As Taylor Swift prepares to bring her Eras Tour to Indianapolis this November, Swifties across the city are buzzing with excitement. But why stop at just attending the concert when you can channel Taylor’s iconic eras into a dreamy date night?
Whether you’re feeling romantic like Lover or nostalgic like Fearless, Taylor’s music provides endless inspiration for creating the perfect night out in Indy. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable date night in the Circle City, inspired by each of Taylor Swift’s eras.
1. Fearless (2008) – Young Love
If you and your date want to capture the innocence and excitement of young love, Taylor’s Fearless era is the perfect inspiration. Start your evening with some carefree fun by roller skating at Roller Cave. Nothing screams young romance quite like skating hand in hand while You Belong with Me plays in your mind.
For dinner, head to The Old Spaghetti Factory downtown. This cozy, nostalgic spot with twinkling lights and a charming vibe will have you feeling like you’re in a high school rom-com. Afterward, take a moonlit stroll along the Canal Walk, perfect for recreating the Fearless lyric, “dancing in a storm in my best dress.”
Date Night Highlights:
- Roller skating at Roller Cave
- Dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory
- Moonlit stroll along the Canal Walk
2. Red (2012) – Passionate and Bold
Red is all about the highs and lows of intense love, passion, and heartbreak. For a Red-inspired date night, start with a bold dinner at Union 50, known for its upscale comfort food and sleek atmosphere. The industrial-chic setting and bold flavors mirror the emotional rollercoaster of Taylor’s Red era.
After dinner, embrace the intensity of the era with a fun night of live music at The Hi-Fi in Fountain Square, where you can catch an intimate performance from local or national artists. With lyrics like “loving him is like driving a new Maserati down a dead-end street” in mind, you’ll be channeling all the emotions as you take in the music together.
Date Night Highlights:
- Dinner at Union 50
- Live music at The Hi-Fi in Fountain Square
3. 1989 (2014) – Glam and Adventure
Taylor’s 1989 era is all about the bright lights and big city vibes, making it the perfect inspiration for a glamorous, fun-filled date night in downtown Indy. Start your night with rooftop cocktails at The Exchange at the Hyatt Regency, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city as you sip on chic drinks that would make Taylor proud.
After drinks, channel the “I’m feeling 22” energy by heading to Pins Mechanical Co. for a night of retro arcade games and duckpin bowling. It’s a playful way to bring back the fun and carefree spirit of 1989—don’t forget to snap some polaroid-style selfies to capture the memories.
Date Night Highlights:
- Rooftop cocktails at The Exchange
- Duckpin bowling and arcade games at Pins Mechanical Co.
4. Lover (2019) – Romance and Whimsy
Lover is Taylor’s era of pastel colors, soft romantic vibes, and endless declarations of love. To recreate the magic of Lover, start your evening with a cozy, candlelit dinner at Bluebeard, an intimate spot in Fletcher Place that’s perfect for sharing plates and conversation. Their seasonal, locally sourced menu will add a special touch to your romantic night.
After dinner, take your date to Newfields for a twilight stroll through their Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. The peaceful atmosphere and whimsical art installations are straight out of a Lover music video. End the night with a shared dessert at The Cake Bake Shop in Broad Ripple, where the sweet treats are as dreamy as the vibe.
Date Night Highlights:
- Candlelit dinner at Bluebeard
- Evening walk at Newfields Art & Nature Park
- Dessert at The Cake Bake Shop
5. Folklore & Evermore (2020) – Cozy and Mystical
Taylor’s Folklore and Evermore albums evoke cozy, woodsy, and mystical vibes—perfect for a quiet, introspective date night. Start your evening with a visit to Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery in Fletcher Place, where you can sip on handcrafted cocktails in a rustic, cabin-like setting that feels straight out of a Folklore lyric.
For dinner, head to Public Greens on the Monon Trail for a farm-to-table experience that brings the earthy feel of Evermore to life. With seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant combines warmth and sustainability, perfect for a down-to-earth evening.
End your night with a stop at Conner Prairie for one of their stargazing or lantern-lit events. The sprawling grounds and peaceful ambiance will transport you to the world Taylor created in Folklore and Evermore.
Date Night Highlights:
- Drinks at Hotel Tango
- Dinner at Public Greens on the Monon Trail
- Stargazing or lantern-lit events at Conner Prairie
6. Midnights (2022) – Late-Night Adventure
Taylor’s newest era, Midnights, is all about introspection, late-night thoughts, and the magical feeling of the quiet hours. For this date night, start with a late dinner at Late Harvest Kitchen, an upscale yet cozy spot where you can linger over a meal and share deep conversations into the night.
Once you’ve savored your dinner, head to Inferno Room for a creative and adventurous cocktail experience. The tiki-style bar offers an escape into a vibrant, mysterious world, perfect for a date night inspired by the magic of the midnight hour. End the evening with a scenic drive through downtown Indy, soaking up the city lights, channeling the vibes of Taylor’s Midnights.
Date Night Highlights:
- Late dinner at Late Harvest Kitchen
- Tiki cocktails at Inferno Room
- Late-night drive through downtown Indy
With Taylor Swift coming to Indianapolis in November on her Eras Tour, there’s no better time to embrace her iconic eras and plan the perfect date night inspired by her music. Whether you’re looking for the bold passion of Red or the cozy magic of Folklore, Indy’s vibrant dining and entertainment scene has plenty to offer for every kind of Swiftie date. Get ready to dance in your best dress, listen to some live music, and enjoy a night straight out of a Taylor Swift song!
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