On September 10th, don’t be alarmed if you see hordes of Bostonians dressed alike for the city’s most spontaneous flashmob-picnic hybrid. Having now taken place in 60 cities in more than 25 countries on five continents, Dîner en Blanc is returning to Boston for a second pop-up event.
The worldwide phenomenon will lead 1,500 people dressed in all white to an undisclosed public location, revealed only moments prior to the event. While tables, chairs, and picnic baskets create the perfect picnic scene, DJs and one of Boston’s best live bands bring the party to life. Following the celebration, guests pack up their supplies and the picnic party disappears just as quickly as it appeared.
“Definitely there’s exclusivity about it that I think is intriguing to people,” event host Bryer Davis told BostInno. “The list in a lot of cities has tens of thousands of people on the waiting list … Once you attend, you’re considered a member and you can go to the one in your city every year, and so it’s like this fun annual event you get to do and as the years go on you can sponsor friends.”
Going about getting an invitation is about networking more than anything. Those who have attended a prior Dîner en Blanc are members and therefore invited. Then, friends of these members are invited. Others hoping to take part and become members also have opportunities toward the end of registration.
“It’s really about friendship and camaraderie because the whole concept of the event is that this is a group of people who’s so diverse and you could walk across the event through thousands of people and spot somebody else you know, so it’s multiple social circles within a city,” added Davis.
Of course, the very specific nature of Dîner en Blanc plays a role in maintaining such a loyal following. Evident worldwide, people have fully embraced the concept of dressing to the nines, while also expressing themselves through table decor, since tables, chairs, and food are brought in by guests.
Simplifying the process this year, Boston’s Dîner en Blanc has partnered with Gourmet Catering to offer baskets that can be preordered or picked up on site for those who would rather not cook (or more likely, would rather one less thing to haul around the city). If you don’t opt for a basket, you’ll be packing your own dinner and wandering aimlessly with it for awhile. Outside alcohol is not permitted, so all alcohol has to be ordered through their site.
“A goal is to really showcase Boston. There’s so many beautiful settings, and Dîner en Blanc pops up in these very iconic locations on a regular night and people are passing by and they see this really extraordinary thing happening, and so to be able to bring that to Boston again is just kind of an honor.”
So, if you’ve been waiting forever to spend about $45 to become a member of a prestigious picnic society, this is your moment. Throw on a white outfit then trek around town with tables, chairs, food, and no clear destination! The only additional steps are to do it again the next year and tell everyone you did.
For a chance to get in on the (selective) fun, register here by August 15!
Image via Dîner en Blanc.
