Bigger, Better and always en Blanc!
Your loyal Le Dîner en Blanc Chicago team is ready to welcome you back for another night of revelry and elegance at a secret location in our beloved city.
CHICAGO – Celebrating its sixth straight year in Chicago, Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago will host its annual event on Thursday, August 24, 2017. Held at an undisclosed public space, the location is revealed only when you arrive at the start of the event. This unique experience is one of the world’s most elegant large scale “picnics.”
With the sole purpose of sharing a unique experience in good company, Le Dîner en Blanc was launched by François Pasquier nearly 30 years ago in Paris, France. After spending a few years abroad, Pasquier returned to Paris and wanted to organize a picnic to reconnect with old friends. The concept was simple: "Bring a meal, and bring a new friend." Seeing as his garden was too small for the gathering, he told his friends to convene at the Bois de Boulogne and to dress in white so they could recognize each other. This friendly group of 200 people in 1988 has grown over time and soon came to be known as Le Dîner en Blanc. The original event in Paris now assembles more than 10,000 guests and has featured some of the city’s most prestigious sites such as Le Pont des Arts, Château de Versailles, Champs-Élysées, Le Louvre, Trocadéro and the Palais Royal Garden. Since the founding of Dîner en Blanc International in 2012, the event has quickly spread to more than 70 cities around the world with Chicago being one of the first cities to launch. Today, nearly 200,000 guests participate collectively around the world each year.
The evening begins as friends old and new converge at a meeting point prior to the main event. From there, they are led by a Dîner en Blanc - Chicago volunteer to an iconic outdoor Chicago destination, of which the location remains secret until the very moment they arrive. Dressed entirely in white, guests are enlisted to bring a picnic basket, table, chairs and table settings. With the city as a backdrop, attendees enjoy music, entertainment, dancing and new friends upon arrival and throughout the evening. Three thousand guests attended the sold-out event in 2016, and with 15,000 people on the waiting list vying for one of the almost 4,000 places available this year, we are expecting another record sold-out event.
“Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago is first and foremost an event to celebrate our city. With the inspiration of the original Parisian event, we have created an inclusive environment that transcends societal labels and brings people together to experience the heart of Chicago. Every year we are overwhelmed and delighted at the community that has been created, reuniting old friends and creating new ones. We strive to keep this going by bringing people together, giving back to the community and, of course, having a marvelous time doing it!” state the hosts of the Chicago event (Roger Hobby, James Wild, Lauren Haras, Annette Dalloo and Jenn Jones).
Invitations occur in three stages. Each invitation is for two people:
Phase 1 is for returning 2016 members who attended the previous year’s event
Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase I attendees
Phase 3 is for guests who register on the waiting list via the official website https://chicago.dinerenblanc.com/register, by August 1st.
Once places are reserved and confirmed, and to keep with Le Dîner en Blanc’s unique tradition, guests are asked to observe the following key rules:
A table, two chairs, white tablecloth, and white cloth napkins.
A picnic basket with food, proper stemware and white dinnerware.
A catered picnic basket option, which can be picked up on site, will be available for those who do not wish to pack their own. Guests wishing to do so must purchase a voucher online through the Dîner en Blanc – Chicago e-store.
As per venue, City of Chicago and state alcohol laws/regulations/ordinances, guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy wine or Champagne must reserve online through the Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago e-store. Guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and hard liquor are prohibited.
Valid Driver’s License or State ID (all guests must be over 21).
For full details on the event’s rules and additional tips, please visit the official website: chicago.dinerenblanc.com/about.
We are proud to have Evian and Badoit on board as national sponsors for 2017.
To keep up to date on event announcements, follow us on:
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Official Hashtags: #dinerenblanc | #DEBchicago2017 | #DEBchicago
For all official videos of Le Dîner en Blanc series, please visit Le Dîner en Blanc and for photos of Le Dîner en Blanc series, please visit the official website.
About Dîner en Blanc
Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Dîner en Blanc - Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on five continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fuelling this fantastic event have not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 70 cities in more than 25 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair.
About The Hosts
The Dîner en Blanc - Chicago team held their inaugural event in August of 2012 in the South Gardens of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since then, the Hosts have sought out significant Chicago venues that are underutilized or have previously not been available for a public or private event including Pioneer Plaza, the Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk, Federal Plaza and, in 2016, Queen's Landing. The Dîner en Blanc - Chicago Host team includes Roger Hobby, James Wild, Lauren Haras, Annette Dalloo and Jenn Jones.
