South Florida is ready for it: Taylor Swift will release her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” at the stroke of midnight on Friday, with festivities beginning on Thursday at movie theaters, bars, bake shops, restaurants, record stores and house parties across the region.
All of these events have one thing in common — fans’ desire to immerse themselves in her empowering lyrics and sisterhood with other Swifties.
Here’s a look at some of the places that Swift fans will gather in South Florida, including midnight listening parties, karaoke nights and a brunch, where fashion, friendship bracelets and authentic positivity will rule.
THURSDAY
“Official” movie: With no tour to unite fans for this album, the biggest meet-up potential will come at dozens of movie theaters across South Florida that are scheduled to screen “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday and continuing through Sunday. An 89-minute peek behind the scenes of the recording, the film will include the world premiere of the music video for her song “The Fate of Ophelia,” lyric videos and Swift’s stories about songs on the album. Tickets have sold quickly, of course, but last time we checked some theaters had seats available. Check your local theater for showtimes and updates.
Bring your Kelce: Thrōw Social in downtown Delray Beach will get fans hyped up for the album from 7 p.m. to midnight Thursday with an all-ages celebration that will include Swiftie-themed drinks, bracelet making, photo ops and costume contests for best dressed individual and best Taylor-Travis couple. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Thrōw Social: 29 SE Second Ave., Delray Beach; ThrowSocial.com/delray
If you need an idea for a Travis Kelce costume (a jersey is too easy), here is what he wore to the 2024 U.S. Open tennis championships. (Frank Franklin II/AP file)
Dance party: Orlando-based, Swift-obsessed Le Petite Fete will celebrate the release of “The Life of a Showgirl” with a dance party at Miami music dive Gramps in Wynwood. Beginning when doors open at 8 p.m. Thursday, the 21-and-older event will include Taylor tunes all night, costume contests, lip-sync battles, “Showgirl” photo ops, giveaways and more. Tickets cost $15 in advance, $20 day of. Gramps: 176 NW 24th St., Miami; Gramps.com; LePetiteFete.com
Lyrical night: Sweet Caroline Karaoke Bar in downtown Miami’s effervescent Brickell district will celebrate on Thursday at 9 p.m. with a sing-along survey of classic tracks from all the Swift eras, $13 Taylor-inspired cocktails, and more. Sweet Caroline Karaoke Bar: 1111 SW First Ave., No. 107, Miami; Instagram.com/sweetcarolinebar
“Showgirl” & brunch: A buzzy new restaurant in a historic building in downtown Lake Worth Beach, from the team that created Ravish Off Ocean in Lantana, Pomona will host a listening party from 10 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday. The night will include a late-night menu, themed cocktails, raffles and dancing to favorite songs. Early-bird tickets cost $15. … On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pomona will host Swifties Brunch and Brush, with a brunch buffet, a Taylor-inspired craft project, themed cocktails or an optional bottomless $25 mimosa bar. Of course, the soundtrack will be “The Life of A Showgirl” and her greatest hits. Tickets: $60 (includes brunch buffet and craft supplies). Pomona: 717 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach; Instagram.com/pomonalwb
Sweet dreams: Miami munchies destination Night Owl Cookies in Wynwood will reprise the event it had in 2024 for “Tortured Poets” with a “Showgirl” listening party from 10 p.m. Thursday to 1:30 a.m. Friday. The album release will include a TS12 cookie, sparkling themed drinks and a limited-edition Night Owl Showgirl tote bag, photo ops, midnight coffee and more. Night Owl Cookies: 163 NW 25th St., Miami; Instagram.com/nightowlcookies
Get the record: The crew at Rust & Wax Record Shop in West Palm Beach will host a free listening party on Thursday night, beginning at 11 p.m. with sing-alongs to classic Taylor Swift hits until the new songs come on at midnight. Swiftie-eras attire and bracelet trading will be encouraged. A limited number of copies of “The Life of A Showgirl” will be available for purchase, including the collectible Sweat & Vanilla Perfume Portofino Orange Glitter Vinyl and the Sweat & Vanilla Perfume CD. An RSVP is required for the party and pre-orders of the album are highly(!) recommended. Rust & Wax Record Shop: 2512 Florida Ave. West Palm Beach; Facebook.com/RustandWax
FRIDAY
Moon shots: Howl at the Moon in downtown Fort Lauderdale will host a Swiftie takeover on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. with a dress-to-impress party featuring a live band playing an all-Taylor (and Taylor-adjacent) soundtrack for your sing-along pleasure and a Taylor-themed menu of drinks, from shots to buckets. Doors open at 5 p.m. Howl at the Moon, 270 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; HowlAtTheMoon.com/fort-lauderdale
To “Era” is human: Captivated Comedy Co. will conjure a speakeasy vibe for its album-release party on Friday at Wilton Collective, the upscale Wilton Manors thrift shop and consignment store where you might be able to find the perfect attire for any Taylor era. The fashionable party will begin at 8 p.m. and include themed cocktails and decor (plenty of photo ops) and, of course, “The Life of a Showgirl” in heavy rotation. Tickets for the 18+ event cost $20 in advance (add password SunSentinel for a $5 discount), $25 at the door (if available). Wilton Collective, 1414 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors; Instagram.com/southfloridaswiftie; Eventbrite.com
SATURDAY, OCT. 11
Future fun: Can’t make it this weekend? The Banyan Live in West Palm Beach will throw its “Showgirl” party on Saturday, Oct. 11, spinning the album and her greatest hits all night. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the 18-and-older dance party, which will include friendship bracelet trading, a Swiftie sing-off, ‘Showgirl’ fashion and prizes. Advance tickets cost $16.69 for those older than 21, $21.21 for guests ages 18-20. The Banyan Live: 8199 Southern Blvd., Suite B, West Palm Beach; TheBanyanLive.com
Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com. Follow on IG: @BenCrandell.
