Exclusive: Dîner en Blanc turns 10 in D.C. — and adds a pop of color
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Attendees participate in the ceremonial napkin wave. Photo: Shannon Finney/Getty Images
D.C.'s secretive all-white picnic party — Dîner en Blanc — returns Oct. 4 with a blowout 10th anniversary bash.
Why it matters: D.C. loves "dîner." The event has swelled from 1,500 to 5,000 guests a year since it started, and stands out for its diverse cast of strangers coming together over BYO picnics and wine.
How it works: Born in Paris in the '80s, the dinner's location is kept secret until the day-of.
- Guests are notified of a meeting point and bring their own tables, chairs, food and finery to a splashy location (e.g. Pennsylvania Avenue).
The intrigue: "The site this year — everyone will shake their heads and say, 'This is D.C.,'" organizer Linda Davis teases to Axios.
What's new: The theme "blooming elegance" — the first year pops of color (flowers, crowns, centerpieces) join the sea of white.
- No BYO booze: Thanks to liquor laws, alcohol must be bought on-site. Sponsor Chambord will operate wine bars and a grand fountain.
- Catered picnic baskets available for pre-order.
- Expect amped-up music and collaborative performances.
Between the lines: The only exclusive part? Tickets.
- First wave ($60 per person) goes live for members next week who've attended in the past three years — they can invite limited guests.
- Others can join the "fan list." Davis says it's around 30,000 names deep since 2015. Bonne chance!