CHICAGO – Celebrating its sixth straight year in Chicago, Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago will host its annual event on Thursday, August 24, 2017. Held at an undisclosed public space, the location is revealed only when you arrive at the start of the event. This unique experience is one of the world’s most elegant large scale “picnics.”
With the sole purpose of sharing a unique experience in good company, Le Dîner en Blanc was launched by François Pasquier nearly 30 years ago in Paris, France. After spending a few years abroad, Pasquier returned to Paris and wanted to organize a picnic to reconnect with old friends. The concept was simple: "Bring a meal, and bring a new friend." Seeing as his garden was too small for the gathering, he told his friends to convene at the Bois de Boulogne and to dress in white so they could recognize each other. This friendly group of 200 people in 1988 has grown over time and soon came to be known as Le Dîner en Blanc. The original event in Paris now assembles more than 10,000 guests and has featured some of the city’s most prestigious sites such as Le Pont des Arts, Château de Versailles, Champs-Élysées, Le Louvre, Trocadéro and the Palais Royal Garden. Since the founding of Dîner en Blanc International in 2012, the event has quickly spread to more than 70 cities around the world with Chicago being one of the first cities to launch. Today, nearly 200,000 guests participate collectively around the world each year.
The evening begins as friends old and new converge at a meeting point prior to the main event. From there, they are led by a Dîner en Blanc - Chicago volunteer to an iconic outdoor Chicago destination, of which the location remains secret until the very moment they arrive. Dressed entirely in white, guests are enlisted to bring a picnic basket, table, chairs and table settings. With the city as a backdrop, attendees enjoy music, entertainment, dancing and new friends upon arrival and throughout the evening. Three thousand guests attended the sold-out event in 2016, and with 15,000 people on the waiting list vying for one of the almost 4,000 places available this year, we are expecting another record sold-out event.
“Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago is first and foremost an event to celebrate our city. With the inspiration of the original Parisian event, we have created an inclusive environment that transcends societal labels and brings people together to experience the heart of Chicago. Every year we are overwhelmed and delighted at the community that has been created, reuniting old friends and creating new ones. We strive to keep this going by bringing people together, giving back to the community and, of course, having a marvelous time doing it!” state the hosts of the Chicago event (Roger Hobby, James Wild, Lauren Haras, Annette Dalloo and Jenn Jones).
Invitations occur in three stages. Each invitation is for two people:
Phase 1 is for returning 2016 members who attended the previous year’s event
Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase I attendees
Phase 3 is for guests who register on the waiting list via the official website https://chicago.dinerenblanc.com/register, by August 1st.
Once places are reserved and confirmed, and to keep with Le Dîner en Blanc’s unique tradition, guests are asked to observe the following key rules:
- Once confirmed, guest participation is mandatory, regardless of weather conditions. This is a rain or shine outdoor event - special considerations are made for dangerous weather and situations.
- The dress code is simple: elegant, head-to-toe white outfits. Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.
- Table setting: all white and no disposable place settings! No paper napkins or plastic cups!
- The location is a secret. Guests meet at their selected departure location and are escorted by a Dîner en Blanc - Chicago volunteer to the undisclosed site.
- Guests are required to take all of their belongings, leftovers and garbage, leaving the secret location as pristine as they found out, as if we were never there
A table, two chairs, white tablecloth, and white cloth napkins.
A picnic basket with food, proper stemware and white dinnerware.
A catered picnic basket option, which can be picked up on site, will be available for those who do not wish to pack their own. Guests wishing to do so must purchase a voucher online through the Dîner en Blanc – Chicago e-store.
As per venue, City of Chicago and state alcohol laws/regulations/ordinances, guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy wine or Champagne must reserve online through the Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago e-store. Guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and hard liquor are prohibited.
Valid Driver’s License or State ID (all guests must be over 21).
For full details on the event’s rules and additional tips, please visit the official website: chicago.dinerenblanc.com/about.
We are proud to have Evian and Badoit on board as national sponsors for 2017.
To keep up to date on event announcements, follow us on:
Official Hashtags: #dinerenblanc | #DEBchicago2017 | #DEBchicago
For all official videos of Le Dîner en Blanc series, please visit Le Dîner en Blanc and for photos of Le Dîner en Blanc series, please visit the official website.
