The World's Hottest Social Events for Summer 2009

Brush off your fancy hats and start planning an outfit, this is one event you do not want to miss. Established in 1768, Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious horse races worldwide, attended by over 300,000. But they're not all there for the horses; free-flowing champagne, picnics, women in pretty dresses and men in mourning suits all count as big attractions. Ascot is the epitome of the English social calendar, with the Royal family arriving each day by horse and carriage. Everyone who's anyone here is rich or beautiful—and more often than not, both. The 30 races are carried out on the flat, with a total prize money of £4 million. For the most drama, be sure to catch the feature races, which have the highest prize value and the highest stakes. Formal dress code is only required in some areas, but most people dress up anyway—after all, it's half the fun! Book a ticket for Buck's Marquee in the Royal Enclosure, and you'll be benefitting the Prince's Trust.

Tickets from £16 in the silver ring; £56 Grandstand Admission. 

June 16 - 20, 2009.

STAY AT:  Pennyhill Park, a Country Hotel & Spa in Surrey.

On summer evenings in Salzburg, you'll find men in black-tie and women in gowns and high-heels navigating the historic cobblestone streets. Apart from being one of the prettiest cities in Europe—and the birthplace of Mozart—Salzburg is also home to one of the world's most renowned music and performing arts festivals. "It attracts chic, cultured people who love music," says Marina Fogle, our insider who grew up in Salzburg. "It's also the place to be seen—attendees include European royals, politicians and powerful businessmen with their glamorous wives. You're going to bump into the Aga Khan and Prince Charles rather than Posh Spice." The most in demand tickets are those for the opening night premieres of the big operas, which are followed by various parties, some hosted by sponsors and others held privately. Also coveted is any post-performance dinner reservation at Goldener Hirsch where, according to Marina, a table is like gold dust and you'll more than likely see divas and conductors. Program highlights for 2009 include four operas and five concerts by the Vienna Philharmonic, among them Luigi Nono's Al gran sole carico d'amore, and Rossini's Moise et Pharaoh; a Beethoven cycle by the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen; Daniel Barenboim conducting the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra in two concert performances of Beethoven's Fidelio. Several guest musicians and singers will appear at the festival, most notably Joshua Bell, Mitsukia Uchida, Evgeny Kissin, Lang Lang, and Anna Netrebko.

Tickets from €15 to €290.

July 25 - August 30, 2009.

STAY AT: Hotel Sacher Salzburg, an Elegant Classic, or Hotel Schloss Fuschl, a Lakeside Castle.

Film buffs will want to get hold of one of the few patrons passes for the Nantucket Film Festival that are available to the general public. The festival features U.S. and international films, and celebrates cinema in all its forms, from studio produced features to shorts and documentaries. In addition to screenings, there are staged readings of works in progress, story telling by surprise celebrity guests (past storytellers have included Jim Carrey and Paul Rudd), panel discussions, teen awards and beach screenings. There's also the famous “Morning Coffee With ...", during which festival goers listen to the insight of prominent guests, with coffee and muffins provided. The patron's passes get you into all of these events, plus you can hob-nob with the stars and Nantucket summer residents at the opening night party and closing night awards. This year's gala is the Screenwriters Tribute on June 20, hosted by NBC's Brian Williams and honoring Harold Ramis, who has co-written, acted in or directed such laughers as Animal House, Caddy Shack, Ground Hog Day, and Ghost Busters. The festival's opening film is Cold Souls, starring Paul Giamatti, Lauren Ambrose and Emily Watson, and another highlight will be the Comedy Roundtable with Ben Stiller, Peter Farrelley, Harold Ramis and Jon Hamburg.

Tickets from $13 to $175; day passes $95; week passes $445; patron passes $1,200.

June 18 - 21, 2009

STAY AT: The White Elephant Hotel, which has family-friendly cottages and new private residences on Nantucket Harbor, or the elegant Wauwinet, a Relais & Chateaux property on the north of the island.

James Bond would be in his element at this turbocharged, three-day event. Whether you love vintage or state-of-the-art luxury super cars, the people who drive them (or wish they did) or just a good party, this car show at the exclusive Hurlingham Club celebrates all three. Don't think it's all motor heads: By day, Salon Privé is more of a garden cocktail party where the main decorations are beautiful cars and people to match, and it's one of the rare chances for non-members to socialize at Hurlingham, a private member's club in a stately Georgian building with 42 acres of lawn. On display are the latest super cars from the world's elite manufacturers, among them Bentley, Aston Martin, Spyder, Lamborghini and Bugatti. Many of the vehicles have never before been seen in the UK. The culmination of the show is the esteemed Concours d'Elégance, a collection of over 60 classic and rare cars. If you tire of talk of engines and horsepower, head to the luxury brands tent and admire the new collections from Audemars Piguet and Holland & Holland. There's Ladies Day on July 23, which precedes Salon Privé's best night—its Summer Ball, a benefit for the Prince's Trust with live auction, live music and dancing to DJ tunes. Tickets from £125; Ball tickets £325.

July 22 - 24, 2009.

STAY AT: Number 16, a super chic hotel in South Kensington, or the Baglioni, a sexy Italian hotel across from Hyde Park. 

