Monday, December 23, 2024

Your Taylor Swift-inspired guide to New Orleans: events, eating, shopping

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NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – As Swifties from all over gear up for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour at the end of October, New Orleans is rolling out the red carpet.

Here’s a guide to make the most of your visit, from themed brunches to unique shopping experiences!

Swift-themed events

Date Event Description
Friday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m. Shake & stretch it off 75 mins warm eras flow yoga at Love More in downtown Covington, LA, hosted by Leslie Jones.
Sunday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m. Eras Tour drag brunch Drag brunch at The Greenwood in Covington featuring four drag queens performing three Taylor songs each, including Queen Lana O-Day.
Wednesday, October 23 Shake It Off: The Ultimate Swiftie Experience at New Orleans Social House A three-day celebration featuring a chef-crafted Taylor-themed menu, glitter bar, and friendship bracelet station.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5-10 p.m. Taylor Swift night at the Greyhound Sip exclusive Swiftie-inspired cocktails and dance to Taylor’s hits at The Greyhound in Covington. Chance to win a 3-foot trophy and enjoy glitter hair braiding by Kismet.
Thursday, October 24 Taylor Swift Burlesque Brunch at Virgin Hotels New Orleans Enjoy DJ entertainment, photo opportunities, airbrush tattoos, and a bracelet-making bar at the Commons Club.
Thursday, Oct. 24 Taylor Swift-themed cocktails Specialty cocktails at Cypress Bar at Southern Hotel, including “Holy Grounds” Espresso Martini and “Bad Blood” Orange Margarita.
Thursday, Oct. 24 Taylor Swift bar crawl Participate in a bar crawl in Olde Towne Slidell, visiting six locations to try Swiftie cocktails and receive a goodie bag after completing the crawl.
Thursday, Oct. 24 Taylor Swift trivia Trivia night at Olde Towne Pizza Co. featuring a friendship bracelet-making station, photo booth, and creative drinks inspired by every era.
Thursday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 27 Taylor Swift “Swifty Beignets” at Beignet au Lait Enjoy beignets and cafe au laits with a special Taylor twist at Beignet au Lait throughout the weekend.
Friday, Oct. 25 – Sunday, Oct. 27 Taylor Swift weekend at 22 Sound Records Gather with fellow Swifties at 22 Sound Records in Mandeville for Taylor-themed karaoke, trivia, and continuous Taylor music playing all weekend.
Friday, October 25 Swiftie’s Drag and Burlesque Brunch at The Commons Club Enjoy a unique brunch experience celebrating a different Taylor era each day of the tour.
Friday-Sunday, October 25-27 Eras-Themed Cocktails at Hyatt Centric French Quarter Sip on 11 Taylor-themed cocktails like the “Bad Bloody Mary” and “Sweet Nothing.”
October 25-27 Taylor Swift Merch Stands Pick up exclusive Taylor merch at Champions Square and Smoothie King Center. Available for both ticket holders and the public.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 5-8 p.m. Taylor Swift trivia at Abita Brewing Company Enjoy pilot brews from Abita, such as Lavender Haze, and food from The Good Stuffed and Oh Yeah! Cajun Style food trucks.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 5-10 p.m. Kids Swifty Par-Tay at Dip It Chocolates An event for kids featuring sweets decorating, karaoke, friendship bracelet making, and dancing at Dip It Chocolates in Mandeville.
Sunday, Oct. 27, 4-9 p.m. Taylor Swift karaoke Join Abita Brewery for Taylor trivia on Saturday and karaoke on Sunday, celebrating the tour with themed events every night.

View more events on NewOrleans.com and VisitTheNorthShore.com.

Eat & drink

From themed brunches to Swift’s favorite spots, here’s where you should eat during the Eras weekend:

  • Saba – One of Taylor’s favorite restaurants in Uptown New Orleans, offering the Lavender Haze cocktail.
  • Bywater Bakery – Famous for making Taylor’s birthday cake, this spot is a must-visit for baked goods.
  • St. James Cheese Company – Try their “Shimmer: A Swiftie Platter” for an extra special Swift-inspired dish.
  • N7 French-Japanese restaurant in the Bywater that served Swift dishes during her birthday trip.
  • Hyatt Centric French Quarter – Offering 11 Taylor-themed cocktails, such as the Bad Bloody Mary and Sweet Nothing.
  • Cane & Table Featuring the Seemingly Ranch Water and My Mind Is Alive cocktails.
  • New Orleans Creole Cookery – Featuring the Mean Margarita and ERAS-Presso Martini.
  • Ayu Bakehouse – Featuring the Look What You Made Me Dough menu.
Concert Day Details

Shopping

Get your perfect Eras outfit and accessories at these local New Orleans shops:

  • Fifi Mahony’s – For wigs, glitter, and all things glam.
  • Funky Monkey – Vintage and eclectic clothing.
  • Buffalo Exchange – Second-hand quirky thrift shop.
  • Miss Claudia’s – Creative and over-the-top costumes
  • Fleurty Girl – Your one-stop-shop for Taylor Swift tees, bags, and accessories.
  • Gimme NOLA – Find retro accessories and fun additions to your Eras costume.

Things to do

Explore Frenchmen Street – Frenchmen Street between Esplanade Avenue and Royal Street
Just a couple of blocks from R Bar, Frenchmen Street is the hub of New Orleans’ live music scene. With brass bands, jazz, funk, and more, this street offers the full spectrum of the city’s sounds. Don’t miss the Frenchmen Street night market for local art, or consider getting a tattoo at Downtown Tattoo.

Visit The Skeleton House – 6000 St. Charles Ave.
For a unique Halloween twist, visit the famed Skeleton House, which has gone Swiftie this year. It’s a must-see for fans and one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

The Skeleton House

Go to the Audubon Zoo – 6500 Magazine St.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
The Audubon Zoo is home to rare wildlife like white alligators and Louisiana animals. In honor of the Eras Tour, the zoo will host friendship bracelet-making, photo ops, and Swiftie-themed experiences for all.

Visit the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium – 1 Canal Street; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Located at the base of Canal Street, the aquarium and insectarium offer a fantastic escape. Don’t miss Bug Appétit for snacks made with insects or the butterfly garden with a view of the Mississippi River.

Live like Taylor Swift at Preservation Hall and Esplanade Studios
On Dec. 10, 2022, Swift attended a show at Preservation Hall, the legendary French Quarter music venue. Known for traditional jazz, it holds only 100 patrons. On her birthday (Dec. 13, 2022), Swift recorded at Esplanade Studios and posted that she “wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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