Photo by Kory Aversa
Diner en Blanc Philadelphia revealed its biggest surprise yet when it popped up in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an evening of food, music, art and friendship. On Thursday, August 18, 2016, the Parisian pop-up picnic made a surprise appearance with 5,000 guests all wearing white attire. Guests met at locations around the city and had no idea where the night would take them. Within an hour they filed, one by one, onto Benjamin Franklin Parkway as dinner “as an artform” unfolded like a painting appearing on canvas. This was the largest number of event participants, in honor of the events 5th edition.
The night featured live entertainment including a roving French circus from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and Airplay Entertainment, live tunes from Hot Club Philly, The Soul of Philly featuring Tiffany Jones, DJ Sean Smoove and Mad Beatz drumline.
Guests brought their food, or enjoyed delicious morsels from 33rd Street Hospitality Catering, Luke Palladino Catering or Reading Terminal Market.
Over 35,000 people added their name to the wait list for a chance to attend the event – which moves to a new secret location every year. Here’s some of our favorite memories of the night. Enjoy!
Emcee Studio Photographie
Paris comes to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway as event comes full circle from Logan Circle in 2012 to around Eakins Oval in 2016.
Photo by Kory Aversa
Beautiful blooms and masterpieces await the press in the media area.
Georgi Anastasov Photography
Diner en Blanc International sponsor Apothic prepares their place setting.
Emcee Studio Photographie
Philadelphia never looked so stunning from the top of the Art Museum steps.
Photo by Kory Aversa
Even the Donkeys from the Democratic National Convention got in the spirit of the event.
Emcee Studio Photographie
Guests learn the surprise location for the night!
Emcee Studio Photographie
Guests met at departure points around the city and arrived by the hundreds onto the Parkway.
Emcee Studio Photographie
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and Airplay Entertainment brought the circus en blanc.
Georgi Anastasov Photography
Diners enjoyed stunning views of both the city and the Art Museum.
Photo by Johanna Austin
5,000 guests begin setting up their tables in rows perfectly mapped out before the event ever begins.
Photo by Kory Aversa
The waving of napkins signifies the end of set-up and the start of dinner.
Photo by Kory Aversa
Dinner is served as 5,000 guests enjoy delicious eats from their picnic baskets.
Photo by Johanna Austin
Georgi Anastasov Photography
As the sun sets the glow of candles begins to fill these famous steps. If only Rocky were around to join us for dinner!
Photo by Kory Aversa
Photo by Kory Aversa
Georgi Anastasov Photography
After dinner, guests took to the street for the city’s largest open-air dance party.
Photo by Kory Aversa
Photo by Kory Aversa
Georgi Anastasov Photography
Photo by Kory Aversa
Photo by Kory Aversa
Photo by Kory Aversa
Now that is one way to light up the dance floor!
Georgi Anastasov Photography
Sparklers light up the night as 5,000 points of light unfolded across the Parkway.
Photo by Kory Aversa
Photo by Kory Aversa
Georgi Anastasov Photography
Rocky impersonator ran up the steps to the lighting of the sparklers on top.
Photo from Diner en Blanc Philadelphia
Diner en Blanc is organized in Philadelphia by Kayli Moran and Natanya DiBona. Public relations provided by Kory Aversa from Aversa PR (middle).
Congrats to co-hosts and the entire planning team – as well as the dozens of volunteers. We already have started the guessing game for next year’s event. Where will they go for year 6? Only time will tell!
Philly Loves Fun 