Excited about Taylor Swift’s album release? These local spots are celebrating with parties

Denise Neil

In case you hadn’t heard, Travis Kelce’s girlfriend is putting out a new album.

Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department,” will drop on Friday, April 19, and it will be a momentous occasion for “Swifties” all over the world.

In Wichita, several businesses and venues are celebrating the release with Swift-themed events, from a musical laser show to a friendship bracelet-making party.

Local Swifties who don’t want to soak it in all alone can find their brethren at these events scheduled around the album’s release:

Taylor Swift Laser Show, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean, Friday-May 13: This special Taylor Swift laser show at Exploration Place’s Dome Theater runs daily starting Friday, April 12, through May 13. The 45-minutes “immersive laser show” on the Dome’s 60-foot screen is set to 13 of Swift’s biggest hits, including “Bad Blood” and “Shake It Off.” People are encouraged to sing and dance along. Show times are 4 p.m. daily plus 5 and 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Tickets are $7 for adults, $7 for children and $6 for members at exploration.org/event/laser-taylor-swift/

Karma is a Party, Exploration Place, 6 and 9 p.m., 300 N. McLean, April 25-27: This event is separate from the laser show and is a two-hour ticketed party where fans, who are encouraged to dress in Eras tour attire, can trade friendship bracelets, find photo opportunities, and play Swift-themed games with prizes. (There will even be a football target practice game inspired by Swift’s love, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.) The party also will include a screening of the laser show. The event is open to all ages. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $25, $20 for members at exploration.org/event/karma-is-a-party

Exploration Place is planning two Taylor Swift events, including a laser show that opens on Friday.
Exploration Place is planning two Taylor Swift events, including a laser show that opens on Friday.

Friendship Bracelet Making and Listening Party, White Crow Cider, 1236 E. Waterman, 1-3 p.m. April 21: This local cidery is inviting Swifties in to make bracelets and listen to the new album together. The owners will provide some bracelet supplies but encourage people to bring their own supplies as well. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Taylor Swift Skate at Carousel Skate Center, 312 N West St., 6-9 p.m. April 22: This Wichita skating rink is putting on a special Swift-themed skating session with a Taylor Swift playlist, trivia and more. The rink will also be selling custom T-shirts that say, “In my roller skating era” for $30. Tickets are $10 online at carouselks.com or $15 at the door.

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