VIDEO: Don Armeni Boat Ramp mystery event is indeed Diner en Blanc – Seattle

7:54 PM: As guessed by WSB commenters last month when we published word of a somewhat mysterious private event set for Don Armeni Boat Ramp tonight, it’s indeed Diner en Blanc – Seattle, the latest local event in which hundreds of people pay for the privilege of dressing in white and bringing a picnic to a location that’s kept secret until they’re bused there.

Thanks for the texted video and photo! We expect to add more later. The event is scheduled to continue until about 11 pm.

ADDED 8:24 PM: Another photo we’ve received:

(Thanks to Craig Baerwaldt for that photo and this next one:)

Participants had to bring their own tables and chairs as well as providing their own picnic!

9:52 PM: Another photo from Craig, after sunset:

Side note: We checked yesterday and this morning and noticed there were no “No Parking” signs for this event at or near Don Armeni, just the NP signage for a film shoot tomorrow. Then a reader e-mailed us this afternoon to say they encountered someone amending the signs to kick in at 4 pm today instead, with just hours’ advance. Let us know if you got a ticket as a result.

ADDED EARLY FRIDAY: Thanks to West Seattle videographer Mark Jaroslaw for putting together and sharing this look at the evening’s festivities – including music, dancing, and candlelight:

Mark says 1,200 people were there.

rant! July 26, 2018 (8:30 pm)

Seattle is really awful when it comes to late-notice no parking signage. Not to single out this one event, but if you peruse the seattle reddit pages they are rife with examples of the city or workers putting up no parking notices and then towing/ticketing within hours–which is clearly illegal. When people complain and if they have photos/evidence the city tends to apologize, but, again, that’s only if they’re caught! I know it’s small potatoes, but it really irks me how common this is in Seattle.

WSB July 26, 2018 (9:02 pm)

Yes, I know; the Seattle subreddits are my favorite aggregators (ultimately that’s what they’re most valuable for) so I check in a couple times a day to make sure I’m not missing some huge story. Usually around here the signs go up well in advance which is why, when we didn’t see signage related to this either last night or this morning, I started wondering if it was even going to happen or if maybe the Diner people changed the location …

Tamsen Spengler July 26, 2018 (9:32 pm)

Who is the organizer and/or sponsor for this event?

WSB July 26, 2018 (9:39 pm)

Diner en Blanc is actually an organization:
https://seattle.dinerenblanc.com/

mark47n July 26, 2018 (9:34 pm)

Wow…that’s….super white.

Marianne July 26, 2018 (10:13 pm)

In more ways than one.
- J July 27, 2018 (10:01 pm)
  
  If you search images of Diner en Blanc it’s actually quite a diverse crowd.
  - DEB Fan July 29, 2018 (6:47 pm)
    
    Marianne,Please watch this and have some perspective. It doesn’t always have to be about race. Thanks https://youtu.be/OCG6W_b667E

steve July 26, 2018 (9:44 pm)

This is weird. I have so many questions.If I wore black would I be asked to leave? is there gonna be black party?Why white? What does it mean?why not wear what you like and meet people?Is there a band with dancing, or do they play rap music, or DJ?

WSB July 26, 2018 (9:51 pm)

Some background via Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%AEner_en_Blanc

Yes, I think the dress code is mandatory. When we got a media advisory it said WE would have to wear white if we came to photograph it; we said, well, we don’t even OWN any white clothing so guess we’ll just photograph it from the sidewalk, and they then indicated some willingness to compromise. (As it turned out, we had to rely on reader photos anyway – THANK YOU – as we both had unmissable community meetings to cover.) As for the music – perhaps participants or nearby residents can answer. – TR

WS Whitey July 26, 2018 (10:19 pm)

An ” All White Dinner Party”? This is what West Seattle has become😔

WSB July 26, 2018 (10:34 pm)

