Born in Paris, this pop-up picnic tradition is coming to a secret location in Ballarat.
Ballarat will become the first regional Victorian city to host a worldwide dining phenomenon that is sweeping the globe.
Le Dîner en Blanc, touted as the world’s poshest picnic, will come to Ballarat on Saturday 1 April.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
The movement, which involves participants wearing elegant, all-white clothes and dining outside in a large group, started in Paris in 1988 when François Pasquier invited a handful of his friends to gather at a secret location in Paris 
The instructions were clear: bring something to eat, invite a guest, and dress in all white.
Now held in more than 120 cities worldwide, this exclusive event sets itself apart from any other by being an international spectacle that welcomes thousands of guests every year.
The event is always held at a secret location, which is only revealed to attendees at the last minute. In Ballarat, the location will also remain a mystery.
At the last minute, this secret location is revealed to thousands of friends who have all been patiently waiting to learn where “Dîner en Blanc” will take place. Thousands of people, dressed all in white, and conducting themselves with the greatest decorum, elegance, and etiquette, all meet for a mass “chic picnic” in a public space.
Over the course of the evening, guests experience the beauty and value of their city’s public spaces by participating in the unexpected. Beyond the spectacle and elegance of the dinner itself, guests are brought together from diverse backgrounds by good taste and a love of beauty. Le Dîner en Blanc recalls the elegance and glamour of high French society, and guests engage one another, knowing that they are taking part in a truly magical event. There are no disruptions: no car traffic, no pedestrian traffic—only amazed and astonished looks from passersby observing the scene before them. And participants, like spectators, wonder whether it’s all not a dream…
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The City of Ballarat was successful in attracting Le Dîner en Blanc to Ballarat as part of the Ballarat Event Strategy Acquisition Program.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said he was thrilled to see Ballarat lure another major event, especially one that has a worldwide reputation.
“We know that Ballarat has become a major destination for food and drink lovers and hosting an event like this is only going to enhance our status as a foodie destination,” he said.
“It will prove to be another major event on our calendar and will follow hot on the heels of the Ballarat Begonia Festival.
“I can’t wait to see the crowds of people dressed brilliantly in their white clothes, having a great time – wherever that may be!”
Sara Walsh, host of Le Dîner en Blanc in Ballarat, said she was thrilled to bring the major event to the city and help boost the local economy.
“This chic and elegant affair is the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the amazing and talented local producers and the thriving arts and hospitality community that continues to grow in the region,” she said.
“In addition to Ballarat’s historical significance, there’s so much more that this beautiful city has to offer.”
There will be limited tickets available to the inaugural event. People who are interested in attending should register to join the waiting list at the Le Dîner en Blanc Ballarat registration website.
For more information visit the Le Dîner en Blanc website.
