One of the city's most popular summertime events, the popular outdoor dinner where guests dress all in white and converge on a secret location, is back for 2023, with some changes.
For the first time ever, Vancouver's Le Diner en Blanc will be produced by original event founders The Social Concierge alongside Aly Armstrong Events Planning & Design, the latter of which will be taking over sole management of the annual party in 2024 moving forward.
“After bringing this internationally acclaimed event to Vancouver and nurturing it for a decade, it’s time for us to hand it over to someone with a new vision,” says Tyson Villeneuve, co-founder of The Social Concierge in a June 22 press release. “With Aly we’ve found a one-in-a-million person — a true professional who will give Le Diner en Blanc the same care, attention and passion that we have.”
The event returns Thursday, August 10 for its tenth anniversary at an undisclosed location.
Guests can expect the debut of a Taittinger champagne lounge where they can order coupes à la carte, as well as the Disaronno Velvet Coffee Bar, making on-site beverages.
There will also be an expanded francophone cultural component to celebrate the spirit of "Oh là là," according to organizers.
Local and international artists such as calligrapher Lele Chan and contemporary sculptor Mark Ollinger will be present along with a pop-up gallery by Lyon-born, Vancouver-based “Archeological Pop Art” artist Ghislain Brown-Kossi.
There will be theatrical and dance performances from Vancouver’s Alliance Française and music from Paris-based scratch DJ, DJ M1 and Vancouver’s own TDM, plus local Romani-jazz musicians Van Django.
Event organizers also promise a secret headliner.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be working alongside The Social Concierge this year, before pioneering Le Diner en Blanc Vancouver into a new decade,” says Aly Armstrong, founder of the eponymous event planning business. “I’m a long-time fan of this beautiful event and so honoured that Tyson and Jordan are entrusting me with their passing of the torch. I will work hard to build on their legacy and strive to create an even more magical community experience for years to come.”
Like previous years, guests can pre-purchase prepared Box Menus by Peake of Catering, instead of packing their own picnics. There will be wine and Champagne for purchase on-site but no other alcohol is allowed. Guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages.
The dress code remains head-to-toe white only, and attendees are required to bring a table, two white chairs, a white tablecloth, and a picnic basket comprising fine food, white dinnerware and proper stemware.
Everything you bring in you must bring out to ensure there is no litter left behind at the venue.
Le Diner en Blanc Vancouver starts at 6 p.m. and guests will be assigned a departure location to meet volunteers who will escort them to the secret location.
Le Diner en Blanc Vancouver 2023
When: Thursday, August 10, 6 - 10 p.m.
Where: Secret location
Cost: $67, people can sign up for the waiting list on the website.
