Hoboken + Jersey City locals have no shortage of options when it comes to summer festivities — from free outdoor movies + fitness classes to food festivals — but if you have a penchant for pop-up picnics and summer fashion, clear your calendar for August 17th. Le Dîner en Blanc, the popular Parisian-inspired outdoor dinner party characterized by its famous all-white dress code, will take place in Jersey City for the second year in a row on Thursday, August 17th. Read on for what we know about Jersey City’s second Le Dîner en Blanc.
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About Le Dîner en Blanc
Le Dîner en Blanc began in Paris in 1988 when François Pasquier, returning from a long stay abroad, had the idea to gather friends for a picnic. As the number of guests grew, he decided to hold the dinner in a public space and ask everyone to dress in all white to easily recognize one another. The event was such a success that they all agreed to repeat the experience the following year. Each year, the evening gathered more and more friends. Over the years, Le Dîner en Blanc has become one of the most sought-after culinary events around the world. What was once a ‘friends and word-of-mouth only’ event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on six continents.
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In 2022, Jersey City welcomed its very own Le Dîner en Blanc for the first time, thanks to local hosts Art House Productions in partnership with the City of Jersey City and The Office of Cultural Affairs — and, after an incredible inaugural event, Le Dîner en Blanc is back in Jersey City for a second year. To participate, guests must be invited via the hosts’ network or participating partners or get on the waiting list via the official website. Click here to register for the waiting list.
The waiting list for Le Dîner en Blanc is open, but there are three phases for registration. As the phases roll out, different aspects of the event will be announced — sponsors, partners, and entertainment, to name a few. On June 20th, as part of phase two, Le Diner en Blanc – Jersey City acknowledged The City of Jersey City, Office of Cultural Affairs Jersey City, Exchange Place Alliance, and Madame Jersey City as official partners of the 2023 edition of Le Diner en Blanc in Jersey City. Right now, the dates for the phases are TBD, but last year Le Dîner en Blanc kept its cards close to its chest, announcing live performers just three weeks out from the event. Last year live performers included visual artist Christy O’Connor (ChaShaMa, Mana Contemporary), Choreographer morgaine de leonardis (Then She Fell, SMUSH Gallery, Aviva), along with her team of dancers, and more. We’re excited to see which local artists will take the stage this year.
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“Le Dîner en Blanc captures the spirit of friendship, community, and elegance,” said Meredith Burns, Executive Artistic Director of Art House Productions, in 2022. Before the first edition evet, Meredith shared with The Hoboken Girl “We love the history and anticipation of the Dîner en Blanc events around the world. We’re excited to bring a little piece of Parisian style to Jersey City and to add some Jersey City arts elements to Le Dîner en Blanc.”
A large part of the excitement surrounding Le Dîner en Blanc is the secrecy surrounding the event location, which is kept hush-hush until the very last moment. Guests are given a rendezvous to a departure point when they purchase their tickets. To uphold Le Dîner en Blanc’s tradition, attendees must dress head-to-toe in white and are requested to bring their own portable tables, white chairs, white table linens, tableware, and a gourmet meal.
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As for drinks, beer and hard liquor are prohibited. As per Jersey City alcohol laws/regulations, guests cannot bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy wine or champagne must reserve online from CoolVines Jersey City through Le Dîner en Blanc’s e-store. Guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages.
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About Dîner en Blanc International
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 120 cities in 40 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair.
To find the full details on the rules and regulations, you can click here.
The Hoboken Girl will keep you updated when more information is announced. In the meantime, stay in the know with @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok.
