For the third consecutive year, the “Party on the Purple” series is returning to the Purple People Bridge this spring and summer with the first bridge party scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, at 6 p.m.

The free weekly summer party series — which includes live music, food trucks, beer, wine, and spirits — will run throughout summer until August, 7.

New this year are themed parties, such as Kentucky Derby Night, 80’s Night, Dog Night, and much more. As in past years, the Party on the Purple will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday nights.

The following is the band schedule and food trucks for the first nine Parties on the Purple:

Date Featured Band Featured Food Trucks Time
Wednesday, June 26th The Everyday People Band Texas Joe & Donatos Pizza 6pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday, July 3th Amy Sailor Band Sunny Side Brunch & Donatos Pizza 6pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday, July 10th Final Order Poutine Machine & Donatos Pizza 6pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday, July 17th Naked Karate Girls Carbonara's Grill & Donatos Pizza 6pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday, July 24th Marsha Brady U Lucky Dawg & Donatos Pizza 6pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday, July 31th Elementree Livity Project Pretzelfuls & Donatos Pizza 6pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday, August 7th The SunBurners tbd & Donatos Pizza 6pm - 10:30pm

“For the third year in a row, Party on the Purple is the region’s signature Wednesday night event,” said Jack Moreland, president of Southbank Partners and chairman of the Purple People Bridge Company. “We are proud once again work with ColdIron Events to  bring our community on both sides of the river to the Purple People Bridge for a weekly party over the river that’s not only fun, but provides funding support for our bridge in the process.”

A portion of funds generated from food and drink sales during the weekly events go toward painting and maintaining the historic pedestrian-only bridge. The nonprofit organization is trying to raise $1 million to repaint the bridge and make other capital improvements to it.