Dust off your white threads; pull out your fanciest table linens and candelabras: Dîner en Blanc is returning to Philadelphia for its seventh year, and the waiting list is officially open.
For those new to the game, Dîner en Blanc brings together upwards of 5,000 attendees dressed head to toe in white. All participants are required to tote their own white dining supplies: a table, chairs, linens, silverware, china and a picnic basket full of food and drinks. They’ll set up everything and have a fabulous meal together under the stars while the rest of us watch it unfold on Instagram (#dinerenblancphilly).
Photograph: Georgi Anastasov
The date for the 2018 festival hasn’t been announced yet. That will happen at a special party aboard the Moshulu on June 12. As fans know, the location of the soiree won’t be announced until moments before Dîner en Blanc takes place. But perhaps the Moshulu party offers a hint? Maybe something along the waterfront? I doubt organizers would be that obvious.
The one bit of information we do know is the theme: “Passport to Le Dîner en Blanc,” a nod, says co-host Natanya DiBona, to the 30th anniversary of the party, which began in Paris 30 years ago before making its way to 80 cities around the world. As such, the party will celebrate the towns and cultures around the globe that participate in Dîner en Blanc, including Philadelphia, which was one of the first cities to take part when the party went international.
Photograph: Courtesy Du Soleil Photographie
Dîner en Blanc is one of Philadelphia's most-anticipated events of the year. So anticipated, in fact, that last year’s bash sold out in a flash, and the waiting list generated 43,000 names (which means you better act fast if you want to attend.)
Tickets will be released in “phases” throughout the summer. Those who sign up for the wait list this year (by registering here) will be the first to be notified when Phase 3 registration becomes available. If you were lucky enough to sign up last year, you’ll get first dibs with an email alert when Phase 1 goes on sale. So keep in mind: Signing up for this waiting list does not mean you’re guaranteed tickets, but it does get your feet in the door. Good luck!
RECOMMENDED: Check out photos of last year’s Dîner en Blanc