Four Fabulous Events I Want to Experience in 2025…Care to Join me?

I’m a wing it kinda girl…buying one-way tickets and booking hotels the day of…it usually works out…and when it doesn’t it makes for a story (though not necessarily a great one). I advise clients not to fill every moment…allow for serendipity…for the magic of the unexpected.

That said, there are events that need to be planned…well in advance…Here are 4 I’m working on for 2025…wanna join me?

Vienna Balls: Waltzing into Elegance

Vienna, the city of dreams, where the air itself seems to be laced with the notes of a Strauss waltz. The Viennese Ball Season is the epitome of old-world charm and elegance, my inner Cinderella is calling.

These balls have a long tradition dating back to the 18th century, rooted in the courtly dances of the Habsburg Empire. The first formal balls were held in the Hofburg Palace and other grand venues  becoming a fixture of Viennese social life. They were an opportunity for the aristocracy and bourgeoisie to socialize, dance, and display their elegance. The tradition continued to flourish in the 19th century with the rise of the waltz, popularized by composers like Johann Strauss. Today, the season, running from November to February, features hundreds of balls, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere.

I’ll be gliding across the opulent floors of the Hofburg Palace, dressed in a gown that would make a Princess weep with joy. (I’m renting, my closet doesn’t hold such treasures) More than a dance; this is a declaration of sophistication.

The highlight: why the Quadrille, darling. It’s not just a dance; it’s a test of coordination, grace, and the ability to laugh at oneself. After all, there’s nothing like nearly tripping over one’s own feet in front of a hundred strangers to keep one humble. And the midnight snacks? Divine. Sachertorte and champagne!

Glastonbury: Mud, Music, and Magic

Where boho chic meets rock ‘n’ roll, and the mud is as much a part of the experience as the music, Glastonbury promises to be eclectic and electrifying.

The Festival, held near Pilton, Somerset, England, is one of the most famous in the world. Its origins trace back to 1970 when it was founded by Michael Eavis. Inspired by the ethos of the hippie movement, the first Glastonbury, then known as the Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival, featured acts like T. Rex and attracted around 1,500 attendees. It has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Today, Glastonbury is celebrated for its eclectic line-up, unique atmosphere, and commitment to environmental sustainability

I can’t wait to be knee-deep in festival vibes, donning my most fabulous wellies, and grooving to tunes that span every genre imaginable. There’s something intoxicating about the mix of music, mud, and merriment. The line-up is always top-secret until just before the festival, but who cares? The real star of Glastonbury is the experience itself.

Whether catching the sunrise at the Stone Circle, indulging in some vegan delights at the food stalls, or discovering a new favorite band at one of the smaller stages, every moment is a memory in the making. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing like a bit of festival chic to add to the Instagram feed.

Kentucky Derby: Hats, Horses, and High Society

The Kentucky Derby, where the horses are fast, the hats are fabulous, and the mint juleps flow like water. The first Saturday in May, this is more than a horse race; it’s a parade of Southern charm and high fashion.

Often called “The Run for the Roses,” is the oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States. It was first run on May 17, 1875, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the Derby was inspired by England’s Epsom Derby and France’s Grand Prix de Paris. The inaugural race featured 15 horses and was won by Aristides. Over the decades, the Derby has become a hallmark of American culture.

 Derby Day is the ultimate excuse to unleash your inner fashionista. From flamboyant fascinators to oversized brims adorned with everything but the kitchen sink, the hat game is strong. Paired with a chic dress and some killer heels it’s a time to turn heads.

Of course, the horses are the stars of the show, and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching these magnificent creatures thunder down the track. Will I bet on a horse based on its name? Absolutely. Will I win? Who knows? But I’ll have a mint julep in hand and a smile on my face regardless. The Kentucky Derby is all about the experience, and I plan to soak in every glorious second.

Siena Palio: The Race of a Lifetime

The Palio di Siena, a horse race like no other. Held twice a year in the Piazza del Campo, this is no ordinary event. It’s a whirlwind of color, tradition, and raw passion.

This historic race has been held in Siena, Italy, since the 13th century and will take place on July 2 and August 16. Originating as a religious festival in honor of the Madonna of Provenzano and the Assumption of Mary, the Palio evolved into a fierce competition between Siena’s contrade, or districts. Each contrada has its own distinct colors and emblem. The race is run bareback by jockeys representing their respective areas. Steeped in tradition, with parades, pageantry, and intense local pride, it culminates in a thrilling chaotic race around the city’s central square.

It is a chance to step back in time to a medieval pageant, with the entire city coming alive in a celebration of heritage and rivalry. There are parades, feasts, and flag-throwing competitions leading up to the main event. And the race itself? It’s over in a matter of seconds, but the excitement lingers long after the dust has settled.