From the country twang of her earliest era to the literary turn of her latest one, each of Taylor Swift’s eras, spanning playful pop to autumnal indie, evokes a distinct feeling – and every fan has a favourite. Whether you’re heading to her show or looking for other ways to celebrate Taylor’s Ontario stop, we’re here to help you take an immersive tour that captures the vibe of every album.
Grab your cardigan and get ready to embrace your favourite era! From enchanted lands for the most sparkling nights to mysterious museums perfect for any mastermind, Mississauga has the perfect spot for every Swiftie.
Debut
Taylor’s inaugural album was full of classic country vibes, rustic with a modern edge. Find it in Mississauga at:
- The Backyard Smokehouse: Country and BBQ go hand in hand, and The Backyard Smokehouse has some of the best in the city, plus a cool and modern, woodsy setting.
- Roc’n Docs: Taylor’s debut era harkens back to her early start performing live at venues around Nashville. At Roc’n Docs, you can rock out to live music every day of the week, with performances spanning a range of genres.
Fearless
Filled with fairytale and Shakespeare-inspired songs, the Fearless era is one of Taylor’s most romantic and whimsical. Find it in Mississauga at:
- La Castile: The opulent design of this steak and seafood restaurant, named for the Spanish former kingdom of Castile, is truly reminiscent of a historic castle. The multi-level dining room is filled with stained glass, dark wooden accents and beamed ceilings that will immediately transport you to Taylor’s fearless video.
- Adamson Estate: With romantic gardens and spectacular foliage along its walking trails, Adamson Estate is a beloved spot to see “the trees change in the fall.” Beyond the idyllic scenery, the main attraction is the historic estate itself. Featuring casement windows, a red tile roof and stucco walls, it could be pulled from a book, and it’s a favourite spot for wedding photos.
Speak Now
The confessional storytelling of Taylor’s solely self-written album puts her voice in the spotlight, mixing truth and some enchanted drama. Find it in Mississauga at:
- saugaLIVE venues: There’s no better way to capture the vibe of this loose-concept album than through live a performance and Mississauga’s got some incredible venues. From plays at Meadowvale Theatre to symphonies at the Living Arts Centre and rock-pop concerts at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, you’ll be screaming long live all the memories.
- illumi: Sparks might not actually fly, but a night at illumi will certainly be sparkling. You’ll be enchanted as the kingdom lights shine just for you throughout 16 dazzling universes.
Red
With a vintage, occasionally moody fall aesthetic that gives way to youthfulness and freedom, Red runs the gambit from cozy to cool. Find it in Mississauga at:
- REDS Kitchen + Bar Square One: Aside from the fitting name, REDS channels Taylor’s fourth album through its snug interior design, featuring warm woods, leather, and trendy, vintage-inspired details. While it might not serve breakfast at night, it’s perfect for a bougie night out to forget about the deadlines.
- Erindale Park: In the Autumn, this expansive park has some of the best foliage views, from both a waterside trail and a towering bridge, to help you feel like you’ve stepped into the short film for All Too Well, watching leaves falling down like pieces into place.
1989
Reflecting Taylor’s move to New York, 1989 hits bring an urban, upbeat and slightly edgy feel that’s balanced with imagery of more natural, waterfront locales. With its Taylor’s Version refresh, the beach theme becomes more of a central focus, but Swifties know it was there all along. Find it in Mississauga at:
- Celebration Square: Mississauga’s beating heart, Celebration Square pulses with culture, fun and entertainment with an ever-changing beat. Here, you can shake it off while listening to live music and take in the bright city lights. It’s located right beside Ontario’s largest mall, Square One, where you’re sure to be in style.
- Richards Memorial Park: When you want an escape from the city, you don’t have to go far to feel the lake breeze. This beach is just a short journey from the downtown city centre, but between the sand and seagulls it feels like another world (even if you can see the CN Tower in the distance.)
Reputation
Shifting from her previously preppy pop persona, the Rep era comes with a more risqué feel and a darker aesthetic featuring its signature snakes. Find it in Mississauga at:
- Rogue Nightclub: One of Mississauga’s most popular nightlife hot spots, Rogue brings the Reputation vibes with its low lighting and black leather aesthetic, sans snakes.
- Trapped Escape Rooms: If anything defines the Reputation era, it’s Taylor’s “rebirth” as a fierce artist with nothing to lose who’s ready for some payback. The album itself is a puzzle for those in the know, and fans who enjoy painstakingly pouring over Easter eggs will enjoy hunting for clues with an escape room puzzle that’s just as dark and mysterious.
Lover
In contrast to Taylor’s previous era, Lover is a return to brighter colours with an optimistic feel. Described by the scribe as “a love letter to love,” it explores all of the feeling’s ups and downs, but its lasting flavour is its sweet, bright charm. Find it in Mississauga at:
- Rania’s Cakes: Bedecked in pink velvet and gold accents, this sweet bakery, serving beautifully presented treats, perfectly encapsulates the dreamy, feminine aesthetic of the album.
- Port Credit: If charm is what you’re looking for, the vibrant community of Port Credit has it in spades, from cotton candy and corvettes to sweet date spots. The iconic Port Credit Lighthouse, with its viewing deck, is the ideal backdrop for cloud gazing and daydreaming.
Folklore and Evermore
Companion albums with a storytelling twist, the combined “Folkmore” era features complimentary woodsy and witchy tracks, pairing cozy cardigans with weeping willows and wintry scenes. Find it in Mississauga at:
- Leslie Log House: One of the oldest remaining log homes in Ontario, the Leslie Log House museum echoes the warm and rustic feel of the Folklore era’s iconic cabin, leading into Evermore’s Willow.
- Rattray Marsh: Outside of the vintage cabin, the Folkmore era’s predominant visuals are witchy moonlit woods and chill, folksy forests, with a dash of summery waterfront nostalgia for good measure. With a scenic boardwalk through old-growth trees, past a shale beach and wetlands, Rattray Marsh has a diverse ecosystem that picks up on the nuanced notes of this era.
Midnights
Combining moonlit fantasies and shining disco reveries, Midnights feels at different times dusky, hazy and atmospheric, spanning from upbeat to slow-tempo. The atmospheric aesthetic brings a modern take to the album’s 70s sound. Find it in Mississauga at:
- Mishree Cuisine: Offering a multi-sensory experience Mishree’s gastronomic menu includes craft cocktails presented in a smoky display reminiscent of Lavender Haze – and on weekends, it’s open late for midnight meet-ups.
- MiMuseum: Taylor’s retrospective Midnights era proves that what we perceive as reality isn’t always the actuality. At MiMuseum, science and strategy set the scene for some Mastermind-style whimsy that brings this mysterious era to life.
The Tortured Poets Department
From expressive and literary lyrics to poetic dresses, Taylor’s latest album leans into artistry, with plenty of references to iconic poets and other writers.
- Studio.89: While it may not encompass the often-melancholy mood of the era, this non-profit community hub and café is a popular hang-out for creatives across a range of formats. Home to open mic nights, art sessions and book clubs, it’s a go-to for anyone looking to let their creativity soar in an inclusive space, tortured poets or otherwise.
- Art Gallery of Mississauga: For artists looking for a muse, this free art gallery has plenty of inspiration to draw from. The permanent collection focuses on modern art that reflects the cultural diversity of the community, while revolving exhibits are regularly updated, with many reflecting on historic events and lived experiences. Its current exhibition, Across Latitudes, explores the complex terrain of cultural migration and commodification through multiple perspectives, incorporating visual art, poetry and storytelling.