Critic’s View

Estereo Picnic has taken bold steps over the last 14 years to become one of the biggest festivals in South America. We have selected this due to Estereo Picnic’s ability to book headline international acts and its focus on artists, bands AND dee jays. The genesis of this festival began with seven enterprising Colombians: Sergio Pabón, Santiago Vélez, Julián Martínez, Julio Correal, Juan David Shool, Gabriel García and Philippe Siegenthaler; who were determined to bring the biggest music festival to Colombia.

Blink 182 – Drake – Lil Nas X – Wu Tang Clan – Blondie – The 1975 and more headline this amazing festival event. A detailed list of artists and performers can be found here.

Critic’s View:

There are countless sophisticated horseracing events found in beautiful venues across the globe… but none are as opulent, as highly acclaimed or as thrillings as Paris’ Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

This quintessentially elegant event matches the excitement, dynamism and adrenaline of a world-class Group 1 Flat horse race with all of the luxury of a top-tier Parisian society gathering, drawing in the rich and famous from near and far. Held at Longchamp, and with a course covering 2,400 metres, it’s an event at which champions arise and unforgettable encounters take place.

What’s On:

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2023 is set to be the most opulent race of its kind so far. The world’s richest turf race will see the best thoroughbreds and jockeys come together to test themselves against one another, while the elites in the crowd will see, be seen, and make the most of the venue’s legendary hospitality. This is Paris, after all.

VIP guests to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will get to make the most of all the renowned Parisian delights while enjoying the high-octane racing. Wine flights and tasting sessions frequently take place in the exclusive viewing platforms, Champagne bars are de rigueur, and there are plenty of elegant after parties and galas to attend throughout the city during the racing season. There’s not a particularly strict dress code at Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (unusually for such a prestigious racing event) although black tie is advised for gentlemen and hats are recommended for ladies, especially in the evening events.

After Parties

The Longchamp racecourse boasts several beautiful events venues, which buzz with dynamism and glamour during Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe each year. 2022 saw the reopening of the Brasserie Longchamp, where guests can enjoy three-course meals and wine flights before gaining direct access to the paddock and finishing line.

Prestige Open Bar boasts an incredible Champagne menu, and the Panorama Restaurant and Rooftop is the place to be before and after the races, thanks to its impressive views and even more impressive menu. Perhaps most glamorous of all is a Champagne reception in the Goldikova Lounge of the Prestige Bar, a place to both see and be seen during the Prix.

Featured Accommodation

Longchamps is located near several beautiful hotels, which will perfectly position you to both enjoy the racing and explore the beautiful city of Paris during your stay. These include:

• Four Seasons George V
• Hippodrome de St. Cloud Hotel
• Novotel St Quentin and Melia Paris La Defense
• Maison ELLE
• Ritz Paris

Availability:

Tickets for Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe aren’t difficult to obtain, and many concierge services offer an array of packages for the event. VIP packages and exclusive seating are available nearer the date

Critic’s View:

A trip to Amsterdam, Europe’s most hedonistic-yet-welcoming capital, is always going to be memorable. Head to the Netherlands in October 2023, and you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most iconic EDM festivals – AMF, or The Amsterdam Music Festival – where tens of thousands pack out The Johan Cruijff Arena and other party sites to dance all night.

Every year, AMF puts on a party like no other in a truly unique city that’s packed with unexpected surprises. Visitors will uncover all-out festivities alongside the nonchalant glamour of one of Europe’s prettiest and most laid-back capitals, resulting in a trip that’s packed full of cultural treasures and amazing moments in the company of global musical talent.

What’s On:

AMF attracts the top DJs and producers from across the globe, who put on elaborate and multisensory sets befitting the status of this legendary festival. It’s a week of riotous fun, incredible music and eye-opening visuals, all coupled with the kind of hospitality and easy-going enjoyment the city has built its reputation upon.

While the official lineup for AMF 2023 is still a work in progress, visitors can expect world-leading talent to take to the many stages set up around the festival site. 2022’s AMF featured EMD legends Afrojack, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Kapuchon, Nicky Romero and dozens more, each showcasing their unique sound to packed-out venues filled with people having the time of their lives.

After Parties

If you’re on the lookout for great after parties, luxurious events and adjacent celebrations during AMF, you really won’t have to look far. Amsterdam is a city which is deeply proud of the dynamism and quality of its nightlife, and the centre really comes alive – even more than usual – while AMF is underway. What’s more, VIP visitors to AMF can take full advantage of the top-tier hospitality offers at the festival, including private viewing decks, exclusive dance areas, private lounges and access to luxurious chill-out zones.

For the past couple of years, the best afterparties for AMF took place in the Ziggo Dome, where top-tier DJs looking to spin their favourites have headed after headlining sets and rising talents have brought the party atmosphere through to the early hours. In a classic Amsterdam move, Heineken – one of the world’s most iconic breweries – have hosted afterparties that have gone down in history as some of the best ever seen in the city.

