After two years of virtuall celebrations, Bronzeville En Blanc is back and in-person this weekend. Credit: Provided.

BRONZEVILLE — Bronzeville En Blanc returns in person this weekend.

The event — held virtually the past two years due to the pandemic — draws hundreds of people to Bronzeville for a special dinner. Attendees dress in all white and meet a secret spot, bringing their own food, tables, chairs and decorations. It is a neighborhood-specific offshoot of the Diner En Blanc series.

The event is 5-10 p.m. Saturday. People can register online to learn the location and attend.

DJ Mark Fulla Flava will provide melodic summer sounds as neighbors eat under the stars.

Organizer Stephen Mitchell said he is looking forward to seeing people gather and connect.

“I think people are really excited to get back outside,” said Mitchell, who owns co-working hub Hatch 41. “In Bronzeville, we have a lot of people who live on islands — they live on their block and they may know a few people here and there — but we wanted to have this event so that people can get to know each other, see each other out and have fun in a great environment.”

Some diners go all out, creating eye-catching tablescapes and Michelin-Star-worthy gourmet meals.

The free event also allows participants to give back. This year, organizers are asking diners to bring school supplies for students attending Bronzeville Classical and Beethoven Elementary. Mitchell said the generosity of diners usually results in a surplus, which has allowed the organizers to expand to other schools.


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