This isn’t a WS-initiated thing. See link above. Last year it was at Myrtle Edwards. Don Armeni has an awesome view but it’s a rather humble setting so it’s almost amusing to consider that it was chosen for this party.
- Stephanie July 26, 2018 (11:15 pm)
  
  Not to mention goose poop galore…

jissy July 26, 2018 (10:55 pm)

I don’t get it. I bring my own picnic AND my own tables and chairs and I pay for this “privilege”? Hmmmmm, I can dress in all white, bring a picnic to Alki anytime and could only bring a tablecloth for free? But wait, there’s more “They take all of their belongings with them at the end of the night, including leftovers and trash,” Sheesh, I thought I was the guest, no wait, I’m the set-up crew, no wait, I’m the waiter, no wait, I’m the clean-up crew, no wait….. seriously, what am I missing here?

T July 26, 2018 (10:58 pm)

I. Don’t. Get. It.

Chuck July 26, 2018 (11:00 pm)

Pretentious much?

Teacher/Mom July 26, 2018 (11:22 pm)

Now there is a huge traffic jam as all the Ubers and Lyfts converge to whisk the partiers away,…

My two cents ... July 27, 2018 (11:41 am)

@teacher/mom – It’s summer, It’s Alki are you REALLY shocked that there are traffic issues?

psps July 26, 2018 (11:37 pm)

Sorry, but I find this whole thing to be rather … vulgar.

Fullofit July 27, 2018 (11:58 am)

Vulgar? How so? I think it looks quite fun and nice and upbeat. I honestly can’t really imagine any alki event that could possibly be less “vulgar”..
- FFo sho July 28, 2018 (12:47 pm)
  
  I was there, I said the F word a few times in casual conversation. I think the vulgarity was me, oops! None of the other people swore, we all had a nice time and picked up after ourselves. So the vulgarity was me (I will only whisper swear next time.)

L July 27, 2018 (12:07 am)

The Le Diner en Blanc started as a pop up dinner party in Paris a long while ago. It’s now an international organisation, and this is the second year in Seattle. It’s a nice evening, and it’s a nice thing. You can join, if you like.

H July 27, 2018 (5:45 pm)

How fun!

Graciano July 27, 2018 (5:09 am)

GAWD get a grip people…everything today isn’t about a persons color of skin!

Dunno July 27, 2018 (5:16 am)

People having fun, supporting the economy. Perfect place to have this event on one of the hottest days of the year. Those unhappy with this, is it because they were wearing white? Great clothing to beat the heat, only thing I don’t like about wearing white is that I never seem to get the stains out. Do you find salsa parties, art fair’s, volleyball, and other events on Alki vulgar too? lol At least this was in the least populated spot on Alki.

KM July 27, 2018 (8:01 am)

I think people find it funny that people would pay for the privilege to bring their own food, etc. to a picnic and be told what to wear. That’s quite a different thing than art fair, an organized sport, etc.
ColumbiaChris July 28, 2018 (3:23 am)

I’m not sure which part of the “economy” this is supporting, and it certainly isn’t supporting much of the way of the local economy. They are paying an international organization to provide bus service and obtain a few permits; beyond that the “guest” have the privilege of supplying everything else.
- WSB July 28, 2018 (11:21 am)
  
  There’s also:
  -the musicians
  -the sound crew
  -the company providing the “luxury restroom trailer”
  -the company providing the fencing
  -the event company (Seattle) that produced the evvent
  -caterer(s) from whom participants had the option of ordering dinner if they didn’t want to bring their own
  
  Among others. Heck, probably more than a few apparel sellers too, as Seattle is about the last place you would expect 1,200 people all to have all-white outfits.

Lola July 27, 2018 (5:54 am)

We drove by this last night after we got done with Water aerobics. It looked cool. Only the area next to the boat launch was used. They bused everyone in so not a lot of extra cars. We ever rolled our window’s down to see how loud it was, and I was surprised since they had the speakers facing the water not too bad. The had a temporary fence put up just on the green grass area, with tables and dancing.

