I have been highly anticipating this one. If you’ve read my previous review two years ago, you know that on its 10th anniversary, Dîner en Blanc had been taken over by new event organizer. It was their first year and although they did not quite hit the mark, it was a valiant attempt at a first try. At event’s end they were left only room to grow and improve. However, they sadly did not take up the challenge and instead called it quits, so Vancouver lost one of its most beloved mid-summer events.
Although, since the hiatus a new event organization group has taken over for 2026 and Dîner en Blanc’s 11th year. They promised to go back to what it once was, bringing culture and art back together under a sea of white once more.
And this year I was invited back to report on the event truthfully (as I always do), to see how this new version compares to the ones of year’s past.
To be honest, I was sceptical and didn’t invest too much, like I usually do. No new outfit or accessories. Instead I relied on the pieces of white apparel I already had in my closet. Sadly for showrunners, they would have an uphill battle as they begin to build up the trust in my eyes and those of other Vancouverites, who have been disappointed by this luxury event previously and most recently.
We started our evening at the preparty VIP lounge hosted at the historic Vancouver Club. There, we sipped on sparkling wine and rose as we mingled with other guests. Then when time we were walked over as a group to Jack Poole Plaza. This venue was a repeat of year 8 in 2022, so immediately I couldn’t help but compare this night to the one back then, which I also attended.
The VIP lounge was located in the top left corner of the venue, a section roped off with standing tables and an informal couch set up. Here guests partook in an open bar of Sauvignon blanc, Pinot noir, sparkling wine, and non-alcoholic rose option. There was no water, but we did have caviar.
We were given the luxury experience of a Caviar Affair. They are a vendor for hire offering bumps and bites of premium Italian caviar, made further decadent topped with gold leaf.
This was followed by aluminum trays of feta and pistachio stuffed dates, salmon and cream cheese on a blini, filo dough wrapped asparagus spears, and vegetable pakoras. Ideally everyone would take one to have enough to go around, but this too was quick to disappear as individuals went in hungrily. Thankfully travel packs of peanuts were then made available to help those who needed to balance out their drinking with some eating.
There were no formal seats, nor were there any served courses, as was the case previously. Meant and kept as a lounge, the goal is to partake in small bites, mingle in small batches, and spend majority of our time engaging in the activations included in the ticket price.
Luckily we have been to our fair share of these so knew to eat before. I had my dinner at home, so was happy with just the drinks, leaving what little of the cheese and charcuterie board to those who needed a meal. This was quick to go leaving a tower of crostini, crackers, and bread behind.
Outside of the lounge were a handful of activations. Guests could purchase and build their own table centre pieces from The Alice Blue Flower Truck. Here they were able to pick the desired white flowers out of their VW truck floral display popup. I thought this was a great idea and on brand. This also made for a great keepsake, or a lovely bouquet to gift your date.
Sota, bubbles with benefits were giving out whole can samples of their sparkling organic tea. New to market, this was a great way to introduce the brand and I found it to be a lovely fruity mix with my white and sparkling wine.
There was also a Photo Booth to help capture the evening. And every photo taken doubled as a ballot to be entered to win an overnight package at Sheraton Wall Centre.
There was also a telescope set up in sponsorship of the Vancouver Space Centre. Here, guest could stargaze and take in either the sun or the moon with the changing of the sky.
As for the art component there were performances by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Georgy Manterola. A nonstop rotation of live singers and musicians serenading guests over speakers. I wonder if assigned seating was in consideration of this and could a guest pay or request front row to essentially what was a live concert. They did covers of popular music and nostalgic classics.
There were Arts Umbrella dancers taking stage on the elevated steps of Jack Poole plaza and roaming in between rows. They added a certain slow paced refinement to the pace of the evening and spoke to the mature crowd.
I liked the like artist painting the event live and the one that sketched attendees on the fly and in secret. Sadly I asked the latter for a commemorative portrait of my friend and myself, but was told that it needs to be in secret and unsolicited.
And in the evening the plaza turned into a dance party with DJ Pri supplying the soundtrack.
At most importantly the hallmarks of Dîner en Blanc were there. The ceremonial napkin twirling to commence the evening. And the lighting of sparklers to commemorate its end.
This was a smaller scale affair, you could definitely tell that there were less people in attendance this year at. However for those who remembered how the event was from year 1 to 9, this hit the mark. And as the new event organizers begin to grow and rebuild the brand I hope to see more diversity in the art the showcase. Sculptures, paintings, design pieces, and modern performers to round out all artistic expression. This year has renewed my faith and I’m already looking forward to 2027.
