The final countdown to Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, is underway. Swift’s 12th studio album, written and produced during the European leg of the Eras Tour in 2024, releases at midnight, and there are plenty of ways for Swifties in New Jersey to celebrate. From lining up at Target for a midnight release to grabbing tickets to The Official Release Party of a Showgirl in theaters, we’ve lined up the best ways to ring in your orange era.
Buy the Vinyl at Midnight
Select Target locations throughout NJ are set to open at midnight, Friday, Oct. 3, for the album release. The locations are: Bridgewater, Clifton, Deptford, Jersey City, Mantua, Middletown, Mount Laurel, Princeton, Riverdale, Rockaway and Toms River. Some indie stores, like Jack’s Music Shoppe in Red Bank, will also open late. Jack’s will open at 11 pm with a limit of one per customer on limited editions.
In addition to midnight openings, Target also unveiled a new, Target-exclusive vinyl of the upcoming album today: The Life of a Showgirl: The Crowd Is Your King Edition (Summertime Spritz Pink Shimmer Vinyl) with a giant double-sided poster included – available for pre-order now on Target.com and available to shop on October 3.
Starting at 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, shoppers can begin lining up and a Target team member will distribute physical or digital tickets to reserve their product for purchase in the electronics section of the store. Once you have your ticket, you can continue shopping in the store and return to the line at 11:45 p.m. to make your purchase at midnight.
See It on the Big Screen
Taylor Swift | The Official Release Party of a Showgirl runs Oct. 3-5 nationwide in theaters. The big screen release will feature the world premiere of the music video “The Fate of Ophelia,” footage from the video shoot, and Taylor’s reflections on songs from the new album. The film will be shown at AMC Theatres throughout New Jersey. Click here to find a show near you.
Head to a Listening Party
Here are a few we found throughout the state:
Metuchen — “Life of a Showgirl” Downtown Release Party (Fri, Oct 3, 6–9 pm) — bracelet/charm bars & town-wide specials, hosted by Creative Twist Events @ Newmarket (19 New St.). More Info
Glassboro — Drag Me to Landmark: “Life of a Show Girl” Drag Show + Album Party (Fri, Oct 3, evening) at Landmark Americana, produced by Drag Queen Entertainment. More Info
Ewing — 94.5 PST’s Listening Party (Thu, Oct 2, 8 pm) at Al’s Airport Inn (radio-hosted with trivia/bingo/prizes). More Info
Princeton Public Library — Teen Listening Party (Fri, Oct 3, 6–8 pm, crafts/giveaways). More Info
Riverdale Public Library — Family Listening Party (Fri, Oct 3, 3:30–5 pm; bracelets). More Info
Flemington — Chirp Workshop Album Release Party (Fri, Oct 3, 6–8:30 pm). More Info
Point Pleasant — Cookie Lady Cafe “Showgirl Launch Party” (Fri, Oct 3). More Info
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