The first Dîner en Blanc to happen in the U.S. is scheduled to go on tonight, somewhere in New York City. The event (described as bringing together "the elegance and glamour of court society") is part of a 23-year-old French tradition, which brings thousands together for a massive dinner party. Everyone wears white, brings a white table, white chairs, and tonight: a white umbrellla. The 1,000 New Yorkers who registered and were chosen to be a part of the picnic have been told: "The Dîner en Blanc is an outdoor event. If it rains, just bring an umbrella or a transparent raincoat. If it's 'pouring buckets' we will move under a covered space until showers pass." Organizers have confirmed with us that the event will be happening as of now, despite those foreboding skies out there. more ›

50 Cent doesn't even need to perform anymore, he's spent the summer in the headlines for canceling a Queens show when neighbors became concerned about safety. But now the NY Post reports that the rapper could possibly be attending a picnic in the borough tomorrow, at PS 40. more ›

A new Quinnipiac poll about the 2009 mayoral race finds, "Mayor Michael Bloomberg tops City Comptroller William Thompson, his chief Democratic challenger, 54 - 32 percent among New York City voters, who also say 62 - 28 percent that they'd rather chat with the Mayor at a July 4th picnic, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. Even black voters would rather picnic with Bloomberg 52 - 37 percent." Some other interesting tidbits: Bloomberg has a 66% approval rating (up from 64% in March), but 56% of respondents think his campaign spending is "overkill" while 50% don't (vs. 42% who do) think Bloomberg is "out of touch" for saying Obama doesn't get paid much. Quinnipiac's Maurice Carroll said, "This latest survey shows the challenges Comptroller William Thompson faces as he tries to portray Mayor Michael Bloomberg as unlikable and out of touch, and as he tries to build a base of black voters. Black, white and Hispanic voters all would sooner share a July 4th hot dog and a beer with Mayor Mike than with Bill Thompson." Ah, the hot dog and beer mayoral test. more ›

What was billed as the "2nd Annual" Roots Picnic unfolded on the edge of the Delaware River in Philadelphia yesterday, with two stages (one in a massive air-conditioned tent) hosting over a dozen bands. The lineup had a substantial Brooklyn presence, with dance-punk singer Santigold, art-rockers TV on the Radio, hip-hop artist Kid Cudi and afrobeat preservationists Antibalas. The Roots, who are now commuting to New York regularly for their gig on Jimmy Fallon's show, kicked things off at high noon with a rollicking half-hour performance that set the tone for a day of relaxed partying, and returned later to put the cherry on top with a concluding set that started past 11 p.m. more ›

Picnics always look so appealing in the movies, like that scene in O Brother, Where Art Thou? where John Goodman breaks off the tree branch and starts swinging. But here in the real world, picnics take a lot of work and schlepping, and if you don’t have one of those deluxe picnic baskets an unspoken feeling of inadequacy can quickly turn that potato salad to sawdust in your mouth. Thankfully, there are a number of places where you can spend your way to the picnic of your dreams. And one of them even delivers. more ›

Aside from the music, this evening's Bon Jovi concert on Central Park's Great Lawn will be different from the regular Metropolitan Opera or NY Philharmonic concert-- primarily because of the things one won't be able to bring into the park. While security is generally laissez-faire towards alcohol and food at the classical music events, today's free show is another story. Ticket holders will not be allowed to bring strollers, umbrellas, alcohol, cameras, backpacks, large bags, coolers, glass or metal containers, recording devices, and, of course, weapons. With people lining up hours before the start of the show to get a good vantage point (gates open at 2 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m.), it should be a long hot day for many. Hope you lucky ones have your sunscreen. more ›