Rahway Cherry Street Soiree en Blanc Attracts Hundreds Downtown
Tables sold out in under 30 minutes as the all-white block party his a record crowd.
Monday, September 1, 2025
The Rahway Cherry Street Soiree en Blanc was its biggest yet, attracting hundreds of people dressed head to toe in white to the city’s downtown.
Music blared beyond the narrow side street as the packed dance floor filled with neighbors. Guests enjoyed catered food, white-clothed tables, and a selfie station that kept cell phones flashing.
Jeff Spelman, owner of the Coffee Box, said he launched the event six years ago to bring people together.
“I always had a vision this would be so beautiful here on Cherry Street,” Spelman said.
Today the Rahway Department of Recreation runs the soiree. Assistant Director Steve Lewis said tables sold out in less than 30 minutes and were capped at 1,000 people. The evening was organized by just 15 volunteers and a handful of city staff.
“It’s such a community event,” Lewis said. “It’s all about getting together.”
For newcomer Sharon Smith-Simons, it was worth the quick clicking to secure her spot.
“I’m a keyboard warrior,” she said with a laugh, describing how she snagged a table online for her family.
Regular attendee Ariana Clermont called it her “end-of-summer celebration.” She and her husband purchased three tables to host 20 friends and relatives.
Guests dance in the street at Rahway’s Cherry Street Soiree en Blanc. (The Central Jerseyan)
Tables cost $15 each, with local businesses donating extras so more residents could join in. Kevin Williams, owner of Smoke 88 on Cherry Street, contributed three.
“Just helping out the community,” Williams said.
Rahway’s Soiree en Blanc is part of a global tradition. The first Le Dîner en Blanc was held in Fance in 1988, when a group of friends wore white to identify each other. More than three decades later, the all-white dinners have reportedly spread to over 120 cities in 40 countries.
Just like that original dinner, Rahway’s version started small — with only one table — and has grown exponentially. Organizers say they expect next year’s gathering to be even larger.
Scroll below to see more of this year’s Rahway Cherry Street Soiree en Blanc.
