Ce Soir Noir (This Black Night) descends on CRAB Park at Portside for the third year next Thursday, August 24th.
What began as a local counter-event to the brighter and whiter, Dîner en Blanc has evolved into it’s own east side annual event. Dîner en Blanc, part of a well organized, ticketed, global phenomenon, offers patrons a chance to glam it up and enjoy an evening of gourmet food, high-end entertainment and experiences, whereas Ce Soir Noir is a free, casual local, dress-down event. Whichever floats your boat will be a good time for all.
Organizers of Ce Soir Noir invite people to just show up anytime between 5pm and 10pm on August 24th. More than just a picnic, Ce Soir Noir becomes a picnic based art installation, with everyone a brushstroke in the artwork. If you’re hungry, pack your own picnic food to share amongst friends, bring something to sit on or just park your butts on the grass then join in the camaraderie of other picnickers. The only caveat is that the organizers hope everyone wears black from head to toe.
This year’s event has a city permit to take over CRAB Park, but still maintains it’s free community event status. To be good neighbours in one of East Vancouver’s few waterfront parks, visitors are asked to be mindful of what they bring and take it out with them, leaving the park as clean or cleaner to the following day.
Whether you choose the white event or this black night, both gathering of diverse communities on August 24 might be just what the world needs a little more of in these divisive times.
Ce Soir Noir takes place August 24th between 5pm and 10pm at CRAB Park at Portside, 101 E Waterfront Road at Main Street.
Dîner en Blanc also takes place August 24th at a to be announced location.