Le Dîner 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 happened on Thursday, August 15th. The date for 2025 is to be confirmed.
Visit the official Le Dîner en Blanc Vancouver website for details about the event in 2024.
This article includes the following information about Le Dîner en Blanc:
How Does Le Dîner en Blanc Work? | How to Attend | Admission Details | Tips & Advice | Other Information
Le Dîner en Blanc at BC Place in 2024
The Le Dîner en Blanc Outdoor Dining Event
Le Dîner en Blanc is an event that takes place in around 72 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 of them 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. In 2024 Le Dîner en Blanc took place on the pitch at BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver.
Le Dîner en Blanc celebrated its 11th edition in 2024. The event usually features live entertainment and art installations.
Visit the official Le Dîner en Blanc website for tickets and full details about the event when it runs again.
How Does Le Dîner en Blanc Work?
To participate in Le Dîner 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 Le Dîner 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 Le Dîner en Blanc
To participate in a Le Dîner 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 Le Dîner en Blanc event you will be invited to return the following year (provided that you obeyed all the rules).
How Much Does Le Dîner en Blanc Cost?
Le Dîner en Blanc in Vancouver costs about $67 if it’s your first time. Transit tickets (if needed to get to the venue) will cost a little bit extra.
Visit the official Le Dîner en Blanc website for tickets and full details about this event when it returns.
Tips & Advice
Below are some things to keep in mind regarding the event.
TIP #1: Don’t forget – Le Dîner 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!
Other Information
For more details about Vancouver’s all-white outdoor dining experience, click Le Dîner en Blanc.
For information about other events in the Lower Mainland, check out Vancouver’s August Calendar or click Festivals & Events.
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