Somewhere between the smell of fresh grass, the sound of children laughing, and the clink of
glasses under a golden sunset, something special began unfolding in Ghazir this week.
Kicking off on July 24, The Grand Picnic officially opened its gates at Jardin des Oliviers,
transforming the scenic venue into a dreamy escape—not just for picnickers, but for designers,
families, food lovers, and anyone longing for a new kind of summer experience. Running until
July 27, the outdoor event curated by The CreativeSquare is already buzzing with energy and
creativity and the best is yet to come.
In just its first day, hundreds of people flocked to the grounds, enjoying everything from laid-
back picnics and design showcases to playful family activities and vibrant sunset gatherings. The
atmosphere was nothing short of magical, and the next few days promise even more memorable
moments.
The idea is simple: take the traditional picnic and give it a twist. And that’s exactly what’s
happening. Picture picnic baskets and blankets on the grass, cozy tables for extra comfort,
families laughing over games, kids exploring dedicated activity zones, and everyone basking in
the joy of the “free sunset picnic.” Lebanese designers are showcasing their latest work under the
sky, while music sets the mood for dancing into the evening.
“We’re just getting started,” says Suzy Harikiopoulo, founder and organizer behind The
CreativeSquare. “The goal is to bring people together—different ages, interests, talents—and
offer something refreshing and real. We’re always searching for new talents and ideas, and we
wanted to create a setting that reflects that spirit: something light, fun, and full of life.”
Beyond the fun, The Grand Picnic is also a celebration of Lebanon’s natural beauty. By choosing
Ghazir as a location and designing an experience rooted in the outdoors, the event invites locals
and tourists alike to rediscover the country’s mountains and fresh air through creativity, play, and
meaningful connection.
Since its founding in 2016, The CreativeSquare has built a reputation for immersive cultural
experiences. Based in Beirut, the production house has long supported emerging Lebanese
creatives, offering them platforms that go beyond traditional galleries or stores. The Grand
Picnic continues that mission this time, under the open sky.
And this is just the beginning. The CreativeSquare team plans to take The Grand Picnic to new
and unexpected places across Lebanon, expanding the journey with fresh landscapes, new ideas,
and even more community-driven magic.
For now, the place to be is Jardin des Oliviers in Ghazir. The event runs until July 27, and there’s
still time to pack a blanket, bring your curiosity, and experience the simple things—in a not-so-
simple setting.
