Vancouver has truly embraced The Eras Tour, creating an electrifying atmosphere leading up to Swift’s final concerts. The iconic Gastown steam clock has even changed its chime to play “Shake It Off” every 15 minutes, marking a historic first for the clock.

To celebrate the occasion, 13 Swift-themed signs have been strategically placed around the city, affectionately dubbed Swiftcouver. These signs display titles like “Anti-Hero,” “Down Bad,” “Style,” “Willow,” and “ME!” illuminated like festive decorations, with “Lover” glowing in vibrant pink hues.

Accommodations in Vancouver have joined in the excitement by screening Swift music videos in hotel elevators and welcoming guests with friendship bracelets. Many local businesses fill the air with her songs, and even customs officials inquired about my concert tickets upon arrival, highlighting the city’s overwhelming enthusiasm for the event.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge has transformed its annual Canyon Lights into a Taylor Swift wonderland for the weekend, resembling a massive friendship bracelet. A giant version of this friendship bracelet is also displayed prominently at BC Place, enhancing the concert’s festive spirit.

The Eras Tour is thoughtfully designed to create a memorable experience for every fan, with each seating section in BC Place offering a unique perspective of the performance. Swift masterfully utilizes the entire stage—main stage, catwalk, diamond stage, and end stage—ensuring that fans from all angles can witness her captivating presence up close.

BC Place enhances this already engaging setup with its state-of-the-art Jumbotron, which features a raised center video board and screens on all sides. The stadium’s dynamic lighting syncs with the music, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws in the audience. Even with the roof closed, the concert successfully incorporates pyrotechnics, thanks to the collaborative efforts between the venue and tour crew, ensuring a spectacular show.

Taylor Swift addresses the audience with heartfelt sincerity, acknowledging the myriad emotions that fill the arena. “This night is bound to be filled with so many different emotions, just for me, my band, my crew, my fellow performers on stage, the dancers, and for anyone that’s been with us and cared about this tour,” she expresses. “But right now, honestly, I’m just feeling so overjoyed that we decided to spend our last shows in Vancouver. I love you so much. My face hurts from grinning.”

As the night progresses, she reiterates her feelings, stating, “This has been the greatest last Friday night of the tour that I could’ve imagined with you,” during the closing number of the Midnights set.

The poignant reminder of the tour’s impending conclusion resonates deeply with Swifties across social media, as many reflect on the emotional significance of the night. Those fortunate enough to attend feel a sense of camaraderie, creating cherished memories alongside Swift.

Having attended The Eras Tour during its spring 2023 leg and now nearing its conclusion, it’s fascinating to observe how the live rendition of “All Too Well” has evolved.

The 10-minute fan-favorite, which inspired a short film and holds a significant place in Swift’s narrative, felt like a triumphant anthem during earlier performances. However, during this final weekend in Vancouver, Swift’s confidence and showmanship shine through, elevating the performance to new heights. Her theatrical gestures emphasize key lyrics, captivating the audience of 60,000 who are united in their appreciation of this deeply personal pop anthem.

Although I experienced The Eras Tour in spring 2023, the addition of an entirely new era in fall 2024 made this performance feel fresh and exciting. Witnessing the Folklore segment staged alongside The Tortured Poets Department brought forth a whirlwind of themes and connections across her discography.

Taking a step back to appreciate the artistic design of the tour, I noted the recurring “home” visuals throughout the eras: the charming Lover house in its various forms, the iconic Folklore cabin, the “asylum where they raised me,” and the whimsical UFO that beams Swift up “just to send me back where I came from.”

Taylor remarked to the Vancouver audience, “You guys have your share of beautiful, natural wilderness and mystical forests, and that’s all part of the imaginary world of Folklore,” while reflecting on the cabin’s journey throughout The Eras Tour.

There’s a sense of tranquility found atop the Folklore cabin’s roof. During her stunning performance of “Cardigan,” Swift stands atop the cabin, gazing at a moonlit sky while singing about enduring love, expressing, “I knew you’d come back to me.”

During the The Tortured Poets Department segment, I observed Swift performing beneath a UFO, recalling the lyrics from the “Down Bad” bridge (“I’ll build you a fort on some planet/ Where they can all understand it”). This beautifully connects the protective sentiment of a fort with the safe haven of the Folklore cabin, which metaphorically travels across stages as if it were built for a world where its stories can unfold.

Another captivating observation during the 2024 Eras performance in Vancouver, following my earlier experience of the tour, is the delightful “high school” energy present in the choreography of Swift and her dancers at the conclusion of Folklore‘s “Betty” and later during The Tortured Poets Department‘s “So High School.” Despite the songs being from different eras, both evoke the sweet nostalgia of youthful romance and are a joy to witness live. Swift’s infectious energy shines through as she dances alongside her performers, reminiscent of a carefree high school gathering.

Taylor Swift invites Vancouver to her highly anticipated acoustic segment, candidly sharing her excitement and nerves about selecting the evening’s surprise songs. “This is kind of the thing that I get kind of nervous about every single night. I get excited about it but it’s a challenge to see like, ‘Are they gonna like it? Are they gonna like it?’ I think about this all week,” she admits to the crowd.

Swift then walks to center stage with her guitar and begins to perform Speak Now‘s “Haunted.” The haunting melody transitions seamlessly into “Wonderland,” but not before she shares her reason for choosing the 1989 era track: “I had to sing this next song at some point in Canada, eh?” This playful interaction with the audience adds a delightful touch to the night.

The evening’s piano surprise was unexpectedly heartfelt, offering a gentle respite amidst the energetic setlist of the final weekend of The Eras Tour.

On this significant Friday night, Swift took a sentimental turn with a live mashup of Speak Now‘s “Never Grow Up” and Fearless‘ “The Best Day.” One song reflects on the bittersweet nature of growing up, while the other celebrates cherished childhood memories. Together, they honor the importance of preserving one’s inner child with lyrics that resonate deeply: “Oh darlin’, don’t you ever grow up/ Don’t you ever grow up/ It could stay this simple/ I won’t let nobody hurt you/ Won’t let no one break your heart/ And even though you have to/ Please try to never grow up/ Oh, don’t you ever grow up/ Oh, I had the best day with you today,” she beautifully sings.

Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince
Cruel Summer
The Man
You Need to Calm Down
Lover
Fearless
You Belong With Me
Love Story
22
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
I Knew You Were Trouble
All Too Well (10-Minute Version)
Enchanted
…Ready for It?
Delicate
Don’t Blame Me
Look What You Made Me Do
Cardigan
Betty
Champagne Problems
August
Illicit Affairs
My Tears Ricochet
Marjorie
Willow
Style
Blank Space
Shake It Off
Wildest Dreams
Bad Blood
But Daddy I Love Him / So High School
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
Down Bad
Fortnight
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
Haunted / Wonderland
Never Grow Up / The Best Day
Lavender Haze
Anti-Hero
Vigilante Shit
Bejeweled
Mastermind
Karma