Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia has set its sights on Thursday, Aug. 21, and if you’ve ever wanted to partake in the white-clad, secretive evening, now is your chance to sign up.
The City of Brotherly Love’s Le Dîner en Blanc began in 2012, but it’s based on a 1988 tradition started in Paris. It’s not just the white uniform of the evening that makes the experience enticing to people: The dinner in Paris is invite-only. You can’t buy tickets at the door or online by googling the event—essentially, you have to know someone in a way to participate.
But the application process isn’t quite as guarded in Philly.
The exclusivity that existed in Paris was born from the fact that there’s no registration. Here in the States and through the event’s international organization, there is. Just like with concert tickets or any other event, those who want to join in on the fun this year can register for a spot online, and tickets will remain open until the event sells out.
Locals should sign up for the fan list/Phase 3 at philadelphia.dinerenblanc.com. On the website, select “Attend Le Dîner en Blanc” and then “Create Account”. Everyone who creates an account will receive an invitation to register.
As an added bonus, 2025’s event will hold a ‘100 Years of Gatsby’ theme, adding “a touch of the Jazz Age to this French affair.”
“The Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia team has been planning a night full of French flair, exciting entertainment, and surprises for guests. We’re thrilled to celebrate 100 years of ‘The Great Gatsby’ by bringing the glamour and spirit of the Jazz Age into the 21st century,” said Natanya DiBona, co-host of Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia. “We know our guests will pull out all the stops with their stunning tablescapes and show-stopping outfits, and we can’t wait to see it all come to life.”
Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia, like all of its sister experiences around the world, also changes location every year. In 2012, the tradition started on Logan Circle. That venue was chosen because of its location on the Parkway (aka the “Champs-Élysées of America”,) and because Logan Circle itself is based on Place de la Concorde. Plus the library and the family court building are replicas of buildings in Paris.
Philly’s event has also taken place on the steps of the Art Museum, on Broad Street in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Avenue of the Arts, on the JFK Bridge and other scenic spots around the city. Participants find out where each location will be from a meeting point shortly before the event starts.
Entry to the event is for two people and includes live entertainment, activities, photo opportunities, and other elements adding to the theme (think, performances from Drew Nugent and The Midnight Society, Charleston lessons, vintage cars, and croquet playing.) Attendees are encouraged to add a little 1920s flair to their all-white attire this year as well. For the most part, participants bring their own food, drinks and set-ups for Le Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, but there’s also an option to opt for catering.
“Often people will share food and have created such friendships over the years,” finishes DiBona. “Everyone does their piece, but then after the dinner, it’s a great party. We have bands and DJs and roaming musicians and all sorts of different interactive activities. It’s really a fun full evening from start to finish.”
For more information on Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia, visit philadelphia.dinerenblanc.com or follow them on Instagram @dinerenblancphiladelphia and/or Facebook DinerEnBlanc.Philadelphia
