In addition to the giant photo op on the JW Marriott, there are 32 city street signs that were renamed in honor of Taylor Swift. |Photo provided by Visit Indy
More than 200,000. That’s how many visitors + fans are expected to descend on downtown Indianapolis when Taylor Swift is in town for “The Eras Tour” next week (Nov. 1-3).
It’s been a big year for the city, from hosting the NBA All-Star Game to the Olympic Swim Trials to now rounding out the year with “The Eras Tour” — and this three-day event could surpass the others with an economic impact that’s anticipated to be a nine-figure number.
So Swiftie or not, if you’re in Indy, you’ll feel the impact of Miss Americana.
IMPD, Downtown Indy, Inc. and Visit Indy shared all that the city has been doing to prepare for an event that is one of the city’s wildest dreams — and we’re shaking off everything you need to know.
Tourism impact
Given the fact that about 81% of tickets were purchased from individuals outside of the state, that means a huge impact for local hospitality. Virtually all hotels in the Indianapolis area are sold out and short-term rental bookings are up 207% compared to last year during the same weekend. IND even increased incoming flight seat capacity + added round-trip flights from key destinations for this event.
If you’ll be downtown during Swift weekend, you’ll want to plan ahead.
Map provided by Visit Indy
Fun for everyone
Even if you don’t have tickets to the concerts, you’ll still have access to purchase concert merch. Hall I of the Indiana Convention Center will have official merch sales open to everyone from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday + 12 to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
There will be more than 50 events around the city in addition to the nightly shows. The Indy Arts Council is hosting pop-up performances at 13 prime downtown locations, including SPARK on the Circle, Hudnut Commons, Georgia Street, Lugar Plaza, and Bicentennial Unity Plaza. Food truck zones will operate from 12 to 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday on Maryland Street, adjacent to Hudnut Commons, and in the southwest quadrant of Monument Circle near SPARK.
Will you be taking part in “The Eras Tour” excitement downtown?
A. Yes, I got tickets to the concert B. I’ll be checking out the merch shop and/or other Swiftie events C. I’ll be avoiding downtown during the heavy-traffic weekend
Craft Club: Ghost Portraits | Monday, Oct. 28 | 6-8 p.m. | The Speak Easy | $30 | Create ghost portraits and experience spooky season in style with a night of silly celebration and cozy vibes.
Sazón Mondays: Salsa Dance for Adult Beginners | Monday, Oct. 28 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Iris Rosa Dance Studio | $20 | Dive into the vibrant world of salsa dancing — no dance experience, shoes, or partner required.
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Scary Movies Trivia | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 5:45-8:30 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company | $5 | Put your scary movie knowledge to the test.
Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union | Tuesday, Oct. 29-Saturday, Nov. 2 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Newfields | $16+ | Get ready to experience a spectacle at Mischief Manor featuring glowing gourds galore and friendly spirits.*
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Fright Night | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 6-8 p.m. | The Fowling Warehouse | $25+ | Have a hauntingly good time with thrilling games, fantastic food, and ghostly good company in support of Riley Children’s Hospital.
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $19+ | Cheer on the Blue and Gold during their second home game of the regular season.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Hocus Pick-Us | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 12-5 p.m. | Humane Society for Hamilton County, Fishers | $31 | Whether you’re a fan of tricks or treats, a four-legged addition to the family is sure to make this Howl-oween a whole lot sweeter.
Scare in the Square | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Fountain Square | Free | This event provides a safe place for families to trick-or-treat and engage with local businesses.
Friday, Nov. 1
Girl Tribe Tour | Friday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | Cinderwood Event Center | $0-$20 | Get ready for the ultimate pop-up event with new Miss Americana merch, fun vendors, cute photo ops, and free giveaways.
Two Indianapolis-based firms have acquired one of the largest office complexes downtown. The 648,000-sqft Capital Center on Illinois Street closed for $35 million, with the new owners eyeing an update that could convert part of it into a hotel. (IBJ)
Tech
Want to make sure you have time to vote on your lunch break? There’s an app called Indiana Vote Times that shows real-time wait time data at vote centers in Marion County using anonymous crowdsourced check-ins. Check it out.
Number
~15,600. That’s how many people have cast early in-person ballots, as of last week. According to the Marion County Clerk, early voting turnout so far has equaled or surpassed 2020. Early voting runs until 12 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4. (WISH)
Announced
The Indiana Fever announced yesterday that the organization has parted ways with head coach Christie Sides. In her two years with the team, she helped in the development of back-to-back Rookies of the Year Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark + became the first coach in franchise history to be named Coach of the Month.
Eat
Turchetti’s Deli is now WildFyre Tap. You can still enjoy all of your Turchetti’s favorites + an expanded menu. It will offer 16 taps, late night food, and weekend brunch. Get the details.
Sports
The Pacers and NBA have released what the team’s court will look like for the NBA Cup — the new name for the In-Season Tournament. Take a look and get the game schedule. (IndyStar)
Award
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has narrowed prospects down to 50 Modern-Era Players to advance in the process for the Class of 2025. It includes four former Colts players: Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday, Robert Mathis, and Adam Vinatieri. (WISH)
Listen
The Indiana Hoosiers remain undefeated with a 31-17 victory over the Washington Huskies Saturday. This win, highlighted by Tayven Jackson’s impressive performance, keeps the Hoosiers at the forefront of college football discussions.
Plan Ahead
Alexa, cue “Blank Space.” We can’t think of a better way to prepare for Taylor Swift’s visit to Circle City than with Shake It Off Fest on Saturday, Nov. 2. And you know all too well we couldn’t wait to share all the details (hint: friendship bracelets are involved).*
Shop
These THC gummies tap into the body’s endocannabinoid system and get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*â€
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships. Want to lead sales efforts for new products, identify and secure partnerships, and grow existing client relationships, all with a lucrative compensation plan? Apply to join.
Category
History
đź‘» Enter if you dare
Spooky season is here, so we’re doing a little ghost hunting. Here are some of the most haunted places in Indianapolis:
The IRT has been home to countless performers since 1972. A former director enjoyed jogging + would sometimes do so inside the theater. He was later struck and killed in a hit and run — but former employees claim to hear creaking floorboards as a ghostly figure can be spotted still jogging around.
Known as one of the oldest operating bars in Indiana, The Slippery Noodle Inn has been around since the 1850s + has served as a bar, restaurant, theater, and a stop on the Underground Railroad. People have claimed to see the ghosts of enslaved people who died, as well as the ghosts of prostituted women murdered on the premises.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio.
The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is commonly advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.
}})
