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Look what Taylor Swift made these B.C. businesses do: Giveaways, events, special menus and more

Taylor Swift is ending her Eras Tour with three Vancouver shows on December 6-8, and it’s creating a stir in and around the city

By Rushmila Rahman /

Back in March, we did a deep dive on the opportunities Taylor Swift’s upcoming Vancouver shows will bring for the B.C. economy—AKA the “Swift Effect.”  

As we near the 12-time Grammy award winner’s performances at BC Place on December 6, 7 and 8, sparks are flying in the province. Local businesses like hotels, restaurants, pubs, parks and charities know her brand value all too well, and they’re using it to drive engagement. We’re talking events, giveaways, special offers, discounts and more.

So whether you have tickets to the Eras Tour or not, if you’re in and around Vancouver, consider this your Taylor-made to-do list until the end of the year. 

Giveaways

 

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Vancouver Bar Crawl and UBCxSFU Parties are hosting a party at Enso Event Centre this weekend (on November 23). They’ll play every song from every Swift era, and attendees will automatically be entered for a chance to win one ticket to her show.  

Rogers is offering its customers a chance to win 35 pairs of tickets (560 pairs total) through a national contest. The contest, which began on August 6, will run until November 26 and has crowned 107 of winners from B.C. (75 from the Lower Mainland) so far. The company is also spreading the joy with charities like Canucks Kids Fund in Vancouver and Jays Care in Toronto.

For those seeking last-minute tickets, participate in Rogers’ giveaways on Instagram or try your luck on December 5, when Rogers will be on the streets of Vancouver playing Swift-themed trivia with fans who still want passes to see the Grammy award-winner IRL. Keep an eye out for red sparkles around Vancouver landmarks to play.

The Robson Street Business Association is running a social media contest (with Eras Tour passes as the prize) for BCers who are 18 years or older.  

Coquitlam Express, the junior ice hockey team, is giving away two tickets to Swift’s last show in Vancouver on December 8. Purchase a ticket to watch the Coquitlam Express take on the Powell River Kings at 3 p.m. on the same day as the show—and cross your fingers.  

The Food Stash Foundation is a local charity that’s running a raffle until December 2. Participate for a chance to win two tickets to Swift’s December 6 show.  

Unique experiences

Taylor Swift-themed photoshoots: Vancouver-based besties and family photographers Laura Lee and Perlla Faschoway are hosting several shoot sessions on December 7 and 8 with Swiftie backdrops and bracelets. Specific slots available.

 

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Drag birthday party: Celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday (local drag queen Kendall Gender’s Version) on December 13 at The Birdhouse.

Karaoke tour: For $65 per adult, the Great Canadian Trolley Company is taking Swifties on a series of karaoke tours around Vancouver.

Canyon Lights (Taylor’s Version): Watch the Capilano Suspension Bridge turn into an enchanted forest from December 5 to 9 with themed drinks and acoustic performances. During this time, the park’s Treetops Adventures shall be referred to as “Taytops Adventure” and its Cliffwalk “Swiftwalk.” Rules are rules!

Cooking classes at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts: PICA is hosting two themed events next month—Bake It Off! (a baking class on December 7 featuring lavender lemonade and Travis Kelsey’s favourite cinnamon bread) and the ERAS Pre-concert Dinner on December 8 with a menu inspired by Swift’s beloved foods.

 

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Party at Science World: On December 4, Science World will have Swifties dancing, making bracelets, playing trivia and studying music. Tickets are $39 each.

Hotels and restaurants 

Lavantine Restaurant and Skybar: The 14th floor of Downtown Vancouver’s Azur Hotel is catering to Swifties with three special-edition cocktails (Red Revival, Shake It Off and Cardigan Comfort) available over the Eras Tour weekend (December 6-8).  

minami taylor swift cocktail
Credit: Maria Gonzalez

Minami: Find five new cocktails for a full week (December 1-8) at Minami with options for mezcal lovers, wine enthusiasts and sober-curious folks.  

 

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CRAFT Beer Market: From December 5 to 8, CRAFT Beer Market’s False Creek and English Bay locations are giving out free friendship bracelets and offering Eras Tour ticket holders a 13 percent discount on their bills. It’s also crafted a special gin cocktail in Swift’s honour.

Parq Vancouver: Themed brunch, anyone? When Swift’s in town, hit up Honey Salt for a taste of the restaurant’s brunch favourites and pick up a free cowgirl hat from Parq Vancouver’s casino floor upstairs for some extra flair. The hotel’s BC Kitchen sports bar is also hosting four events with a focus on the concert. 

Petite Forêt Play Cafe is hosting an all-ages holiday family concert on December 28.

Glowbal: If you’re looking for an all-inclusive dining experience, Glowbal is offering $49 brunch and $79 dinner packages on December 7 and 8 between 10:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Expect food, drinks, bracelet-making kits, a selfie station and even a makeup service to come with the prices listed.

Bars, pubs and clubs

The Lamplighter: Vancouver’s oldest pub is celebrating 100 years with Taylor Swift-themed drag brunch on November 30, and it’s partnered with Nice Guys Trivia for a similarly themed trivia night on December 3. 

Flamingo Room: Warm up for the Eras Tour at the Flamingo Room on December 5. This cocktail bar on Commercial Drive will be shaking things up with drinks like “Downtown Lights,” “Red Lipped Classic” and “Devils Roll the Dice” as DJ Popmisfit mixes her tunes.

Ventura Room: This bar on Cambie Street is also hosting a drag brunch with iconic performances and themed drinks. 

Portside Pub: Expect a series of themed events from Portside this December, including karaoke and a night of drag.  

Monkey Tree Pub: On December 7, folks in Victoria can jam out to Swift’s hits by playing rounds of musical bingo (courtesy of the Original Music Bingo) at the Monkey Tree Pub.  

Hero’s Welcome: Vancouver bar Hero’s Welcome invites people to a pre-concert party on December 5. Get in the groove with trivia, a karaoke battle, Tay-Tay-themed prizes and snacks like “Lavender Haze” cupcakes.

 

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The American: Between December 3 and 6, The American bar in Downtown Vancouver is also offering trivia, bingo, karaoke and more.