Featured Accommodation

Central Amsterdam boasts some seriously beautiful and opulent hotels, which immerse their guests in Old World wonder while taking some down time from dancing at AMF. The festival has partnered with several hotels for the convenience of its guests, situated within a close distance of the Johan Cruijff Arena. These include:

• Park Plaza Victoria
• Hotel V Frederiksplein
• Corendon City Hotel
• Volkshotel
• Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Arena

Availability:

Tickets for AMF will become available nearer the date of the festival. VIP passes and exclusive packages will also be available at the same time.

Critic’s View:

Of all the iconic festivals of the world, it’s perhaps Burning Man – held in the expansive deserts of Nevada – which wears the crown. This celebration of psychedelia, artistic expression, music and creativity has become one of the world’s greatest parties and a bonafide bucket list destination, and it grows exponentially each year to surpass all expectations.

Attracting thousands of free spirits to the Nevada desert each year, Burning Man is something of a pilgrimage for those looking for the best party on the planet. Culminating in a truly spectacular ritual burning of effigies while the music gets louder, the dancing more expressive and the artworks more eye-opening, it’s always, always an unforgettable experience.

What’s On:

Musically, the festival is centred around EDM with a distinctly psychedelic leaning. 2023’s lineup is yet to be confirmed, but 2022’s festival boasted psy-scene legends Infected Mushroom, techno icon Carl Cox, and house representation by John Summit. Diplo, Above & Beyond and Sacha Robotti were also headlining other stages… although it’s probably fair to say that the performers are not the main draw to Burning Man. Rather, visitors attend to get away from their ordinary lives, to revel in communal living and freedom, and to witness the festival’s culmination: a ritual burning of a giant effigy, beneath the stars of the desert night.

While in some ways Burning Man is a music festival not wholly unlike others, it’s also one which has its own set of traditions, rituals and identities. Central to this is the thematic aspect of the festival; each year, the organisers pick a theme which will represent the artistic and creative character of the event, as visitors are encouraged to produce their own sculptures or artworks at the renowned ‘Black Rock City’ in the festival’s heartland. 2023’s theme is ‘Animalia’ and a celebration of imaginary fauna, and festival goers have plenty of time in advance to dream up costumes and artistic ideas to reflect this thematic quality during their time there.

After Parties

Several afterparties and adjacent events celebrating Burning Man can be found in the surrounding areas and nearby states. Among the most legendary in 2022 was Reno’s Burning Man After Party at Cargo Concert Hall – almost a literal continuation of the craziness of the festival – which featured performances by Emancipator and DJ sets by Steve Emmerich of organisational troupe Fresh Bakin’.

The afterparties have spilled outwards across Reno in recent years, resulting in a host of exclusive pool parties and gatherings that are the perfect way to depressurise. The Sands will host its annual pool bash, The BlueBird Nightclub will see dancing throughout the nights, and the beautiful Whitney Peak Hotel will hold a more sedate and chilled-out series of parties following Nevada’s biggest cultural export.

Featured Accommodation

Due to Burning Man’s remote location, visitors stay on-site during the festival. However, the festival does provide some luxury camping options, such as yurts, for those looking to enjoy the party in style.

Availability:

Tickets for Burning Man will most likely be launched at the end of 2022 via the festival website and associated partners.

Critic’s View:

Hosted in the sun-soaked streets of Madrid, Mad Cool Festival is one of the best reasons for visiting Spain during the month of July. Madrid wears its reputation as being one of Europe’s quintessential party capitals on its sleeve, and Mad Cool Festival 2023 is shaping up to be one of the best events for music-lovers to attend all year.

The biggest acts, the most beautiful setting, the best parties, the long warm evenings dancing to your favourite performers… it’s a festival quite unlike any other, and one that’s definitely worth its place on your must-visit list.

What’s On:

The official lineup for 2023 is cementing Mad Cool’s reputation of pushing the envelope while also attracting the biggest pop and rock acts on Earth. This year’s lineup stars mega-hit performers like Lizzo and Lil Nas X that few seemed to see coming until their sudden explosion on the international scene. You’ll also spot emerging talent like The 1975 and Yellow Days… artists with a comparatively smaller but dedicated fan base that seem poised to steal the show… and barring that, our hearts.

Of course, like all good festivals, Mad Cool’s appeal doesn’t just lie in the headlining acts and bands appearing on stage. It’s an immersive world of good vibes, new experiences and thrills, and the chance to get away from it all in one of Europe’s most stylish and fun-filled cities.

After Parties

Madrid really is a city that never sleeps, and after parties will be taking place on the festival site and elsewhere around the capital; the locals will be dancing until the sun rises, and there’s no excuse not to join them. Combined with the city’s renowned gastronomy and wine scene, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable week in the sun.

