what is le
diner en blanc?
Le Diner en Blanc is more than an event! It’s a cultural movement that empowers friends to celebrate their shared passions for life, food, fashion, and community—with a pinch of mystery and a large serving of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed, guests arrive at a secret location for a chic picnic en masse. Over the course of the evening, guests savor a meal, dance, reconnect with the finer things in life, and make new traditions, as they appreciate their city’s beauty and the night’s magic.
Key Things To Know
How to attend – Easy! Just click “Attend Le Diner en Blanc” on your city’s page or “sign in” at the top right to access your account. That’s where we’ll whisper all the details!
What to wear – All white, of course! Think crisp linen, dreamy lace, bold accessories. This is your moment to shine. (Gold, silver, or nude accents are allowed – but keep it mostly en blanc!)
Fan List – Anyone can join the Fan List to get updates and a Phase 3 invitation when tickets go on sale. Just click “Attend Le Diner en Blanc” on any city page to drop your name and email.
Registration – Registration happens in three waves:
Phase 1 – Last year’s members (and/or friends of the organizers)
Phase 2 – Friends “sponsored” by members in Phase 1
Phase 3 – Everyone on the Fan List!
Each ticket is for a table for two!
Getting to the secret location – Guests meet up at designated “departure points” all around the city. You’ll see the options when you register. From there, a volunteer “Table Leader” takes you to the venue.
Sitting with your friends – Just select the same Table Leader at registration. Voilà! You’ll be at the same table.
What to bring – According to Le Diner en Blanc tradition, guests bring* a folding table and chairs, a white tablecloth and cloth napkins, tableware, a gourmet meal for two, and a garbage bag. The most creative guests go all-out with decor!
Want more information? See FAQ section.
*Many cities offer on-site rentals and catered meals right through your account, so you don't have to carry your own.
Moment by Moment
Le Rendez-Vous
Guests meet up all around the city with their tables, chairs, and picnic baskets in tow. Except for a few volunteers who will lead everyone to the event site, no one knows where they’re going…
Arrival
Guests reach the secret location in a stunning wave of white. They come from all over! In just 20 minutes of organized chaos, thousands of guests set up their tables, chairs, and place-settings with great excitement and determination. Dinner is almost served!
The Napkin Wave
Once the scene is set, guests wave their white cloth napkins in the air, in unison, to signal that Le Diner is about to commence.
Le Dîner
Guests savour their carefully prepared meals and drink in this magical time and place with friends, new and old. Everyone remains seated until the meal is over.
End of dinner
Guests light up the sky to signal the end of their elegant dinner and the rest of the night. It’s time to mix and mingle and enjoy the live entertainment!
Let's Dance!
Everyone is up from their seats, taking pictures and getting out on that dancefloor!
Au revoir
Guests leave the scene, as though it was all a dream, with nothing but their belongings and memories to last a lifetime—or at least until next year!
How can I host a Diner en Blanc event in my city?
Celebrate your city in style! As Le Diner en Blanc continues to grow, connecting people in communities around the world, we’ve made it our mission to guide and support passionate individuals who want to organize their very own elegant event in their city. We bring our tradition and philosophy to the table. You bring your creativity and local flair!
Organizing a large-scale event like Le Diner en Blanc requires a great deal of commitment and preparation. We generally require a minimum of 6 months to help you organize and execute your event. It’s important to know that Diner en Blanc International does not charge local hosts to become part of our network or to use our trademark; however, hosts must accept the responsibilities associated with taking on a large-scale event and commit to respecting the guidelines and specifications intended to preserve the spirit and the values of Le Diner en Blanc.
To apply to host a Diner en Blanc event in your city, please click below. Diner en Blanc International will schedule a conference call with all qualified teams to continue the application process and offer more information about organizing an event. Please note that we will only consider applications that contain all the requested information.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
