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A global dining pop up is set to bring those Summer-in-Paris vibes to downtown Raleigh.
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The shared dining event Diner en Blanc will return to Raleigh this weekend for the seventh year, bringing hundreds of diners to a secret location for an outdoor picnic.
The Diner en Blanc in Raleigh will be held Saturday, Sept. 26. The deadline to order tickets is Thursday, Sept. 24.
The dinner was founded 38 years ago in Paris, when a handful of friends had an impromptu meal in a public garden. Since then, Diner en Blanc has become a worldwide event, with 120 host cities in 40 different countries. Diners dress in all white, thus the name, and are led to an undisclosed party location and share a meal with hundreds of friends and strangers.
“It’s a global event, but each city has its own personalization and charm to it,” said Sheria Rowe, the host and organizer of the 2026 Raleigh Diner en Blanc. “We’re starting with a blank canvas and creating an outdoor experience with lights and beautiful Parisian details.”
Rowe said she attended Raleigh’s first Diner en Blanc and was enchanted by the experience.
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“I think it was the wow factors, not knowing where we were going ahead of time, the traditions during the meal, like a napkin waving moment,” Rowe said. “What you see in Raleigh you won’t see anywhere else.”
Diners purchase tickets and select three different “departure” points in Raleigh. From there group leaders walk with the diners to the secret dinner space, somewhere in Raleigh.
Diners can bring their own tables and chairs, or have them provided for a fee. Meals can be brought by attendees, or purchased from the restaurant partners. This year, catered meals are prepared by Peregrine, Tesia’s Kitchen and Favor Desserts.
Tickets are $55 per person or $75 with tables and chairs. The tickets are sold in pairs. Meal prices and details will be released this week to diners who opted for catered dinners.
After the Diner en Blanc dinner, there will be an outdoor after party, hosted by DJ Skillz.
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This story was originally published September 22, 2026 at 6:30 AM.