With 5,500 attending this year – the largest Diner en Blanc in the country – guests explored one of the city's most iconic landmarks
At 9:15 p.m., sparklers are lit to signify the end of dinner, and the beginning of the dance party at the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at Dilworth Park on Aug. 16, 2018.
HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoice
by HughE Dillon PhillyVoice Contributor
The location of Philly's 7th annual Diner en Blanc was kept secret until hours before the event was held outside Philadelphia City Hall at Dilworth Park on Thursday, Aug. 16, where thousands of guests donned all-white and dressed to impress.
This was the seventh edition in the City of Brotherly Love and, according to party record-keepers,the largest Diner en Blanc gathering in the country, with 5,500 in attendance spread over Dilworth Park, Thomas Paine Plaza and the north and east aprons of City Hall. By having it at City Hall, guests had the opportunity to explore one of the city's most iconic landmarks while mingling amongst their fellow Philadelphians.
“This year, we were celebrating the 30th anniversary of the event’s creation in Paris that brought so many people together throughout the world,” Diner en Blanc's Philly co-host Natanya DiBona said in a news release.
“We selected City Hall, including Dilworth Park and Paine Plaza, this year, because it’s located in the heart of our city. We wanted to celebrate Philadelphia as an international destination, and highlight our culturally rich and diverse city.”
Attendees typically bring their own chairs, tables and food and Diner en Blanc is considered a chic and fun pop-up event celebrated in more than 80 cities and 35 countries and is one of the best-kept "viral" secrets.
Last night, Philadelphians enjoyed more than 75 artists, musicians, performers, DJs, dancing and light shows. Below is a photo gallery from the night by Philly's own HughE Dillon.
HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceDiners at the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at Dilworth Park on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceFox 29's Alex Holley and Mike Masco at 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at Dilworth Park on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceAt 9:15 p.m., sparklers are lit to signify the end of dinner, and the beginning of the dance party at the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at Dilworth Park on Aug. 16, 2018.
HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceAjoa Abrokwa and Rashidah Hasan at the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at Dilworth Park on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceHelen Tran and Kim Vo at the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoice5,500 attended the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceKareem E. Thomas, American Reading Company, Tiffany Thomas, Cortney Nichols and Tisa Wright at the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceBernadette and Todd Tolson have attended several Diner en Blanc's including Washington D.C., Richmond Va. ,and now the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at Dilworth Park outside City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceSheila Hess, City Representative and Jordan Paranti, Visit Philly at 7th Annual Dner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceJohn Ebersole, Poet with Conni McDonnell, Touchs at the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at Dilworth Park outside City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018. HUGHE DILLON/for PhillyVoiceJoe McFetridge and Davida Janae at the 7th Annual Diner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018.