By Jennifer Donatelli
While her Eras Tour may be over, you can still experience Taylor Swift’s music in a whole new way — without shelling out thousands for tickets. In an exciting blend of music, technology and astronomy, the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium in Centerport is hosting a dazzling laser light show featuring the music of one of the biggest artists of the 21st century.
The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, known for its innovative educational and entertainment programming, has introduced the Taylor Swift Laser Light Show, a unique fusion of astronomy and pop culture. The planetarium’s state-of-the-art dome transforms into a visual spectacle, immersing audiences in Swift’s iconic hits like “Anti-Hero,” “Fearless” and “Shake It Off.”
“This is not your average concert but a celestial experience,” said Dave Bush, director of the Vanderbilt Planetarium. The show combines intricate laser projections, animated visuals and stunning astronomy displays synchronized to Swift’s chart-topping music. Each song is carefully paired with vibrant light patterns and celestial imagery, evoking the awe of stargazing alongside Swift’s unforgettable melodies.
For Swifties and fans of immersive entertainment, this event has become a must-see. “She’s a Swiftie, and I love laser light shows,” said Matthew Verstraten, a history teacher from Middle Island who attended the show with his fiancée Angelina Shtenger.
Tara Moore, who attended with her family to celebrate her birthday, shared her excitement, saying, “I’ve followed Taylor Swift since she was 17 and playing country music. The laser show was an amazing experience filled with music, lights and excitement.” Her five-year-old son Finn added enthusiastically, “I’m a Swiftie too!”
The planetarium’s advanced projection and audio systems ensure a flawless experience, with every light beam and color shift perfectly aligned to the rhythm and emotion of the music. The show’s appeal is wide-ranging, offering something for everyone — from die-hard Swifties to families seeking an educational yet entertaining outing.
Roz Katz of Farmingdale and Jonathan Winter of Woodmere admitted they weren’t familiar with Swift’s music when they bought tickets, but after the show, they were singing “You Belong with Me” in the lobby. “It was incredible!” they said.
The Taylor Swift Laser Light Show has become one of the planetarium’s most popular offerings, drawing audiences for over a year and a half. “We thought it would be successful, but the magnitude has been unbelievable,” said Bush. “It’s a concert-like experience without the high ticket prices.”
The show, which features 12–14 tracks per performance, changes its setlist every six weeks to keep the experience fresh. Audience members often come dressed for the occasion, wearing glow-in-the-dark necklaces, heart-shaped glasses and other concert-inspired accessories.
For more information on the show and other events, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
