Tucson Swifties, it’s time to grab your cardigans, your orange glitter, and your friendship bracelets, to celebrate the release of Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl!”
Swift’s much anticipated 12th album comes out Oct. 3, and Tucson is ready to turn it up!
From theatrical events, to listening parties and themed crafts, here’s how you can join the festivities and enjoy the new album to the fullest.
Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" comes out Oct. 3. Tucson fans can celebrate at various parties and themed events.
“The Life of a Showgirl” listening party — Corbett’s, 340 N. Sixth Ave.
And ‘Night of a Showgirl,’ Afterparty — Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E Congress St.
Calling all Swifties, Corbett’s is celebrating the release with a special listening party in its beer garden, complete with Taylor-themed cocktails, DIY vinyl painting, vendors, and more.
Stefanie Shirley, the marketing director for both Corbett’s and Playground Bar & Lounge, said the idea was inspired by the success of their Love Island watch parties earlier in the summer.
“We saw a lot of success from the community — especially a lot of the female crowd — wanting to celebrate something fun with Love Island,” Shirley said. “So (we were) just trying to figure out other ways to really bring that crowd back out again, and when it comes to Taylor Swift, I feel like that's another strong following that we wanted to make sure to be part of.”
The party starts at 8 p.m. Oct. 3, with the album listening starting at 9 p.m. sharp. It is free to attend, so grab your besties, dress in sequins and sparkles, and get ready to sing, scream and cry along with other fans.
“We just feel like it'll be such a fun vibe for everyone,” Shirley said.
Local artist Camila Ibarra of Camila on Canvas will be at the event, offering a fun Taylor-themed vinyl painting project for $40.
“Camila on Canvas usually does a lot of murals in Tucson, and she does some paint and sip classes as well,” Shirley said. “But specifically for this, she really wanted to do something where we paint on vinyl. So the idea, obviously, is that it'll be a Taylor Swift-themed painting session.”
They are also hoping to have several other vendors and more surprises for partygoers.
“I know we're going to do some temporary tattoos and stuff. Those are very fun,” Shirley said.
One of the reasons Swift has cultivated such a devoted following, Shirley said, is her talent as an artist.
“I think she's a fantastic singer and songwriter. Me personally, I will listen to her when I'm sad, when I'm heartbroken, I'm listening to her when I'm happy. There's so many different types of ways that I connect with her music.”
She also praised Swift’s connection to her audience.
“I feel like that's just created a strong following within why people listen to her, and then she just does a great job honestly of putting herself out there and making it like a show and a whole production.”
After the festivities at Corbett’s, there will be a Taylor-themed after party at the Playground rooftop, featuring music from the newest album as well as some of Swift’s other hits.
“We want to call that the ‘Night of a Showgirl,’” Shirley said. “The DJ will do a mix of some Taylor Swift, some pop, all of that fun stuff. We'll probably do some decorations as well, just to make it a full party night for everyone.”
Visit the event page for more information.
The Neighborhood, 61 E. Congress St.
The Neighborhood has also confirmed it is planning a rooftop party on Oct. 3 to celebrate “The Life of a Showgirl,” though further details had not been released as of Monday, Sept. 22.
“The Official Release Party of a Showgirl”
On Sept. 19, Swift announced an official theatrical release party to celebrate the new album and the start of her Showgirl Era.
“The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” will show at Cinemark, AMC, Harkins and Galaxy theaters around Tucson at various times from Oct. 3-5.
The limited time event will play in theatres only Oct. 3-5, and will feature the exclusive world premiere of the music video “The Fate of Ophelia,” behind-the-scenes footage from the music video shoot, brand new lyric videos, and Swift’s never-before-seen personal reflections on songs from “The Life of a Showgirl.”
You can catch showings of the release party at Cinemark, AMC, Harkins and Galaxy theaters around Tucson at various times throughout the weekend.
“The Party of a Showgirl” — Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Hotel Congress, Best Life Presents and 22 & good 4 u are teaming up to throw a dazzling listening party fit for a showgirl.
The event will celebrate the release of Taylor’s new album by spinning the entire album as well as her biggest hits and deepest cuts.
“We know everyone loves a theme, and what’s better than listening to an album for the first time with all your fellow Swifties?” said marketing manager Alyssa Sandoval.
The event will be 21+, with doors opening at 8 p.m. Oct. 3 and the listening party beginning at 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 or you can purchase tickets the day of the event for $20.
Sandoval said they expect a few hundred people to attend, and as of Monday over 100 tickets have been sold.
Partygoers are encouraged to wear their favorite Swiftie merch or Taylor-inspired outfits and dance the night away to their favorite songs.
22 & good 4 u is also doing a special vinyl giveaway for fans!
You can enter by texting +1 (415) 360-1509 with keyword -SHOWGIRL + TUCSON, then make sure to follow @22andgood4u and @clubcongress on Instagram, and tag a few friends (or 13!) in the comments. Don’t forget to repost the party poster to your Instagram story.
The winners will be chosen via text response on Oct. 3.
Visit the event page for more information.
Taylor Swift accepts the award for best pop vocal album for "Midnights" during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Vinyl Record Paint & Sip — The Korean Rose and The Art Cart, 6118 E. Speedway Suite 102
If you’re looking for a more low-key-and creative way to celebrate Taylor's new album, The Art Cart will be hosting a Taylor Swift-inspired paint and sip event at The Korean Rose from 6-8 p.m. on the day of the release.
Bring your favorite Swiftie and spend the evening painting on old vinyl records, listening to the new album, sipping themed drinks, and reflecting on Taylor's past eras.
“Every month or so, I do vinyl record paint and sips,” said Caroline Martin, the artist behind The Art Cart. “My paint and sips are always on vinyl records, but normally they're just desert-themed. This month, it's still desert-themed, but through a Taylor Swift twist. So we're painting all different desert cactuses in the styles inspired by all of her past albums and eras.”
Martin herself is a big Taylor Swift fan, and said she was inspired to bring her love of Swift’s music to her regular vinyl paint and sip for this special event.
The event has space for around 20 participants, and you can purchase your tickets on Eventbrite for $35. Even if you're not a Swiftie, Martin said you’ll still leave the event with a cool, pop-art inspired painting.
Martin said she is looking forward to the new album-and Swift’s new era.
“I'm excited that it's going to be an upbeat pop album, and I'm just excited,” Martin said. “She recorded it while she was still doing the Eras Tour, so it's like the final bow on that era of her life. So that is why I'm also really excited about this album.”
Visit the event page for more information.
