Sep
9
Sat
Diner en Blanc @ Unknown Surprise!
Sep 9 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

A date is set for the iconic Parisian-inspired urban picnic characterized by its famous all-white dress code. On Saturday, September 9 from 6 – 10 p.m., Le Diner en Blanc – Washington will again descend upon a surprise DC location that welcomes thousands of guests who don their whitest of whites for a magical evening of dining, socializing and celebrating amid music, entertainment and dancing.

With their all-white tables, chairs, and table settings in tow, guests for the chic white-linen affair arrive at the newly revealed site to set up their al fresco spread for a fanciful night. The truly ambitious create elaborate French picnics with extravagant, inventive tablescapes and pageantry. High-fashion is also a huge component while many guests dress in decorative headdresses, ball gowns, white dinner jackets and top hats with a spectacular Washington landmark as a backdrop for remarkable photo-ops.

The legendary evening is steeped in Le Dîner en Blanc traditions like the napkin wave to signify the beginning of dinner, and the lighting of sparklers to conclude the culinary feast. However, while the long-standing French picnic ritual will not change, this year’s DC event will bring back authentic Le Diner en Blanc customs that originated back in Paris more than 35 years ago. A cadre of entertainers and musicians will canvas the outdoor venue and perform one-on-one throughout the night, which will add to the beautiful spectacle Washington experiences.

According to Linda Davis, president of The Davis Group and co-producer of Le Diner en Blanc-Washington, this year’s celebration will feature some added unexpected surprises, performances, installations and festivities. “Le Diner en Blanc is a sophisticated, community happening that has many organic roots that have taken a back seat through the years,” said Davis. “We are seeking to bring culture and the true Paris concept back with an elevated experience that highlights performances by multiple entertainers, which allows the guests to commune with their neighbors and get to know people on a more intimate level.”

“In the past, there has been a rush to dine, and then move,” said Kaitlin Latonick, partner of The Davis Group and co-producer of Le Diner en Blanc-Washington. “This year the entertainment will come to our guests – it’s an exciting change for us.”

Registration for the unique experience happens in three phases. Phases for tickets will open the beginning of August and dates will be announced next week. Check the website for the dates of each ticket phase. To be part of the opportunity to experience Diner en Blanc, people can sign up now by visiting the official website at washington.dinerenblanc.com and clicking on the Register tab.

At the end of the evening when the entertainment and dancing convenes, guests pack up their table settings, belongings and rubbish and head into the night leaving behind no sign of their elegant revelry. To keep up to date on event announcements, visit washington.dinerenblanc.com

Oct
6
Fri
Battle of the Banned Books @ MLK Library
Oct 6 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Please join the DC Public Library Foundation in the MLK Jr. Lirary Great Hall as DC’s Neighborhood Librarians battle it out for the title of best Banned Book Art Installation!

We will also honor inspiring community advocates with our second Power the Dream DCPLF awards:

-TRANSFORMER AWARD

-SPOTLIGHT AWARD

-IGNITING THE COMMUNITY AWARD

 

October 6, 2023 | 6:00 PM VIP

7:00 PM General Admission

MLK JR. Memorial Library

Nov
16
Thu
Frederick J. Fisher Lecture | Ann Lowe: American Couturier  @ Hillwood Museum and Gardens
Nov 16 @ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Frederick J. Fisher Lecture | Ann Lowe: American Couturier 

Thursday, November 16, 2023, 5:30-8 p.m. (Lecture begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, will share story of fashion designer Ann Lowe, known as the creative mind and skilled hand who created gowns that graced some of America’s most influential women.

This program is the eleventh annual lecture honoring the legacy of Hillwood’s former executive director, Frederick J. Fisher. 

www.HillwoodMuseum.org 

4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

Feb
1
Thu
8th Annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show @ Chicken + Whiskey's Navy Yard
Feb 1 @ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

A stylish evening with runways and networking -benefitting a good cause
A night of Fashion and Fundraising with FGIDC – Hosted by Barnette Holston, The DCFashion Fool!

Join us on Thursday, February 1 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Chicken + Whiskey’s Navy Yard location for a viewing party to watch the 8th Annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show. Founded by fashion designer, Frederick Anderson and marketer, Laura Miller, the event unites the worlds of fashion, entertainment, sports, healthcare, and media to openly discuss prostate cancer, with an emphasis on racial disparities and underserved communities. 2024 models include Cuba Gooding Jr., Daymond John, Phillip Bloch and more!

With your complimentary beverage in hand, get ready to network with your DMV fashion peers, watch the fashion show broadcasted live from NYC and bid on amazing silent auction items.

Come dressed in your most stylish blue outfit – bonus if it’s a blue jacket – and help us raise awareness and funds to support ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer.

Tickets:

FGI Members: $27
Non-Members: $32
A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to the ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer organization.

Tickets include: Viewing party and one drink ticket. Cash bar for additional refreshments.

May
10
Fri
Salamander Middleburg Author Series – David Baldacci @ Salamander Middleburg
May 10 @ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

 

You are invited for a special evening with David Baldacci, New York Times Best-Selling Author for a literary conversation on his new book, A Calamity of Souls, followed by a reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, wine, champagne, and book signing.

David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. 

His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television.

Along with his wife, David is also the cofounder of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy programs in the United States.

David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law. David and his family live in Virginia.

(Books will be available for purchase and are not included in ticket price.)