Interactive experience for Taylor Swift fans in Sudbury

Taylor Swift kicked off her Eras Tour stops in Toronto last week and the frenzy for the pop star is expanding north with a tribute show and event later this month.

For those who can't get enough of the icon's music or weren't able to get tickets to see her in person, internationally recognized drag queen Carmen Dior is hosting an interactive experience for Swifties at Sudbury's Knox Hall on Nov. 30.

Eras Tour Sudbury Version at Knox Hall on Nov. 30 (Noah Carniello)

Dubbed Eras Tour (Sudbury's Version), the all-ages event will feature a family-friendly Taylor tribute drag show, friendship bracelet making station, photo walls for every era and local vendors with themed merchandise.

"The Eras Tour has been a phenomenon and it is no secret that Taylor mania is at a high right now," Dior told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an interview Tuesday.

"And I really want to bring more drag to Sudbury."

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The event is more than just a tribute concert for people who love pop music, concerts and Taylor Swift and luckily for fans, tickets aren't as hard to get for Sudbury's Version.

"It's a celebration of fandom. It's a celebration of togetherness and it's going to be a really, really exciting day and night," she said said.

Six years of drag

Inspired by pop divas such as Swift, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, she started doing drag in 2018.

Dior grew up in Sudbury among the local art scene and has returned home after living abroad in places like Japan and Los Angeles the last couple of years.

"It's always been a way for me to express my true self, my authentic self and my identity and my queerness," Dior said.

"To do events like these is a way for me to embody what was an escape for me when I was younger, growing up and what I hope is an inspiration and also a way for others to become, you know, more comfortable with themselves."

Sudbury drag queen Carmen Dior dressed for her Taylor Swift-inspired reputation era. Nov. 19, 2024 (Chelsea Papineau/CTV Northern Ontario)

Now that she is back in her hometown, she said Sudbury can look forward to more pop-inspired tribute drag shows and queer events.

"Creating more spaces for people to do exciting things and have exciting experiences is really important to me," Dior said.