Missed out on Taylor tickets? There’s still plenty for Sydney Swifties to check out

For those lucky enough to have secured Sydney tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the next two weeks will be the final countdown before a once-in-a-lifetime show. For the unlucky Swifties, it could merely be a painful reminder of missed opportunities.

But it doesn’t have to be all dread and despair, for there are plenty of Swift-themed events to keep you occupied before, during and after the highly anticipated concerts. And if you do have a ticket, they’re just the thing to get you … Ready for it.

From sing-along boat rides to Swiftie high teas, here are six things you can do to feel closer to the “real thing” throughout the month (Taylor’s Version).

Eras Tour bedazzling workshop | Sunday, February 11 | Tickets $89

Even if you don’t have a ticket to one of her shows, there’s no reason you can’t shimmer elsewhere. The Pole Space experts will help you do just that at their craft workshop, where you’ll have the chance to bedazzle and bejewel an outfit. All you need to do is bring some clothes, and they will help you transform them into a Taylor-worthy costume from one of her iconic eras. The class begins at 2pm and will run for about three hours.

Swift Karaoke | Thursday, February 15 | Bookings essential, free entry

While others are preparing to watch Taylor Swift, you could pretend to be Taylor Swift. The Soda Factory has planned a Taylor-themed karaoke night the weekend before her Sydney shows kick off, allowing you to sing along to your favourite tracks. And just like Swift herself, you too will be accompanied by a live band. Doors will open at 5pm, so make sure you sign up to sing before the band kicks off at 7pm. In between songs, you can enjoy speciality drinks like “Lavender Haze” and “Bad Blood” cocktails.

The Soda Factory will also host Swift trivia on February 18 and music bingo (Taylor’s Version) on February 20.

Eras Tour high tea | February 15 - 16 | Bookings essential, $125 per person

Crown’s Tea House has been transformed into a Swiftie dreamland, filled with elaborate birdcages and Taylor tunes. Sessions are still available the weekend before the Sydney shows, offering fans the opportunity to get into the Swiftie spirit by eating a three-tiered high tea inspired by her different eras. Examples include dishes like the “You Need To Calm Down” (whisky teriyaki Wagyu in butterfly pea slider bun) and the “Reputation” (burnt vanilla ash, elastic coffee, charcoal meringue).

If you attend the high tea before February 15, you will also have the chance to enter Crown’s “dine to win ticket giveaway”, which would put in the running to win four tickets to Swift’s final Australian show on Monday, February 26. To enter, you must be 18+ and a NSW resident.

An Eras Tour-themed high tea will help get fans in the Swiftie spirit ahead of the pop star’s Sydney shows.Credit: Crown Tea House

Taylor paint & sip | Friday, February 16 | Tickets $85

Appetite Five Dock and Gallery NTK are offering Swifties the chance to create their own memento commemorating the pop icon. Led by local artist Norma Tahhan, artists of any skill level are invited to sketch and paint anything inspired by Swift while sipping on drinks and listening exclusively to Taylor’s discography.

Appetite Five Dock are also hosting a number of free events, such as friendship bracelet-making classes (available until February 29), a cat appreciation day in association with the Cat Protection Society of NSW on February 10 (in honour of Swift’s love for felines) and Blank Space colouring sessions until the end of the month.

Sing-along boat ride | February 22 - 26 | Tickets from $59

A 30-minute jet boat ride around the Sydney Harbour to the sounds of Swift? Sounds like a Wonderland. Oz Jet Boating has organised multiple Swift-themed sessions for people who wish to soak up the Sydney surrounds, including the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, while living their Swiftie fantasy.

All passengers must be at least 1.2 metres tall to board, and be warned – jet boats can reach a top speed of about 75 km per hour, so prepare for a thrilling ride.

Eras Tour after-party | February 23 - 25 | Tickets from $27.50

For the night owls, Home the Venue will host an after-party following each of the Sydney shows. Beginning at around 11.30pm (10pm on Sunday), DJs will spin the hottest tracks from all 10 of the pop star’s eras. A chance to dance, sing and continue sharing friendship bracelets, this will be perfect for those who don’t want the day to end (and who prefer listening to Swift on max volume).

Notably, you must be 18+ to attend.

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