The best moments from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Toronto

Last Friday, I was one of 50,000 lucky fans to attend night two of Taylor Swift’s six-night Eras Tour stop at the Rogers Centre. Along with my die-hard Swiftie friend, I got to experience the cultural phenomenon that has been taking over the city (and the world) first-hand—and it lived up to the hype. From the moment I entered the stadium, I was hit with a wave of exhilaration and excitement unlike anything I had ever experienced. Here are the top moments from the unforgettable night.

Related: “Luckily we didn’t have to remortgage our homes”: Meet the Swifties who attended the first night of the Eras Tour

The custom menu

Forget your standard arena fare—the Rogers Centre made some Eras Tour tweaks to its menu, serving up gourmet concessions inspired by Swift’s discography. I snacked on some “Hi, I’m the Popcorn, It’s Me!” and sipped on a gin-based Lavender Haze cocktail. Honourable mentions go to the bejewelled pretzel, the T&T tots and tenders (or is it Taylor and Travis?) and the Shake It Off cocktail.

The friendship bracelet swap

After hearing about it for the past two years, I wondered if the whole friendship-bracelet movement was really a thing. I can now confirm that it is. Toronto Swifties came prepared with plenty of handmade bracelets—not to mention the giant friendship bracelet strung across the exterior of the Rogers Centre. Unfortunately, I arrived at the concert without any bracelets to trade or wear—but by the end of the show I had 10.

The cross-generational audience

I’d never been to a concert where younger kids in fur coats were singing alongside teenagers in bedazzled bodysuits, dads with bejewelled faces and grandmothers wearing “I knew you were trouble” T-shirts. Swift’s cross-generational reach was a sight to behold.

The fan fashion show

Glitter, sparkles, rhinestones, knitted cardigans, billowy dresses and trench coats: fans of all ages were decked out in looks inspired by Swift’s music videos, lyrics and, of course, eras. I saw audience members dressed as Christmas trees, friendship bracelets, champagne bottles and even a flock of seagulls—all references to Swift’s 274-song catalogue. It was like walking through a Taylor Swift–themed museum. Meanwhile, I attended the concert in my casual era—black jeans, black T-shirt and Nikes. Needless to say, I felt very underdressed.

The countdown

The energy in the stadium before Swift stepped onstage was palpable. But when “Applause” by Lady Gaga started playing—the song that signals Swift’s entrance, I later learned—you could feel the anticipation build. When the song ended and the giant two-minute countdown clock appeared, the stadium literally shook with excitement. Seeing the thrill in people’s eyes could convert just about anyone into a Swiftie.

The acoustic section

Swift’s acoustic set is an intimate and raw moment in what is otherwise a larger-than-life production. Just before what was perhaps the most highly anticipated section of the show, the crowd fell silent, waiting to hear what surprise songs Swift was going to sing for Toronto’s second night. She ended up performing a mix of “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” and “Mine” on the guitar and “Evermore” and “Peter” on piano. Hearing the screams of fans (including me) whose favourite songs were chosen made the whole experience even better—“Mine” is one of my personal favourites.

The costume changes

Taylor’s 44-song set list was divided into sections representing each of her 10 eras. Each section came with at least one major outfit change that happened right onstage, whether it was behind a group of backup singers holding umbrellas or when the lights dimmed for a few seconds. There were massive cheers whenever Swift reemerged as a new persona in a new outfit. My favourites were her Red-era red-and-black bodysuit and sparkly long coat and her Tortured Poets Department white dress. Swift’s looks were as much a part of the performance as the songs themselves.

The spectacle

Swift performed for three hours straight, seemingly without breaking a sweat. It was impressive, and it lived up to all of the hype. In fact, calling Swift’s performance a concert does it a disservice. It’s a precisely put together, perfectly rehearsed, impeccably executed cinematic experience that showcases Swift’s (and her backup singers’ and dancers’) next-level professionalism and showmanship. Rating: 10 out of 10 (although the ticket prices are still a little out of touch).