It's Taylor Swift weekend in Cincinnati. Here's everything to know before the shows

Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer
Updated ·5 min read
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Swifties – it's finally time.

Fans have been waiting months to see Taylor Swift perform at Paycor Stadium. Gates open for her first show Friday at 4:30 p.m.

If you've been following along with The Enquirer's Eras Tour coverage, you know we've had you covered with inside scoops about concert planning, festive TikToks to get you in the spirit and an hour-by-hour merch truck blog.

If there's anything you still need to know to plan your Swiftie weekend, find it below.

What will the weather be like for Taylor Swift's Cincinnati concerts?

Showers and thunderstorms will move out of the area Friday morning, leading to dry conditions and a decrease in cloud coverage for the remainder of the day, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio.

A disturbance is expected to move into the area overnight and into Saturday morning, creating the potential for severe weather. Multiple showers and thunderstorms will be possible Saturday through Monday.

See what we know about possible concert delays due to weather here.

Taylor Swift concert road closures

To make way for the approximately 200,000 people venturing downtown, these roads will be closed Friday and Saturday:

  • Second Street Sidewalk, the south side sidewalk between Elm Street and the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge from noon to 1 a.m.

  • Elm Street, south of Second Street, from noon to 1 a.m.

  • Freedom Way, between Elm Street and Marian Spencer Way, from noon to 1 a.m. (Closed from Rosa Parks Street to Marian Spencer Way from 10 a.m. for pre-party.)

  • Race Street, south of Third Street, from 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

  • Rosa Parks Street, south of Second Street, from noon to 1 a.m.

  • Marian Spencer Way, south of Second Street, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

  • Joe Nuxhall Way, south of Second Street, after the start of the Reds game.

Exiting the concert will be similar to leaving a Cincinnati Bengals game and will begin at 10 p.m.

  • Central Avenue, southbound closed south of Seventh Street.

  • Third Street, eastbound closed east of Clay Wade Bailey Bridge.

  • Walnut Street, closed south of Third Street.

  • Gest Street, southbound closed south of Third Street.

What time does the Taylor Swift concert start?

Gates to Paycor Stadium open at 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The first act is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., and the show ends at approximately 11:15 p.m.

At past shows, Taylor has taken the stage around 8 p.m.

Paycor Stadium's bag policy, parking and more

One-gallon, zip-close bags; clear bags no larger than 12x6x12-inches and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5x6.5-inches are allowed inside the stadium. Seat cushions without pockets are also permitted.

Read all about Paycor Stadium's bag policy and more here.

Should I wear a mask to Taylor Swift's Cincinnati concerts?

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency extended an Air Quality Alert in Cincinnati to Friday. The agency expects to see Air Quality Index levels in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups" range.

Exerting lots of energy, such as all-night dancing, can exacerbate health concerns related to air pollution. Wheezing, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing are all warning signs that bad air quality is affecting your health.

Cloth face masks, like the ones traditionally worn to ward off COVID-19, aren't effective at stopping exposure to air pollutants, Joy Landry, the agency's communication specialist, said. Fitted N-95 masks may help, but Landry recommended consulting your health provider if you're worried about the air quality and have preexisting medical conditions.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires caused an air quality alert to be extended through Friday in Cincinnati.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires caused an air quality alert to be extended through Friday in Cincinnati.

Who's opening for Taylor Swift in Cincinnati?

Indie-pop trio Muna will open for Swift's Eras Tour concerts at Paycor Stadium on Friday and Saturday.

Learn more about them here.

Events happening before and after Taylor Swift's concerts

Tailgates and preconcert parties are planned all over town. Here are some events happening Friday and Saturday:

  • Friday: The Eras Tour Pre-Concert Party at OTR StillHouse.

  • Friday: Preconcert party at Killer Queen.

  • Both days: Taylor Swift Scavenger Hunt at the Bookery Cincy.

  • Both days: Taygate at The Banks.

  • Both days: Taylor Swift Pregame Party and Karaoke Sing-a-Long at Morelain Lager House.

  • Both days: Fifth & Vine Live: Taylor Swift Tailgate.

  • Friday-Sunday: Swiftie's Sweet Deal at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

See the full list and more information here, and be sure to check out our list of Taylor-themed eats.

Where can I listen to Taylor Swift without a ticket?

Non-ticketed fans won't be allowed onto Paycor Stadium plaza, but they can listen and dance along at Smale Riverfront Park.

The park, located near Paycor Stadium along the Ohio River, will host free live music and food trucks from 4-7 p.m. Friday, and on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. in the Castellini Esplanade section. Swifties are encouraged to stick around at the park afterward to listen to the concert.

Learn more here.

Taylor Swift concert set list

We rounded up almost 50 songs Swift might perform during her show. From "Karma" to "Shake It Off," get concert-ready and see our full list here.

Swift's merchandise trucks opened to the public Thursday.
Swift's merchandise trucks opened to the public Thursday.

Where are Taylor Swift's merchandise trucks located in Cincinnati?

Swift's official merchandise trucks are parked at 25 Race St., just before the Andrew J. Brady Music Center.

The trucks open for business at noon Friday and Saturday, and will stay open until 11 p.m. or midnight. Only cashless payments are accepted.

The merch trucks aren't your only option – you can also buy tour gear at the concert inside the venue. Expect long lines at either spot, though.

Below is a map of where fans are lining up. Check out our live blog from Thursday's lines here.

Concert tips from someone who's gone

Madeline Mitchell, education reporter and Enquirer Swiftie, offered up eight tips for Eras Tour concertgoers after attending the show in Chicago. She recommends wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a portable phone charger, looking at the stadium map to find your closest gate and more. Read the rest of her tips here.

More Taylor Swift, Eras Tour coverage from The Cincinnati Enquirer

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Taylor Swift's Cincinnati Eras Tour: Merch, weather, set list and more