About Dîner en Blanc
Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Dîner en Blanc - Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on five continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fuelling this fantastic event have not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 70 cities in more than 25 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair.
About The Hosts
The Dîner en Blanc - Chicago team held their inaugural event in August of 2012 in the South Gardens of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since then, the Hosts have sought out significant Chicago venues that are underutilized or have previously not been available for a public or private event including Pioneer Plaza, the Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk, Federal Plaza and, in 2016, Queen's Landing. The Dîner en Blanc - Chicago Host team includes Roger Hobby, James Wild, Lauren Haras, Annette Dalloo and Jenn Jones.
A Look Back on 2023!
08 March 2024
With the 2024 Diner en Blanc Event Season ramping up, we wanted to share some of the highlights from 2023.
Introducing Our New Logo & Website
25 April 2024
You’re here! Have you had a chance to browse this beautiful new website yet? Take a tour and get even more excited about the coming season!
The French Connection | Official Speakeasy Afterparty
14 August 2023
Keep the Party Going—You’re Invited to the Exclusive Secret Speakeasy Dîner en Blanc-Chicago After Party!
Mix, mingle, and dance the night away with new friends, old friends, and the event hosts.
Learn more
Mix, mingle, and dance the night away with new friends, old friends, and the event hosts.
Premier Wine Offerings for Le Retour
01 August 2023
Enjoy premier wine sponsors Bodega Garzón, Bodega Renacer, and the Glunz Family Winery and Cellars at Le Retour of Diner en Blanc-Chicago!
We can't think of a better way to celebrate Chicago and our return, than with a selection of global wines curated by Louis Glunz Wine, a Fourth Generation family-owned and operated importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits in the Chicagoland area.
Learn more
We can't think of a better way to celebrate Chicago and our return, than with a selection of global wines curated by Louis Glunz Wine, a Fourth Generation family-owned and operated importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits in the Chicagoland area.
Introducing Elevated Picnic Baskets Curated by Chef Charles Haracz
11 July 2023
Elevated Picnic Baskets Curated by Chef Charles Haracz for 2023 Le Retour
Blue Plate Chicago Executive Chef, Charles Haracz, has curated a selection of elevated picnic basket options, serving two, for the return of Dîner en Blanc-Chicago. Prior to his position at Blue Plate, Haracz spent 10 years at the Art Institute of Chicago, including as Chef De Partie to Chef Tony Mantuano for the acclaimed Terzo Piano Restaurant at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Learn more
Blue Plate Chicago Executive Chef, Charles Haracz, has curated a selection of elevated picnic basket options, serving two, for the return of Dîner en Blanc-Chicago. Prior to his position at Blue Plate, Haracz spent 10 years at the Art Institute of Chicago, including as Chef De Partie to Chef Tony Mantuano for the acclaimed Terzo Piano Restaurant at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Chicago’s Largest Dinner Party, Le Dîner en Blanc, Returns on Thursday, August 17
29 June 2023
Chicago, June 29, 2023 – Le Dîner en Blanc-Chicago presents ‘Le retour.’ After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the elegant, pop-up urban picnic returns Thursday, August 17, 2023, at an unexpected and secret new location in the City of Chicago.
As always, returning members will receive an invitation to purchase tickets, and new guests also have an opportunity to join the experience by registering for the waiting list at chicago.dinerenblanc.com and clicking on the register tab.
Learn more
As always, returning members will receive an invitation to purchase tickets, and new guests also have an opportunity to join the experience by registering for the waiting list at chicago.dinerenblanc.com and clicking on the register tab.
Le Retour 2023
11 June 2023
That's right Chicago, we're making our triumphant return Summer 2023! After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the elegant, pop-up urban picnic returns.
Hope you missed us. We sure missed you! XOXO
Learn more
Sofitel Sweepstakes
16 October 2019
Sofitel Sweepstakes. Win a 4 day trip for 2 to any Sofitel location!
Learn more
E-Store Opens July 12
12 July 2019
For this year's event we're shaking things up a bit, offering an array of picnic basket options using French techniques by Chef Melissa Chickerneo of Blueplate Catering.
From Cauliflower al Pastor to Pickled Shrimp with Watermelon Gazpacho to Petit Tender with Green Chimichurri - there's something for everyone, including 14 sparkling and still wine options!
Learn more
From Cauliflower al Pastor to Pickled Shrimp with Watermelon Gazpacho to Petit Tender with Green Chimichurri - there's something for everyone, including 14 sparkling and still wine options!