Diner en Blanc auctioning off spots for 2017's event

Organizers of Philly's Diner en Blanc — the stylish pop-up picnic held each year at a secret location — say they have a wait list of 43,000, on top of 5,200 guests for 2017's event on Aug. 17.

The "5,200," by the way, would make it the largest DEB ever held in the United States.

Feeling frustrated at being shut out? There's another option.

As registration begins July 7, Dîner en Blanc has announced a new charity auction that grants early guaranteed access. Bidders can win registration for six people (including tables, linens, and chairs) and secure their early spot for the event — with all proceeds to benefit the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Three auctions will be held; one is up now, a second will start July 13, and a third will start July 18.

The auction site is here.

DEB has donated to numerous charities over the years.

There is also still time to add names and be considered for the Phase 3 lottery. The final date to add is Monday, July 17 at noon. Sign-up is here. DEB handles sign-ups in phases – the first for previous attendees, a second for those sponsored by Phase 1 members, and a third starting July 18 that selects people from the waiting list randomly.

On the night of Aug. 17, guests dressed in white will gather at specific locations, where they will receive word of the location. Guests bring their own food, table, chairs, and table setting. Organizers provide music and entertainment. Past Philly locations are Logan Circle (2012), JFK Bridge (2013), Avenue of the Arts (2014), The Navy Yard (2015), and outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2016).