Senior July 27, 2018 (7:06 am)

So don’t get the attraction to participate in this, who does this, seriously would love to hear from someone who participates in this, seems all rather silly,

Maria July 27, 2018 (1:08 pm)

I am guessing that silliness is exactly why some participated. It’s called having fun.
- JanS July 28, 2018 (9:07 pm)
  
  Maria….thank you..yes, fun…it’s different things to different people. And imagine 1200 people’s worth of food making an impression on the local economy. And they share with each other…it’s not just bringing KFC, for god’s sake. I’m betting there a bit of gourmet picnicking there. It’s something a little out of the ordinary, and why not. Good grief, West Seattle is simply full of judgmental curmudgeons. If it’s something you wouldn’t do, just never mind and walk away, for goodness sake. No need to poop on the participant’s good time.

Joan July 27, 2018 (7:34 am)

Seems silly to me too. At first I wondered if this was a benefit for some charity. That I could see. But paying to bring your own food and chairs!! And then being bused in. All those buses with their stinking exhaust. Money better spent on some worthy organizations. We don’t need French traditions here!Coincidentally, the Canoe Journey was the same day, gracing our shores. People-powered, spiritual, light on the earth. That’s a better tradition!

WSB July 27, 2018 (9:38 am)

Actually some percentage of the proceeds did go to the Seattle Parks Foundation, so the original announcement wasn’t entirely fake.
heartless July 27, 2018 (10:26 am)

“We don’t need French traditions here!”

What an utterly dreary statement.

As for the rest of the comments–this event is not my cup of tea, but the ridiculous amount of anger over these people having a good time is just baffling:
It’s been called “vulgar” & “silly” & “pretentious” & “weird”… People have complained about what the people were wearing, they have complained about the fact they were bussed in–AND the fact that they took cars to leave–someone even made fun of the fact that they cleaned up after themselves!

I can’t be the only one to find this thread boorish, can I?

Live and let live, no?

Sheesh.
- Aussieshed July 27, 2018 (2:03 pm)
  
  Word! A lot of people just seem to like to complain. We’ve becoming a complaining, selfish society.
- NH July 28, 2018 (8:33 am)
  
  Thank you, heartless. Amazing how many people are so stuffy and uptight over something creative and fun. Use your imagination and lighten up, folks. We don’t all have to follow the same path. Vive la difference!
JanS July 28, 2018 (9:13 pm)

Dear Joan…methinks you need to get a little more spontaneous enjoyment out of life, just for the enjoyment of life. Not everything has to have a damned purpose except to just sit, relax, enjoy good food, drink, and meeting and enjoying the people surrounding you. There are a lot of brass rings you are missing. I am actually envious of people who simply took an evening to dress up, do something out of the ordinary just to do it, on one of the most beautiful evenings of the summer. I can’t do that, being disabled now, and not totally being able to lead a full , absolutely spontaneous lovely life like that. Do you see any unhappy people in those pictures? I see a few unhappy people making comments here. I’d rather be sitting there in white.

Kristi July 27, 2018 (10:16 am)

Y’all are a bunch of party poopers! I think it looks like fun!

Me July 27, 2018 (10:19 am)

I love to hear and seeing folks haven fun. WSB Thanks.

sij July 27, 2018 (10:47 am)

Such negative remarks; must be a sign of our times.The concept is based on friendship; human society coming together for a picnic at a theme based gathering. There is nothing bad about that. It’s not even a high ticket price event, As somebody pointed out, our park did benifit financially. The organizers left no thrash, and they were respectful to the neighborhood. You don’t have to like it, but why put it down?

AlkiVisitor July 28, 2018 (6:40 am)

Sij, How much was a ticket to this event?

