Diner en Blanc is a formal summer outdoor dinner event in Vancouver where thousands of people dress up in white and dine together at a secret location.

It’s like a massive ultra-fancy picnic where participants bring their own table, chairs, food, cutlery and dishes.

In 2024 the event happens on Thursday, August 15th.

Visit the official Diner en Blanc Vancouver website for tickets and full details about this year’s event.

This article includes the following information about Diner en Blanc:

How Does Diner en Blanc Work? | How to Attend | Admission Details | Tips & Advice | Other Information

Diner en Blanc in Vancouver — Diner en Blanc at BC Place in 2024

The Diner en Blanc Outdoor Dining Event

Diner en Blanc is an event that takes place in around six dozen cities around the world. The Vancouver edition has been running since 2011 and usually takes place in August. Participants register in advance and as many as 4,500 participants turn out each year.

The location remains a secret until just before the event. At that time registered guests receive notice of where the event is taking place, grab their stuff and then head to their dinner location.

Past locations for the Vancouver event include Concord Pacific Place, Canada Place, Harbour Green Park and Devonian Park in Coal Harbour, VanDusen Garden, Jack Poole Plaza, and Cooper’s Park in Yaletown. Where it happens in 2024, nobody will know until the middle of August!

Diner en Blanc celebrates its 11th edition in 2024. Last year’s event featured even more live entertainment and art installations than usual. 2024 will likely be just as impressive.

Visit the official Diner en Blanc website for tickets and full details about the event.

Science World and Diner en Blanc — Diner en Blanc at Concord Pacific Place

How Does Diner en Blanc Work?

To participate in Diner en Blanc you have to apply, pay a membership fee (if it’s your first time going), and register for the dinner. If you register, attendance is mandatory, regardless of the weather. If you don’t show up one year (even if it’s raining), then don’t expect to be able to attend again in the future.

Registered guests meet at a given time at a designated location, usually with their chairs, table and picnics. From there they head en masse to their secret venue via public transit (like the SkyTrain or SeaBus) or by chartered bus. Attire must be formal and all white.

Picnic materials typically need to include two white chairs, a square-shaped folding table, and a white tablecloth. Participants also need to bring a garbage bag (for their post-dinner trash and leftovers), plus their own utensils, dishes and drinking glasses. Those at the dinner can either prepare their own food in advance or purchase a catered basket available in advance.

Registration for Diner en Blanc is always for two people, which is why the list includes the mandatory two chairs. Guests are not allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages. They may, however, purchase wine at the event (ordered a few days in advance).

How to Attend Diner en Blanc

To participate in a Diner en Blanc event you need to be invited and then pay a membership fee. To be invited you either need to (1) know the organizers and be invited by them, (2) be sponsored by someone who is already a member or (3) apply to attend by signing up for the waiting list and hope spaces are still available after pre-invited guests finish registering.

Once you attend a Diner en Blanc event you will be invited to return the following year (provided that you obeyed all the rules).

How Much Does Diner en Blanc Cost?

Diner en Blanc in Vancouver costs about $67 in 2024 if it’s your first time. Transit tickets (if needed to get to the venue) will cost a little bit extra.

Visit the official Diner en Blanc website for tickets and full details about this year’s event.

Tips & Advice

Below are some things to keep in mind regarding the event.

TIP #1: Don’t forget – Diner en Blanc events take place rain or shine. If it’s raining and you want to be invited back again another year, you must still attend!

TIP #2: Buy a white umbrella or white raincoat if the weather looks iffy.

TIP #3: Don’t take spaghetti or anything messy for your picnic. Remember, you’re wearing all white!