Dresses

The All White Affair in Memphis: A Fashionable Summer Tradition

Every summer, thousands of people gather at Memphis’s Dust Island River Park for one of the city’s most iconic and stylish events – the All White Affair. Hosted by CGI Entertainment’s Curtis Givens, this annual celebration has been a staple of Memphis’s party scene for over two decades, and it’s not hard to see why it remains so popular.

The All White Affair is more than just a party; it’s a fashion statement. The dress code is simple yet striking: all attendees must wear all-white attire. This requirement adds a touch of elegance and unity to the event, as a sea of white outfits fills the park.

Described as “the most anticipated party of the summer,” the All White Affair typically draws between 2,500 to 3,500 partygoers. The event begins in the late afternoon, but many attendees arrive fashionably late, closer to 6 p.m. The allure of this event lies not only in its stylish dress code but also in the overall experience it offers.

Cooling tents are strategically placed throughout the park, providing respite from the summer heat, with temperatures often soaring above 100 degrees in the late afternoon. These tents are conveniently located near various food trucks and bars, ensuring that guests can enjoy refreshments while staying cool.

Curtis Givens, the founder of CGI Entertainment and the man behind the All White Affair, credits the success of the event to the attendees themselves. He humbly states, “The people deserve the credit. They make me who I am. With their support, it keeps making me stronger and stronger. I give all the credit to the people, not myself.”

Curtis Givens is not just a party host; he’s a key figure in Memphis’s event, party, and nightlife scene. Over the years, he has organized various events, from the University of Memphis basketball’s Memphis Madness to the annual post-Thanksgiving All Black Affair. His dedication and hard work have earned him a special place in Memphis’s entertainment landscape.

The All White Affair has come a long way since its inception in 2002 when it drew fewer than 200 people at the River Terrace Yacht Club. By 2009, the event had moved to The Peabody and attracted over 2,000 attendees. Today, it serves as the centerpiece of the annual Can I Live weekend, a multi-day, multi-event extravaganza.

Corliss Givens, Curtis’s brother, emphasizes that attendees can always expect a good time, excellent service, and “an experience that you can’t get on an ordinary weekend.” He also highlights how the event brings people together, not only from Memphis but also from out of town. It encourages people to stay in Memphis during the summer, offering a unique reason to celebrate and enjoy the city.

Kenny Burns, a self-described “lifestyle specialist” who has co-hosted the All White Affair for seven years, appreciates the uniqueness of Memphis’s party scene. He notes that Memphis may be considered a B or C market by some, but to him, it’s an A market. People genuinely have a great time in Memphis, and they work hard all month to save for events like the All White Affair.

Burns praises Memphis for its diverse music selection, playing not only new tunes but also classic throwbacks from the ’90s and 2000s, which were a hit at the event. He emphasizes that when people come out to celebrate or party in Memphis, they do so with enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment. Memphis, in his eyes, is a city that knows how to have a good time.

The All White Affair is a testament to Memphis’s vibrant party culture, where fashion, music, and celebration come together to create unforgettable summer memories. As attendees gather each year in their pristine white attire, they prove that Memphis knows how to throw a party like no other city.

So, if you’re ever in Memphis during the summer, consider joining the sea of white at the All White Affair. It’s an experience that combines style, fun, and the spirit of Memphis, making it a must-attend event for both locals and visitors alike.

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