Polo is always a glamorous affair, with speedy chukkas, dangerous tackles and fiery players, and it doesn't get much more stylish than the Cartier Cup at Guards Polo Club in Surrey. Royalty, celebrities and spectators mix with world-class players for the final high-scoring tournament of the UK season. The 25,000-strong crowd watches local English teams competing early in the day followed by the big afternoon match, this year being the English International team playing against Argentina for the Coronation Cup. Keep an eye out for Argentina's Adolfo Cambiaso, considered the top player in the world. 2009 marks the 25th year that Cartier is the sponsor, so the luxury brand is celebrating by hosting a gourmet lunch, prepared by renowned chef Anton Mosimann, OBE. In between matches you can sip champers and check out Cartier goods and other luxe items in the Retail Village. Dress is smart-casual—jeans, sneakers or sportswear are not permitted; ladies are advised to wear flats or wedges, as high heels won't be much good for stomping the divots at half-time. For a more exclusive experience, book a VIP ticket to the official Player's Marquee, which includes a catered picnic and entry to the famous summer evening party. Those under 35 party late into the evening at the China White and Smyle parties. Tickets from £35.

STAY AT: The Waterside Inn Bray, a cozy classic on the Thames.

Some of the most sought after party tickets in the Hamptons are those to the Watermill Center Summer Benefit, which raises funds for the multidisciplinary arts center founded by iconoclast theater director Robert Wilson. The auction and dinner is sponsored by LVMH, and attracts a colorful mix of artists, filmmakers, fashion designers and the Beau Monde of the Hamptons. There is usually a fun, theatrical theme that lends the whole evening the aura of a Fellini Film; this year's theme has not yet been announced, but you can also expect odd costumes and roving performance artists striking curious poses throughout the bucolic grounds, as well as a crowd filled with bold-faced names—past partygoers have included the likes of Donna Karan, Annie Leibovitz, Isabella Rossellini and Dita Von Teese. Serious contemporary art collectors should pay close attention during the auction—works by such artists as Alex Katz, David Salle and Marina Abramovic have changed hands at previous parties, and the lineup this year looks to be similarly stellar.

Tickets start at $1,000 and tables range from $10,000 to $50,000.

July 25, 2009.

STAY AT: The Mill House Inn, a lovely Bed & Breakfast in East Hampton.

As much about the social scene as the sailing, Skandia Cowes Week is a huge part of the British summer sports calendar, drawing about 100,000 visitors to the island every August. The 8,500 competitors in 1,000 boats will compete in up to 40 races, and the helms include Olympic medalists and America's Cup competitors as well as amateur sailors. Sailing enthusiasts can book a place on one of the spectator boats to be right in the thick of the action. If you're not so steady on your sea legs and you'd rather watch the exciting proceedings from shore, nab a spot between the Castle of the Royal Yacht Squadron and the cannons, and you'll be looking right at the start line. Apart from the races, there's loads going on, such as acrobatic displays, fireworks, entertainment on the main stage and plenty of impromptu parties, all culminating with the prize giving on the final Saturday.

Book in advance for spectator boat tickets, which start at £10. Contact Skandia Cowes Week for more details on evening parties and special events open to the public.

August 1 - 8, 2009.

STAY AT: The George, a historic seaside hotel in Yarmouth, a half-hour drive from Cowes. Don't miss a sunset dinner on the al fresco terrace of its wonderful restaurant. 

For one weekend once every three years, the streets of patrician resort of Newport, Rhode Island, seem to go back in time to the Gilded Age era, as authentic, 19th-century carriages drawn by teams of four horses are driven around by "whips," and carry passengers in top hats and period costume. This is the much anticipated triennial Coaching Weekend, sponsored by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and patronized by coaching clubs from around the country. Don't miss the parades through town, and the free coaching demonstration on Saturday morning, August 22, on the grounds of the Elms, one of Newport's historic grand estates. Visitors can see the well-maintained coaches up close, learn about their history, and witness a horn-blowing competition. The weekend's highlight is the Preservation Society's biggest summer fundraiser, a black-tie dinner dance at the breathtaking and historic Breakers mansion—the original summer residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. You'll sip cocktails on the grand terrace overlooking the water, and dance the night away to live music amid a crowd that includes several members of the Newport Old Guard.

Dinner dance tickets from from $400.

August 20 - 23, 2009.

STAY AT:  Vanderbilt Hall, a historic downtown hotel renovated with minimalist-chic decor.

Now in it's 28th year, Mallorca's annual King's Cup regatta is one of the most prestigious sailing events in the Mediterranean. Presided over by King Juan-Carlos and the rest of the Spanish royal family, the week-long event draws more than 1,000 elite sailors to Palma. In addition to daily races, the regatta features parties and evening dinners. The happening Bay of Palma is especially vibrant during this week. 

August 1 - 8, 2009.

STAY AT: Hip Hotel Puro or historic Convent de la Missió in downtown Palma, or see my Mallorca Cheat Sheet for more hotels plus tips on restaurants, shopping, golf & more.

Now that the Napa Valley Wine Auction has happened, the next notable event on the San Francisco social calendar is the annual benefit gala for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Expect the beau monde of the Bay Area—most likely including handsome San Fran Mayor Gavin Newsom—to turn up for this concert and dinner honoring local philanthropist Gordon Getty. The evening is hosted by opera star Frederica von Stade, with guest appearances by singers and musicians Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Jake Heggie, Robin Sutherland, Emil Miland, Marnie Breckenridge, Lisa Delan and Rieko Tsuchida. Gala goers are also invited to attend a Master Class by famed New Zealand soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, held a few days prior on June 20.

Gala Concert & Dinner, June 23, 2009.

Individual tickets from $1,000; Tables from $10,000.

STAY AT: The Ritz-Carlton Club & Residences, a sleek new property in a historic building (see my special offer to reside as Member); the chic St. Regis San Francisco, conveniently located near the SF Museum of Modern Art; or the ultra-stylish, Philippe Starck-designed Clift hotel.