5 Tips for Making the Most of DC’s ‘Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience’

It’s Mayfair, London in 1813 and you’ve been invited as a guest at the most anticipated event in the Ton: The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience!

Now, to be fair, there’s no requirement to have seen any of the popular Bridgerton show to enjoy this interactive event developed by Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever. It’s entirely stand-alone… but with so many characters and cues (especially from Season 1), it’s bound to be even more delightful for fans of the series.

Taking place in four cities — including DC — this Bridgerton-inspired evening is currently available up to three times daily (at 3:00, 5:30 and 8:00 PM) for dates through mid-June, though it is likely to be extended by the Queen’s decree due to popularity.

In a 90 minute event, guests can visit the Modiste, pose for portraits, sip cocktails, participate in a scavenger hunt, learn a dance for the Grand Ballroom scene, enjoy a stringed quartet of live music from the Bridgerton soundtrack, watch dance and aerial performers, and even attempt to catch the Queen’s eye to compete to be her Diamond of the evening!

@kstreetkate Curious about what the #QueensBall #BridgertonExperience is all about?! Here’s a 30 second look inside! #bridgertonnetflix ♬ original sound – user1599086732029

There’s a lot involved in this Ball and the Ton is abuzz! So here are a few tips to make the most of your time at the Experience:

Tip 1: Regency-era or formal dress is highly suggested. Not only does it make the event more fun for everyone when you get into the spirit of the soirée, but those guests who go all out have the highest chance of catching the Queen’s eye — and you definitely want that to be you! (Also note that some items, like gloves and tiaras are sold on-site!)

Tip 2: Time is of the essence! Doors open 30 minutes before your timed entry, and if you want to experience the night to the fullest — and by that, we mean actually visit most of the vignettes of the experience — you’ll want to be there at the earliest possible time. Lines do develop, so consider what portions are most important to you. Do you want a portrait? Or would you prefer to try to crack the Hunt clues? Pictures under the hanging flowers are a must! But will you have enough time to present yourself to the Queen if you dawdle? And once the party moves into its second phase in the Ballroom, the first part closes, so make the most of your time.

Tip 3: To VIP or not to VIP?! From what we could tell, the perks of the VIP ticket included having a dedicated seat for the Ballroom action and a yummy glass of prosecco. (Other cocktails are sold on-site.) But since we wanted to participate in all of the action ON the dance floor, and it was difficult to take pictures, curtsey, peruse the place, and carry our dance cards/purses and a drink, we’d have been just as happy seat- and hands-free. It’s only a 90-minute experience after all!

Tip 4: Drive yourself, if possible. Normally, and especially when there are drinks involved, we suggest ride share — try ALTO! — yet the Queen’s Ball takes place in a bit of an out-of-the-way (and not entirely upscale) part of our fair Ton. But Dear Reader, do not despair! There is plenty of parking, and while it is advertised at $10, all participants surveyed from the DC event have reported there hasn’t actually been a charge for parking. So if you aren’t drinking, consider driving yourself.

Tip 5: Be camera ready! The entire Ball is set up for social media mania, so plan to pose for pictures at every scene and station and make everyone else jealous with photo ops that prove you attended the most exclusive ball of the season.

This experience is so packed with interactions that it might be nice to attend twice! Comment if you have any additional tips to share.