Matthew LeimkuehlerNashville Tennessean
This weekend, Taylor Swift throws the biggest party of the season — errr, the year? — in downtown Nashville.
The unmatched pop star brings her wildly-anticipated "Eras" tour to Nissan Stadium for three nights of career-spanning songs and world-class spectacle. The tour stop kicks off Friday inside Music City's largest seated venue, with follow-up shows scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evening.
Headed to the concert? Hoping to snag last-minute tickets? Or just riding the wave of Swift-themed shenanigans in downtown? From parking to parties, we've got you covered with a guide to all things "Eras" in Music City.
Her first 'Era': Revisiting the Taylor Swift album that launched her into superstardom
What times does Taylor Swift's concert start?
Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. each day, with the show starting at 6:30 p.m. Nissan Stadium officials say parking lots near the stadium will open at noon each day.
Where to see Taylor Swift's Nashville
This weekend's Swift-a-palooza expands beyond the gates of Nissan Stadium. Turn a one-night concert experience into a weekend of festivities with these Swiftie events happening throughout Nashville.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: This week, the downtown institution launched a pop-up exhibit of career-spanning Swift attire — including outfits from all 10 "eras" of her studio albums. Pieces include the cardigan featured in her 2020 "Cardigan" music video and the bedazzled circus costume worn during an MTV performance of 2012 hit "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." The exhibit runs through May 31.
- The Lavender Haze Ball: A fan-curated upscale event hosted Thursday evening at Centennial Park (the same park name-checked in 2020 Swift song "Invisible String"). The night includes a "Getaway" bar (named after Swift's 2013 song "Getaway Car") and themed bites.
- Bluebird Café: The songwriting lounge known in Swift lore for helping launch her career opens doors this weekend for all who want to see the famed stage. Free to the public, the open house runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
- The Taylor Swift Video Brunch: Five Points Diner hosts a Saturday brunch featuring a playlist of Swift music videos and $30 bottomless mimosas.
- Now That's What I Call A Taylor Pre-Party: Downtown spot Acme Feed & Seed hosts a pre-show gathering with Swift-themed drinks and a playlist of the singer's biggest hits. Festivities kick off at 3 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
More: Taylor Swift's costumes now on display at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Where to park for the Taylor Swift concert
Parking near Nissan Stadium for a weekend event can be tricky. Those hoping to park at the stadium needed to purchase a pass in advance of the concerts; parking passes were sold out at publication time.
Additional downtown parking options include ...
- MTA Parking at 400 Charlotte Avenue (near Woodland St.)
- Metro Courthouse/Public Square Garage at 101 James Robertson Pkwy (near Woodland St.)
- 222 Garage at 222 2nd Avenue (near the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge)
- 333 Garage at 128 4th Ave N (near the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge)
Taylor's Version: Is Taylor Swift teasing a big announcement in Nashville? Her fans think so
Those hoping to avoid parking and traffic headaches should plan to arrive downtown before concert gates open, as navigating around the stadium and into garages can be time-consuming. Find more parking options at tennesseetitans.com and nashvilledowntown.com.
Those taking a rideshare can be dropped off and picked up near Nissan Stadium lot E, according to the venue website.
Taylor, Tanya and all things Music City: Sign up for our weekly music newsletter, The Pick
Road closures
Friday through Sunday, the following streets will be closed to motorists from 3:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. due to the concerts.
- Interstate Drive from Woodland Street to Shelby Avenue.
- Russell Street from Titans Way to Interstate Drive.
- South 1st Street from Woodland Street to Russell Street.
- South 2nd Street from Woodland Street to Russell Street.
- Shelby Avenue from South 4th Street to Hermitage Avenue.
- Titans Way from Victory Avenue Russell Street.
- Victory Avenue from South 2nd Street to Titans Way.
- Woodland Street from 3rd Avenue South to South 5th Street.
Weather ahead of Nissan Stadium show
- Friday: The National Weather Service Nashville forecasts rain most of the day Friday, with a chance of showers in the morning before turning into thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Rain continues with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Lows plan to hover around 58 degrees. Chance of precipitation Friday is 60%.
- Saturday: Saturday could be dry, with a chance of rain around 30% in the evening, according to NWS forecasts. The low temperature sits at around 60 degrees.
- Sunday: Rain may hold off Sunday with a 30 % chance of rain expected Sunday night, according to NWS.
Worried about getting wet? Pack a rain coat and plastic sandwich bags to keep yourself and your phone dry. Concerts can be delayed — or derailed — if lightning strikes near the venue. Stay glued to Nissan Stadium and the Tennessean on social media for potential weather-delay updates.
Don't be a cruel summer: What if it storms during Taylor Swift in Nashville? Here's Nissan Stadium weather policy
Where is Taylor Swift playing: Here are 7 things to know about the Tennessee Titans' Nissan Stadium
Last-minute Taylor Swift in Nashville tickets
In case you forgot: Demand for tickets to the "Eras" tour reached a point last year where Ticketmaster literally canceled the on-sale, in-part causing lawmakers to launch an investigation into the ticketing firm. Swift sold out her three nights in Nashville — as well as every other night of the expansive stadium tour.
A special concert: Taylor Swift concert will be the first ever for this 14-year-old girl with a rare disease
Still, some steep-priced tickets can be found on second-hard markets. At publication time, a "cheap" seat to Friday night's "Eras" show started at $808 before fees on StubHub. A Saturday ticket started at $931, while a Sunday ticket cost $950 before fees. Tickets start at a similar prices on second-hand competitor Vivid Seats.
The silver lining: At previous tour stops in Houston and Atlanta, ticket prices dropped in the hours leading up the show.
Who is opening for Taylor Swift in Nashville?
As with past Swift tours, a lineup of ace talent opens for the pop superstar. The Nashville lineup includes:
- Friday and Sunday: "Kyoto" singer-songwriter and boygenius member Phoebe Bridgers plays main support; Interscope Records upstart Gracie Abrams opens the shows.
- Saturday: Phoebe Bridgers plays main support and Nashville's own "abcdefu" hitmaker Gayle opens the show.
Taylor Swift's setlist
It's called the "Eras" tour for a reason, right? Without spoiling each of the anticipated 44 (!!!) songs, fans can expect a time-traveling show that covers nearly two decades of music in three hours. And as with past Swift tours, she reserves a slot late in the show for a few surprise songs. Given her return to the city that helped launched her career, it wouldn't be out of question to hear Swift pay tribute to her Nashville days during the surprise segment.
Dress for the 'Eras'
For many faithful followers, the "Eras" tour offers a chance to celebrate Swift iconology. Fans often flock to the shows in costumes specific to Swift eras — cardigans for "Folklore," head-to-toe black for "Reputation," red lipstick for "Red," bedazzled neon colors for "Lover," curly hair and cowboy boots for "Speak Now" ... and the list goes on.
Tennessean reporter Craig Shoup contributed to this article. Stay glued to Tennessean.com throughout the week for all things Taylor Swift in Nashville.