TJ July 27, 2018 (10:52 am)

Some serious grinches in these comments. I think it’s the “I don’t understand this so I don’t like it” mentality more so than the comical “why does it have to be white” or “exhaust” or “traffic” comments. People who don’t understand the reasonings for others fun have the ability to put on a event that suits their tastes

waikikigirl...3 July 27, 2018 (11:10 am)

The only thing I find interesting on this thread is that Lola just came from a water aerobics class…where is the class, I’ve been looking for one???? Please do tell!!!!

whocares July 27, 2018 (11:17 am)

I agree “heartless”. Lighten up people. I’m sure not everyone agrees with all of the weird, vulgar, silly and pretentious things you do!

alkiobserver July 27, 2018 (11:30 am)

The folks witching and bellyaching about this are the ones that seem pretentious, silly, vulgar and weird to me. Seriously. Get. Over. It. Not like their fun ruined your morning Cheerios.Well said @HEARTLESS. Live and let live indeed. It was a beautiful evening and the crowd seemed to have harmless fun. That’s a wonderful win to me.

My two cents ... July 27, 2018 (11:39 am)

Don’t understand the vitriol over this event. Would it be something I would do? Probably not. Would I get incensed and angered over it? No.

Alex S July 27, 2018 (12:13 pm)

There isn’t a lot to understand.It’s called: unhappy bored people who hate seeing happy people have a good time.

GOP in WS July 27, 2018 (5:55 pm)

+1 post.
JanS July 28, 2018 (9:16 pm)

Alex S……BINGO !

RCS July 27, 2018 (12:26 pm)

Wow… This has to be one of the whitest things to come to West Seattle…

confused in west seattle July 27, 2018 (1:11 pm)

Wait, what?! You PAY to bring your own food, chair, and table?!?! Is this for charity? That’s the only way I could wrap my mind around this…

WSB July 27, 2018 (1:29 pm)

Yes, as mentioned upthread, the Seattle Parks Foundation is a beneficiary. Costs otherwise included permit, setup, entertainment (see Mark’s video in the story), etc.
JanS July 28, 2018 (9:19 pm)

you are not forced to participate, for God’s sake….what’s your beef? Lacking fun in your life? And money was donated…good grief…learn to read…sorry…I am embarrassed by all the negativity on this thread…why bother to say anything. As adults we have choices in life…these people CHOSE to participate. Don’t want to? then don’t…but why crap on their choice, their good time. Lordy.

Jeeps July 27, 2018 (1:25 pm)

I live across from this event and I was not looking forward to this event, as I was afraid of traffic, trash, noise, etc…..Less traffic than usual….no trash…..noise hardly any….If you are worried about the traffic, noise, trash many more events are way worse…..4th of July, New years eve, Really warm sunny days…..I cannot speak for SubPop as it has not happened!

2 Much Whine July 27, 2018 (2:04 pm)

Not much different than a bunch of Hawks fans chipping in to rent a bus, paying as a group for parking, putting on their color-themed hawk clothing, bringing food and drink for a tailgate party. . .. the only difference I see is that football wasn’t involved and they were at a beach instead of a urine-soaked parking lot near the stadium and everyone wore white instead of green, gray and blue. Of course, there was probably more wine consumed than Jello shots or Fireball at this event. Oh, I almost forgot, there was nobody picketing their event telling them they were going to burn in Hell unless they repent. . . . .

JanS July 28, 2018 (9:21 pm)

2 much whine…we love you soooo much :D

T Rex July 27, 2018 (3:00 pm)

2 MUCH WHINE, that is a classic post! Cheers!

jkc July 27, 2018 (3:33 pm)

Whether or not I would attend, it sure looked cool. I kind of felt sorry for the guys. Not much you can do with all white men’s attire. But those ladies sure had some awesome looking dresses. Anyone know what the “DEB” was in the front? The evening pics looked especially delightful. Thank you for the video Jaroslaw Media!

WSB July 27, 2018 (5:20 pm)

Just the Diner En Blanc acronym backdrop.

DB Coop July 27, 2018 (3:52 pm)

I guess none of the boaters or fishermen have weighed in on this. If I was heading out on the boat I would be a little more than annoyed that i couldn’t launch at a public “boat Launch”. It’s not just any public parking lot and you can’t block the ramp. I would at least have told them what i think. Not that it would do any good in pretentious hipster millennial Seattle anymore. Everyone thinks what they do is more important than what you do.

