Swifties, it’s time to put on your best eras-themed outfit, grab some red lipstick, and get ready for a weekend full of Taylor Swift events. The Life of a Showgirl, Swift’s 12th studio album, drops at midnight on October 3. Along with Swift’s official cinema experience, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, local bars, restaurants, and breweries in Northern Virginia and DC are celebrating the album’s release with themed playlists, cocktails, bracelet making, and more.
AMC Theatres
October 3–5
Get a ticket to a local AMC Theatre for The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, an 86-minute cinematic experience featuring the premiere of “The Fate of Ophelia” music video and behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot. During the screening, Taylor Swift also shares her reflections on writing the latest album. Multiple area locations, starting at $12
Lost Barrel Brewing
October 3, 12 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Invite your friends to this all-day Taylor Swift party at Lost Barrel Brewing in Middleburg. All ages are invited to participate in activities like a friendship bracelet station, a charm bar and permanent jewelry by Ransom Jewelry, and cowboy boot branding. Enjoy Taylor Swift’s hits all day while sipping a Swiftie-themed cocktail, posing in front of a selfie backdrop, and getting glitter hair strands from Glitter Goddess Hair Studio. 36138 Little River Tpk., Middleburg, free
Gum Spring Library
October 3, 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Bring the whole family to the Loudoun County library for a laid-back celebration of the release of The Life of a Showgirl. Spend the day making friendship bracelets and decorating a Taylor Swift-themed poster while enjoying the new album. 24600 Millstream Dr., Stone Ridge, free
Makers Union
October 3, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.
Make a reservation at one of the four Makers Union locations around Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, for the Swiftie Soirée Album Release Party. A DJ will play all of Taylor Swift’s hits, while guests play music bingo, stop by the permanent jewelry bar, and try out glitter freckles. Sip on one of the Swift-themed beverages like “Baby, That’s Show Business for You,” which features pink lemonade vodka, lemon, simple syrup, Sprite, and edible glitter. Multiple area locations, free
Problem Child
October 3, 7:30 p.m.
Grab a ticket to this DC bar for a live Taylor Swift experience without the Ticketmaster headaches. The Fearless Eras Band, a tribute band, will perform hits from Swift’s country roots all the way to her newer pop hits. Ticket prices include a complimentary glitter Jello shot upon entry. 1201 Half St. SE, Washington, DC, $12
Shipgarten
October 3, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Pick out an outfit based on your favorite era to win prizes at Shipgarten’s look-alike contest during the Taylor Swift Album Release Party in Tysons. The event will have Swift-themed activities like bingo, themed cocktails, a friendship bracelet bar, and a voting station for the artist’s most iconic ex-boyfriend. The event is for ages 21 and up only, and you can reserve tickets online. 7581 Colshire Dr., Tysons, free
Whitlow’s DC
October 3, 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy the start of cardigan weather at this family-owned rooftop bar. Taylor Swift–inspired events start at 8:30 p.m. with music bingo, and DJ Killabeats24 hosts a sing-along of the Swift’s hits beginning at 10 p.m. Make and trade friendship bracelets, sip on a Swiftie signature cocktail, and get your face painted at Whitlow’s album release celebration. 901 U St. NW, Washington, DC, free
Cynthia Bar and Bistro
October 4–5
Bottomless mimosas, bottomless bacon, and Swift-themed cocktails are all on the menu at Cynthia Bar and Bistro’s “Brunch of a Showgirl.” The themed brunch features a full playthrough of the new album and a curated playlist of the pop star’s top hits. Dress your best and grab a selfie with friends at one of the photo ops around the restaurant. 502 H St. NE, Washington, DC, free
Cork Wine Bar and Market
October 4, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Taste “Taylor’s favorite wines” at this specialty tasting while enjoying a curated playlist of the artist’s hits. The event is hosted by Todd Schneider of Forager Wines, and the tasting fee goes toward any retail wine purchase. 1805 14th St. NW, Washington, DC, $5
Feature image courtesy Disney+
