There’s a good chance you’ve seen the photos: packs of people in flowing kaftans, chunky jewelry, red wigs, and not a single damn given. These are the Mrs. Roper Romps—a growing national trend where folks gather to honor Helen Roper, the brilliantly nosy landlady from Three’s Company, by dressing up and letting loose.
Now it’s Richmond’s turn.
On Friday, May 16th from 5–8pm, Crossroads Art Center is throwing its own version. There’ll be music from DJ Altatude, food, drinks, and of course, a full-blown Dress Like Mrs. Roper Contest. Show up dressed to impress—or at least to lounge confidently—and you might walk away with a prize. Judging goes down at 7pm.
This thing started in New Orleans over a decade ago and has since taken off everywhere from Michigan to Manhattan. The New York Times covered the whole scene, pointing out how Mrs. Roper has somehow become a modern icon—equal parts camp, comfort, and quiet rebellion. As one Romper put it, there’s something freeing about dressing up like a character who never once apologized for taking up space.
It’s fun. It’s weird. Bonus: 10% of all art sales that night go to Virginia Pride, so your kaftaned presence also supports a good cause.
Come romp.
Photo from Mrs. Roper Romp FB Group page
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