release Party in Arlington
April 20, 9:30 p.m.
After you learn the words to all of The Tortured Poets Department songs, plan to spend your Saturday night at Quincy Hall. The venue will host a karaoke night in honor of the latest release. It’ll also have over 200 songs from Swift’s discography up for grabs. Quincy Hall: 4001 Fairfax Dr., Arlington, free
Feature image courtesy Disney+
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