Dearest reader, it seems society has once again found a reason to don corsets, sip tea and stir up scandal — this time, right here in Greater Cincinnati.
From 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, the Purple People Bridge in Newport will transform into a Regency-inspired affair to raise funds for the preservation of the bridge.
The Spring Soirée: Bridgerton Edition event will include a seated dinner, live music by String Source, desserts and horse-drawn carriage rides. Corsets, cravats and scandalous glances welcome — Regency-era attire is encouraged to set the Bridgerton mood.
“The Purple People Bridge is one of the most iconic and unique venues in the Greater Cincinnati region,” said Will Weber, president and CEO of Southbank Partners and the Purple People Bridge. “It’s the perfect setting for a Bridgerton-inspired evening, and we’re thrilled to introduce our inaugural Spring Soirée in such a magical location.”
Tickets to the event range from $150-$1,600 and proceeds will go directly toward maintenance needs for the Purple People Bridge. Each ticket comes with a full dinner, drinks, dessert and entertainment.
Though it serves as a critical pedestrian crossing, the bridge is privately owned and does not receive any tax dollars. Thus, fundraisers like the Spring Soirée are necessary to raise money for improvements to the Purple People Bridge.
“Every dollar raised from the Spring Soirée goes directly back to the bridge,” said Weber. “That means improved lighting, safer walkways, clean public spaces, places to sit and gather, and most importantly, continued preservation for the future.”
For more information about the Spring Soirée: Bridgerton Edition, visit eventbrite.com.
For more information about the Purple People Bridge and its preservation mission, visit purplepeoplebridge.com.
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 13, 2025.
