Diner en Blanc Survival Guide

diner en blanc san diego

What Should I Expect at Diner en Blanc?

Expect a really, really good time and an almost surreal experience. You might have some anxious waiting around like we did at our trolley stop, but take that time to get to know your group members. We met our table neighbors and had fun getting to know each other a bit. You also might be piling onto a trolley with all of your stuff and schlepping it all over downtown, but enjoy that experience too. You’ll see cars stopping and people taking pictures, questioning why there are thousands of people in white carrying tables through the intersections. Feel special, you are!

diner en blanc san diego

When you arrive at the secret dinner spot, take it all in! Get set up but don’t forget to look around you and notice how amazing this experience is. When the last table is set up, the napkin twirling begins. Grab your white napkin when you see others starting to twirl, and join in. That means it’s time to eat! Enjoy your food and wine, take photos, meet new people, join the conga line, let loose! Just know that you will have to be packed up and out of there promptly at the designated end time (ours was 10pm). It helps to start breaking things down and packing them away right after you eat, that way you can spend more time on the dance floor with new friends.

Here’s a short video I posted to Instagram of the napkin twirling as it began:

One of the highlights of the night for me, the conga line! What an experience!

Have you attended Diner en Blanc or are you hoping to soon? I’d love to hear about your first Diner en Blanc or answer any questions you might have if you haven’t been yet!