10 Reasons Why Dîner en Blanc is a Good Time
As the all-white alfresco dinner party gets ready for its 10th anniversary in 2024, I consider why it’s such a major attraction in Chicago.
I have to be honest with you.
When I first heard that Dîner en Blanc was coming to Chicago in 2012, I wasn’t very enthusiastic about it. I’ve never been an all-white party fan because I’ve always been determined to be the most colorful person in the room with my attire.
I also do not like surprises. Therefore, I wasn’t into the fact that you find out the location for the party the day of the party. Things have changed—immensely—about how I felt in those early days because I have experienced watching the magic unfold before my eyes.
Dîner en Blanc is an international sensation. The first one debuted in 1988 when a guy named François Pasquier gathered a bunch of friends in front of the Place de la Madeleine for an elegant picnic. They, of course, wore all white.
In 2012, Dîner en Blanc International was born. It’s responsible for organizing this secret chic picnic in close to 80 cities in 30 countries around the world with more than 130,000 participants (The largest and most internationally recognized Dîner en Blanc remains the original Paris event).
The ninth-annual Dîner en Blanc Chicago event took place the third Thursday in August on the plaza of The Mart. It was spectacular and attracted a few thousand guests as several thousand remained on a waiting list. It’s also important to note that the last event was held in 2019. You could just tell that participants were excited to be back after all these years because they really went all out with their outfits, table settings, and food and drink offerings.
I will shout at the top of my lungs all day that Chicago is the best dining city in the world, but there is just something about Dîner en Blanc that elevates the experience. To get ready for the 10th anniversary in 2024—which apparently already has a 10,000 person waiting list—I wrote 10 reasons why it’s such a major attraction here.
Dîner en Blanc is a truly diverse experience.
It was pretty cool watching people from all over Chicagoland set up tables next to each other and pitch in to help their neighbors set up as well. Every ethnicity, income and education level was represented, plus a good mix of cultures and lifestyles had people kikiing in a refreshingly authentic fashion. Towards the end of the party, there was something for everyone on the dance floor: from deep, old school house to salsa to old-school soul to pop music. The best part was that everyone danced to everything.
The fun is the anticipation of discovering the event’s location.
As I mentioned above, I do not like surprises. But at the same time, you just know that the organizers are looking to wow guests, not disappoint them. They’re always going to choose a bomb location, and The Mart is certainly not shabby. It perfectly accommodated everyone, plus it was right off the Chicago River where we watched boats float on by. I had a bird’s eye view of the entire event, which had me excited. Then, once it turned dark, we experienced Art on The Mart together.
The spectacular alfresco party showcases the Windy City like no other.
The Chicago River. Art on the Mart. The El’s Brown Line rode right above the party. The city’s architecture at night on display. All this at once on a beautiful summer night felt magical against all those people draped in white attire.
It’s an immersive experience.
With all the divisiveness this country and city has experienced in the past several years, coming together in all white somehow makes it feel as though we are in unity. It may have only been for a few hours or so, but it all just felt like everyone was on the same page for once. That officially began when everyone twirled their white napkins in the air in unison, signifying the start of the event. That’s one of the signature moments of Dîner en Blanc.
Dîner en Blanc is the ultimate Instagram opportunity.
Several guests paid homage to the original Parisian event with oversized white Eiffel Tower replicas on their tables. Others had midsized white Christmas trees and ornaments adorning their section. And there were quite a few parasols and spectacular headgear that were ripe for photographing. Every table was a great photo opportunity, in fact.
Watching guests express themselves in all-white attire is truly a moment.
Beyond parasols and hats, guests went all out in white attire. There wasn’t a cheesy or sleazy dress in view. Guests were elegant, chic and fashionable, wearing beautiful gowns and beaded cocktail dresses, glittery jumpsuits and vests, tailored jackets, fedoras, fascinators, feathers, lots of lace, pearls and sequins, unique hairstyles and so much more. I can honestly state that I never saw the same outfit twice and everyone’s goal was to step out to look their best.
Dîner en Blanc feels like a different event every time you attend.
I previously attended a Dîner en Blanc Chicago party in 2018. It happened in Lincoln Park on the lakefront, and it was one of those rare August evenings that decided to be cold and windy. We still had a blast because of all the people I knew and ran into on that occasion. This time around, I didn’t know as many folks, but it was just as fun. And because of the completely different location, it had a different vibe and an entirely new cast of characters. Unlike some annual events that follow the same formula each year, this one feels more spontaneous because each new setting brings a new element. And being outside where they’re a possibility of spectators trying to figure out what’s going on with all that white, loud music and full-on energy emboldens guests with a sense of exhibitionism.
There’s a reason why there’s already a 10,000 person waiting list for 2024.
Each year, organizers said, the list gets longer for those who wish to attend Dîner en Blanc in Chicago and beyond. It’s always exceled because it’s a word-of-mouth event through friends and their friends. That’s the secret to the success right there. Friends bring their friends to attend an exclusive elegant picnic experience that is like no other.
The event crosses all generations.
Every generation was repped, from Gen Z to those well into their 70s. And everyone had fun—together. There aren’t many events that can make that claim beyond weddings and family reunions.
No bad vibes.
It’s amazing how a gorgeous summer day with a beautiful view and people from all walks in life wearing white from head to toe can put smiles on thousands of people’s faces. How can something so simple make people so happy and nice to one another?!
These organizers should consider running for public office.
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Wow! What a great experience!