Dîner en Blanc: New York’s Epic White-Out Dinner Party Makes a Glamorous Comeback
The Secret Pop-Up Event Where Thousands Dress in White, Dine Like Royalty, and Dance Until Dawn
Imagine a crisp September evening in New York City, where thousands of people, all dressed in pristine white from head to toe, converge on a secret location. They carry tables, chairs, and gourmet picnic baskets, ready to transform an iconic public space into a sea of elegance. This is not a scene from a dream or a movie. It is Dîner en Blanc, the world’s largest pop-up dinner party, set to return to the Big Apple on September 19, 2025.
What started as a simple picnic among friends in Paris back in 1988 has exploded into a global sensation. Today, it draws crowds in over 120 cities across six continents, from bustling metropolises like Tokyo and Sydney to cultural hubs like Montreal and Dubai. At its core, Dîner en Blanc celebrates the joy of gathering, the thrill of mystery, and the art of fine dining. Guests do not just show up. They create the magic, blending fashion, food, and friendship under the stars.
This year’s New York edition promises to elevate the experience even further with a theme called Blooming Elegance. Picture tables adorned with floral arrangements, outfits inspired by blooming gardens, and an atmosphere that feels like a living work of art. Adding to the allure, acclaimed French chef Daniel Boulud is curating two exclusive picnic baskets available for order through the event’s website. Boulud, a Lyon native who has called New York home since 1982, brings his signature touch of seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine to the mix.
“Dîner en Blanc always brings a burst of French summer feasts to cities around the world in a celebration of friendship, fashion, and food,” Boulud said. “As a French New Yorker, I am honored to prepare a festive picnic basket for this magical evening. It will certainly be the largest and chicest gathering of fête à la française.”
Boulud’s empire spans multiple restaurants in New York and beyond, including his flagship spot, Daniel, which opened in 1993. His menus blend classic French techniques with modern flair, earning him a reputation as one of America’s top culinary minds. For Dîner en Blanc attendees, his baskets mean an effortless way to indulge in high-end flavors without the hassle of packing from scratch.
Sandy Safi, the founder and CEO of Dîner en Blanc International, has steered this phenomenon from its French roots to a worldwide network. Under her leadership, the event has grown to attract nearly two million fans on waiting lists globally. Each city adds its own twist, but the core remains the same: a chic, all-white affair that fosters community and spontaneity.
In recent years, New York has hosted some unforgettable editions. In 2023, the event turned the historic Meatpacking District into a white wonderland, drawing attention from Mayor Eric Adams, who stopped by in his own sharp white suit. The following year, Union Square became the backdrop, blending the city’s energy with the party’s elegant vibe.
“It has been a privilege collaborating with the city and setting a new precedent by hosting the event at two historic locations, the Meatpacking District and Union Square,” Safi reflected. “More than just an event, Dîner en Blanc is a celebration of joie de vivre, where food, fashion, music, and community come together to create unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to bring the magic back this September.”
The night’s ritual is as captivating as it is precise. Guests register in phases, starting with past attendees and sponsors, then opening to waitlist members and the public. On the day, they meet at designated spots and follow volunteers to the undisclosed venue.
Once there, they set up their all-white tablescapes, waved cloth napkins in unison to signal the start of dinner, and feasted on everything from lobster to poached salmon. As the evening unfolds, music fills the air, leading to dancing and mingling. At midnight, everyone packs up, leaving no trace behind, a nod to the event’s respect for public spaces.
This year, Chambord, the premium black raspberry liqueur from France’s Loire Valley, steps in as the official national partner for the U.S. series. Known for its natural infusions of berries, vanilla, and cognac, it adds a touch of sophistication to the cocktails guests might mix.
For those eager to join, spots fill up fast. Newcomers can sign up for the fan list on the New York Dîner en Blanc website and watch for ticket sales. It is more than a meal. It is a reminder that in a fast-paced world, there is still room for wonder, style, and shared experiences that linger long after the night ends.
