Montreal's massive 'Dîner en Blanc' picnic returns to a top secret location this summer
The world's biggest epicurean phenomenon returns to Montreal this summer, as thousands of picnickers dressed in all-white outfits prepare to take over a secret location for an elegant evening of dining under the stars.
If you know, you know. And, if you don't, we're talking about Dîner en Blanc.
Launched in Paris 36 years ago, Dîner en Blanc's chic urban pop-up picnic has since spread to 120 cities worldwide. This year's event will take place across nearly 75 cities in around 15 countries, marking the 14th edition in Montreal where the organization is now headquartered.
So, how does Dîner en Blanc work exactly?
Participants register online in advance but aren't given an exact location. Instead, they're told to meet at a starting point with a table, two white chairs, a white tablecloth, a picnic basket containing quality food, white tableware, appropriate glassware and cutlery. You're also allowed to bring wine or champagne (no other alcohol is permitted) and there are opportunities to rent some of these items as well as to purchase a pre-made picnic basket from a catering service.
FYI, you must register as a twosome and there is a strict all-white dress code, which people tend to get creative with, sometimes even spending weeks preparing their looks. In fact, organizers say Montrealers are among the most creative participants in the world — picture fancy hats, tailor-made suits, magnificent dresses, tuxedos, top hats and Marie Antoinette-style wigs.
From the starting point, a Dîner en Blanc volunteer guides the guests to the event's location, which in the past has been held at the Peel Bassin, Parc Jean-Drapeau and Esplanade Place Ville Marie, among other places.
Seeing as the event typically draws around 2,500 Montrealers — a mix of food, travel and fashion enthusiasts — our city streets turn into a sea of white, as guests head to the final destination and arrive en masse for their shared meal. Midsommar vibes minus the freaky parts!
During the evening, guests from diverse backgrounds eat, dance and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while enjoying the magical experience of the night. The picnic is followed by a party open to the public.
"Montreal is a city where weekends are great for partying. As a Montrealer, I love to take advantage of terrasses to enjoy good food, sip wine, chat and dance with friends. The concept of Dîner en Blanc is a kind of elegant reproduction of these evenings. The location is being kept secret until the last minute. Still, once it's revealed, passers-by will be able to join the party and dance with us," said Sandy Safi, director of Le Dîner en Blanc de Montréal and owner of the brand of Dîner en Blanc International, in a press release.
Dîner en Blanc de Montréal 2024 will take place on Friday, September 6 — the first time the Montreal event will be held on a Friday in early September, rather than a Thursday in August.
"September has become one of the most beautiful months of summer with mild evenings ideal for enjoying an evening under the stars. Friday is perfect for stretching out the fun!" the release reads.
Organizers told MTL Blog the price structure for this year's event is still being finalized. We will update this article once more details regarding cost become available.
Dîner en Blanc de Montréal
Price: TBD
When: Friday, September 6, 2024
Address: A secret location
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
A crowd picnicking at the Montreal Botanical Garden's Japanese Garden.
The food menu changes weekly at Dinette Triple Crown.
Picnic basket from Dinette Triple Crown.
Two people sit on a picnic blanket by a lake.
Food spread out on a blanket.