Ready for it? Where to find Taylor Swift album listening parties in South Florida this weekend

A pop idol, role model and muse for an expanding community of women around the globe, Taylor Swift will release her much-anticipated album “The Tortured Poets Department” at the stroke of midnight Friday morning.

Excitement locally is palpable — that one of the new songs is titled “Florida!!!” is driving us crazy!!! 

As a songwriter and a performer, Swift has a wonderful ability to shine her light on the dreams and anxieties of fans who often feel alone, inviting them, with sensitivity and grace, to feel alone together. Swift’s new album has inspired several listening parties in South Florida this weekend, where fans will gleefully parse her lyrics, create friendship bracelets and be reminded of how not alone they are. 

One such party will be held on Friday evening at Anna Bakes, the Wellington dessert shop and café run by baker and longtime Swiftie Anna Ross.

The family-friendly listening event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. and will include Swiftie-themed snacks, a friendship bracelet station, a photo station, games, a complimentary “Champagne Problems” toast (for adults) and a $25 gift card for the best-dressed Swiftie. 

The new album will be the centerpiece, but Ross, a fan since high school thanks to the 2008 release “Fearless,” says she’ll be playing songs from Swift’s entire discography. 

“I’m a big Swiftie. I love Taylor Swift, and I love the crowd that she creates. It’s such a community,” Ross says. “And it’s just fun. It’s one of the reasons that I wanted to own a bakery is to be able to do the fun, weird stuff like throwing a Taylor Swift party because we can.”

The celebration at Anna Bakes also will include the debut of four new pastries, each inspired by a song title on the new album. She plans on having them available this weekend and next weekend, and they also can be purchased as a set in The Tortured Poets Department Taylor Swift Box ($24). 

The new creations include Florida!!!, an orange-zested, palm-tree sugar cookie with lime glaze; So Long, London is an Earl Grey-infused scone with white chocolate chips, lemon poppy seed glaze and candied lemon; The Tortured Poets Department is a black cocoa s’mores whoopie pie; and I Can Do It With a Broken Heart is a red velvet cupcake with an Oreo truffle center, cookies-and-cream frosting and a broken heart-shaped cookie. 

Ross puts her excitement level at 10 for the new release. Conveniently, she has a 4 a.m. baking shift on Friday. 

“I’m waking up really early on Friday, and I know the second I wake up, I will be going to my music app and listening to it,” she says. 

Anna Bakes is at 10120 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, visit AnnaBakesFL.com.

Below are some of the other listening parties planned for “The Tortured Poets Department.” Space and tickets are limited, so check on availability in advance. 

Willy’s Neighborhood Bar
356 NW 24th St., Miami

A new spot that TimeOut recently designated “the first gay bar in Wynwood” will host a Taylor Swift listening party on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. The 21-and-older event will coincide with Happy Hour, so you’ll find $5 beers and $8 specialty cocktails. From 8 to 10 p.m., the bar will host a watch party for the Season 16 finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Willy’s is at  Visit Instagram.com/willyswynwood.

Fries to Karaoke
6299 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton

The speakeasy-style bar tucked into the restaurant formerly known as Fries to Caviar, now Phil’s Place, will host a listening party on Friday with Taylor-inspired cocktails beginning at 7 p.m. and the album on at 8 p.m. Fries to Karaoke has a two-item minimum purchase requirement, and there will be snacks and $5 house wines and well drinks available. Tickets cost $20. Fries to Karaoke is at 6299 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Visit Eventbrite.com.

Of Course I Still Love You Ceramics
124 NE 22nd St., Miami

The music-forward Wynwood ceramics studio (where Swift has always been in heavy rotation) will host a novice-friendly class while listening to “The Tortured Poets Department” and making friendship bracelets from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Cost for the class is $55+, but if you just want to just show up and vibe, admission is free. Visit OCISLYCeramics.com.

NOBO Brewing Co.
2901 NW Commerce Park Drive,  Boynton Beach

The brewery’s Swiftie Social takes place on Saturday and will include brunch, drink specials and painting while listening to “The Tortured Poets Department” from noon to 2 p.m.  Tickets cost $40 and include brunch and all art supplies. Beverages are purchased separately. You must be 13 or older to paint. Visit Eventbrite.com.  

Revelry
227 S. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach

The stylish lounge will celebrate Swift’s new record with a similar listening, brunching and painting party on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and include brunch and art supplies (drinks extra). The event is open to those 18 and older; of course you must be at least 21 to drink. Visit Eventbrite.com.  

Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com. Follow on Instagram @BenCrandell and Twitter @BenCrandell.