Celebrate Taylor Swift’s New Showgirl Album With These Philly Events
Are you ready for it? The Life of a Showgirl comes out on October 3rd, and Philly Swifties are making plans.
Celebrate Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, in Philly with these specials. / Photograph courtesy of Madison K
Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, drops this Friday, and Philly is ready to celebrate. From glitter-soaked dance parties and late-night listening sessions to themed food and drink specials, Swifties will have no shortage of ways to sing and dance along to whatever Taylor Swift’s 12th album brings.
Whether you’re planning to stay up past midnight or make it a full weekend of Eras-inspired fun, here’s where to find the best Swift-centric happenings around town.
The Life of a Showgirl Release Parties and Happenings
The Official Release Party of a Showgirl Movie
Taylor Swift is making her album release a cinematic experience — and after the smash that was the Eras Tour movie, who can blame her? — with the theatrical release of The Official Release Party of a Showgirl. The film will include the premiere of her music video for her new single “The Fate of Ophelia,” along with behind-the-scenes footage and lyric videos for the rest of the album’s songs. It’s playing all weekend in Philly at pretty much any theater you can think of. AMC Dine-In probably has some merch and/or cocktail fun tie-ins, so I’d go there, but it’s playing everywhere. Here’s the schedule.
October 3rd-5th, multiple locations.
Latchkey
The East Passyunk record store is planning a listening party with special giveaways and good vibes. They’ve also got pre-orders of the orange-glitter vinyl on their website if you want to secure your copy ahead of time.
October 3rd, 6 p.m., 1502 East Passyunk Avenue.
Greatest Hits
And if you’re in the burbs, Delco record store Greatest Hits is also spinning at 6 p.m. They’ll also have friendship bracelets and sweet treats!
October 3rd, 6 p.m., 21 South Jackson Street, Media.
Blondie
Looking for a little more of a party with your listening? Blondie in Manayunk’s Pink Room is the spot for you. They’ll have food and drink specials back there, too.
October 3rd, 7-9 p.m., 4417 Main Street.
Cupid’s Bookshop
This Best of Philly-winning romance bookstore clearly knows its audience and is getting in on the action with a “Bring Your Own Glass” listening party. (Bring something to sip on, too.) Listen to the new album, and pose with a cardboard cutout of Fabio while you’re there.
October 3rd, 6-7:30 p.m., 106 Grape Street, Front A.
Let Me Know Club
Philly’s most wholesome craft and social club is planning a listening party with coloring pages, friendship bracelets, and album discussion. BYO snacks and drinks. You can sign up here, and then you’ll be told the location.
October 3rd, 7 p.m., location TBA.
Riot Nerd’s TLOASG Release Day Party
The Best of Philly-winning themed-dance-party planners are hosting a free party at Live! Casino’s Center Bar on Friday night. Want more of a dance party? Don’t worry: They’re planning one for next weekend. (See below.)
October 3rd, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Live! Casino & Hotel, 900 Packer Avenue.
Mad Cat Brewtique
This cute, new cafe-slash-boutique is splashing out with an event featuring glittery drinks, a drag performance by Elektra Ryan, karaoke, and more surprises. And they’re already serving up their Matcha of a Showgirl drink if you just can’t wait till the party.
October 4th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2227 Grays Ferry Avenue.
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Teen Listening Party at Marple Public Library
Swifties in grades six through 12 are invited to make friendship bracelets, eat snacks, and listen to Taylor’s new album at the library. They’ll also have Showgirl-inspired pin giveaways.
October 4th, 11 a.m., Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Road, Broomall.
Showgirl Era Cookie Decorating Class
Sweet Stiles Cookie is hosting a cookie-decorating class full of showgirl sparkle. Kids age 10 and up are welcome with an adult, and you can also order a take-home DIY kit if you’d rather do it at home or if your kids are too young for the workshop. (And if you don’t feel up to making your own cookies, scroll down for a couple Philly bakeries taking care of that for you.)
October 5th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., HUB 868, 868 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood.
SwifTea Showgirl Soirée
Hotel du Pont is going full glam with a very special Taylor Swift-themed tea party. There’ll be themed bites and treats, a photo booth, a bedazzling station, and cocktails for purchase. And of course, they’ll be playing The Life of a Showgirl. Reserve your spot online.
$65; October 5th, 3-5 p.m., Hotel du Pont, 42 West 11th Street, Wilmington.
Riot Nerd Taylor Night
Celebrate Taylor’s Showgirl era with an all-out bash at TLA featuring DJ 21Sparksfly and drag impersonation by Jenny Henny.
$14-$28; October 11th, 8 p.m., Theatre of the Living Arts, 334 South Street.
The Life of a Showgirl Drag Brunch
Hosted by Jenny Henny, with performances by Yari, Christina Bangz, and Astala Vista, this Riot Nerd drag brunch promises sparkle, glam, and a whole lot of Taylor.
$15-$25; October 19th, noon, City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.
Food Specials and More
Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl-themed cookie / Photograph courtesy of Madison K
Madison K Cookies
Of course this Best of Philly-winning cookie artist is going to have Taylor Swift creations. She’ll be selling TS12 cookies in her NoLibs bakery on release day from opening till sell-out, so get in early!
October 3rd, 10 a.m. till sold out, 800 North 2nd Street, Northern Liberties.
Bredenbeck’s Bakery
And on the other side of town, Chestnut Hill’s Bredenbeck’s has got Showgirl treats of their own. They’ll have Taylor Swift-themed cookies, cakes, and cupcakes available this Thursday for you to pick up in advance of your listening party. Stop in or call 215-247-7374 to place an advance order.
October 2nd, 8126 Germantown Avenue.
Photograph courtesy of Loretta’s
Loretta’s
To celebrate the new album, the Head House cafe has Cold Brew (Taylor’s Version), made with brown sugar and orange syrup, and topped with pistachio brown butter, glitter cold foam, pistachio dust, and orange sprinkles. It’ll run you $10 and will be available all weekend.
$10; October 2nd-5th, 410 South 2nd Street.
Minor Details
You can always count on Minor Details for some good Swiftie merch, and they’re coming through for this era. They’ve got exclusive The Life of a Showgirl candles made by Sweet Nostalgia Scents, with different album variation covers on the jars.
Available now, 4401 Main Street and 2023 Frankford Avenue.
