Diner en Blanc Coming Back to Chicago

Look out for those red wine glasses! For the fourth year in a row, Le Dîner en Blanc, is planning a secret event in Chicago on Friday, August 21. The event takes over a public space – the location of which is revealed just moments before the whole thing starts – with more than 1,300 people eating a picnic dinner, dressed in white from head-to-toe.

Last year’s event, at the Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk, was a sellout, and they’re expecting a full house again this year. “Our goal is to bring together the people of Chicago for a memorable evening in the city they love at a venue they may not normally be able to access for an elegant dinner with friends,” said James Wild, Co-Organizer of Dîner en Blanc – Chicago.

Groups of people converge at an iconic, outdoor Chicago location, traveling by foot and public transportation. Each guest brings a gourmet spread, table, chairs, and table setting – the goal being to break out of normal routines to eat and celebrate amid music, entertainment and dancing. At the end of the evening, trumpets sound, signaling guests to pack up their belongings, pick up all of their litter, and head back into the night, leaving no trace of their impromptu party.

To maintain the uniqueness and tradition of Le Dîner en Blanc, guests must observe key rules:

• Guests who attended the previous year (2014) are automatically invited, and once tickets for the current event are purchased they may invite a new member to attend. All others should sign up for the wait list via the official website at chicago.dinerenblanc.info/register.

• Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions. This is a rain or shine event and refunds will not be granted.