WSB July 27, 2018 (5:41 pm)

The ramp itself was not blocked off until late in the day. (We go by DA just about every day in the late afternoon and see more car photography than boat launching.) Earlier setup was centered on the lawn on the northwest side of Don Armeni. But if you don’t believe the city should allow rentals at public parks, let them know, because there are many, especially in summer. Also, this was not a “pretentious hipster millennial event.” Did you watch the video? More than a few heads/beards of gray hair. – TR
KM July 28, 2018 (8:11 pm)

This is the best satire I have read on this site. Thank you for making me laugh!

Sunuva July 27, 2018 (6:24 pm)

Looks like a fun time to me! Not sure what all the grouches are grouching about. I’m sure for all involved they had a fun night, tasty food, met new people, and made lasting memories. I personally have never worn white pants in my life, but might make an exception for a concept like this!

waikikigirl July 28, 2018 (4:39 am)

@Alex S, My Two Cents Worth…Ditto!@Lola, where is the water aerobics class you go to, if you don’t mind telling?Thank you

Kathy July 28, 2018 (9:07 pm)

Maybe she was talking about West Seattle Health Club? Aqua Fitness Schedule
Kathy July 28, 2018 (9:22 pm)

There are quite a few at West Seattle Health Club. https://westseattlehc.com/classes-schedules/

Cheryl July 28, 2018 (8:55 am)

Shame on all of you negative folks! This event may not be your thing but as a person who attended it was an amazing night. We laughed, danced, enjoyed amazing food and wines…and yes we brought it all in…ourselves! Goodness we even cleaned up after ourselves! Wouldnt you complain if we left it all behind! As for the color of our outfits…WHO CARES!! It clothes people…would you complain more if we were naked? This event brought all colors of life! It had NOTHING to do with skin, race or origin! Get over it…it was a beautiful evening, a wonderful amazing event and we all had fun!!! I cannot wait for next year!!

Laura July 28, 2018 (9:24 am)

I read most of the posts above and I can’t wrap my head around all the awful things people say when they weren’t even part of the event. I guess ignorance is bliss. This is my second year being part of this event and I love it! Yes, we pay to be part of this event because they provide transportation, live music, DJ, venue and surprises. Yes, we wear white, because traditionally it started that way and it’s fun for all of us to be wearing the same color. White clothes are better during the super hot month of July. Yes, we bring our own things and I think that makes it even more fun. We get to eat and drink whatever we brought. Finally, for those talking about the color of skin.. . I’m brown, Puerto Rican born and raised, and I was there with my other Puerto Rican friends. Other than the color of our clothes this wasn’t a white people party…this was a party for everyone and we loved it! I’ll be there next year!!

JanS July 28, 2018 (9:29 pm)

Laura, I’m so glad it was everything you wanted it to be. I’m betting that while the color of the skin of the participants was/is not a factor…imagine that of the bitchy persons on this thread. How dare you interrupt their usual West Seattle culture…if it’s not for charity, this must be racist, you’re disturbing my neighborhood, what is this silliness (god forbid we get silly), stick up wherever attitude. I have lived here for 43+ years…this is beyond my imagination of bitching. OMG, you all wear white? And pay for it? Yeah…it’ll keep the local riffraff out. I am just shaking my head…hope you get to do it for years to come…yes, we need a little more “frenchness” in our staid little corner of the world :)

Sylvia July 28, 2018 (11:06 am)

I would encourage people to just ignore all the ignorant, negative remarks. Clearly, people don’t understand that it’s a French tradition. WSB, you are so polite to address everyone’s stupid comments. I love reading this blog but am amazed at how many hateful people comment on it. But that’s just how it is nowadays, unfortunately, and we just need to ignore those people and don’t even try to understand them. I’m glad the above people who attended spoke out about the event and what it truly was. Thank you.