Featured Accommodation

If you’re not keen on camping, Mad Cool Festival partners with a number of nearby hotels, many of which have a direct route to the festival site itself. These include:

• AC Atocha Hotel
• Rafael Atocha Hotel
• We Are Chamartin Hotel
• AC Avenida De America Hotel

Availability:

Tickets are available via the Mad Cool website.

Critic’s View:

The 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards will take place in the luxurious setting of the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, where the legacy, present and future of Latin music will be honoured. It promises to be a star-studded event that – for fans of Latin music worldwide – is simply unmissable.

Utterly glamorous and vibrant, the Latin Grammys are a true celebration of Latin music culture. Each year brings with it various surprises and delights, from iconic red carpet moments to all-out performances from massive stars and more regional talents alike. VIP access will unveil incredible cocktails and dishes, the chance to get closer to the world’s biggest Latin music celebrities and the best seats for the show itself – an experience never to be forgotten!

What’s On:

2023’s annual event will feature an awe-inspiring array of performers, including Christina Aguilera, Elvis Costello, Jorge Drexler, Camilo, John Legend, Christian Nodal and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, among many others.

It’s an opportunity to join the nominees and glittering array of guests at a truly incredible red carpet event and gala, and celebrate the contribution to culture of Latin music and the art it has inspired. Christina Aguilera currently leads the nominations across seven categories (including Album of the Year), closely followed by Song of the Year nominee Camilo. Other categories include Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album, Best Regional Song and Record of the Year.

After Parties

VIP guests to the Latin Grammy Awards 2023 can expect a gala dinner, access to the awards ceremony and prime seats for all of the performances. However, there will also be an array of incredible after parties to attend both at the venue itself and around Las Vegas, where the music will be pumping and the atmosphere electric.

An official afterparty will be hosted at Hard Rock Las Vegas, and NOGXNRE will be hosting their iconic Web3 Latino party at a secret location yet to be revealed.

Featured Accommodation

For those looking to head to the Latin Grammy Awards 2023, luxury accommodation will be available at the Mandalay Bay hotels. However, other nearby opulent hotels abound, such as:

• Bellagio
• ARIA
• Vdara
• MGM Grand
• The Signature

Availability:

The Latin Grammy Awards is a black tie event with a very limited number of publicly-available tickets. However, tickets for the ceremony itself can be purchased for rates ranging between $899 and $2,500.

Critic’s View:

New York City has long been renowned as one of the world’s key cultural centres, and following the devastating attack on the World Trade Center, plans were put in place to revive the artistic spirit and identity of the Lower Manhattan region. The Tribeca Film Festival is a celebration of the tenacious and creative spirit of NYC, growing year on year to become one of the greatest cinema and art events on Earth today.

It’s an opportunity for movie lovers to mark the key role New York City has played in cinematic history, while also championing rising talent in the industry. Furthermore, Tribeca features some seriously impressive parties, galas and adjacent events, making Lower Manhattan even more colourful, vibrant and unmissable than usual.

What’s On:

Visitors to the 2023 iteration of the Tribeca Film Festival will uncover a vibrant, dynamic and bold deep-dive into contemporary cinema, alongside a wealth of other cultural treasures. Concerts, street markets, family-friendly events and varied discussions on diverse community subjects will be taking place through Lower Manhattan. Naturally, these will be accompanied by glamorous screenings and a host of celebrity-studded parties and galas, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in New York high society.

As well as being a celebration of film, Tribeca is a festival of fashion and daring haute couture culture too. 2022’s festival red carpet featured key moments from Tom Ford, Chanel and Ralph Lauren, and stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Dakota Johnson and Jessica Chastain made their mark on the festival opening. Chanel usually holds a gala dinner in celebration of women’s contribution to the film industry – a hot ticket indeed – and the official Tribeca Gala (which includes a handful of screenings and a star-studded guestlist) will return with a tour de force of celebrity attendees in 2023.

After Parties

The most contested Tribeca Film Festival tickets are – of course – for the opening night party and closing night gala, which involve immersive exhibitions, private screenings and a chance to be at the table with the festival’s most elite guests. An assortment of private parties associated with various studios, premieres and launches will also be taking place across Lower Manhattan, with limited access and exclusive invitations for those lucky enough to be on the list.

Many individual screenings and premieres have their own after parties, allowing fans seeking VIP experiences plenty of options from which to choose. Venues like The River (which in 2022 hosted the after party for Roving Woman) go all-out to provide a luxury hospitality atmosphere for all involved.

Featured Accommodation

As a bustling major metropolis, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to stay in and around the Lower Manhattan region of New York. Those planning on attending the opening night or closing night gala of Tribeca Film Festival could consider the following partnered hotels:

• The Beekman
• Hotel 50 Bowery
• Gildhall
• Modernhaus Soho
• Smyth Tribeca

Availability:

Tickets for all Tribeca Film Festival screenings and events are available via the official website and associated services.

Critic’s View:

There’s little doubt about the fact that the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glamorous events on Earth, and at the heart of this opulent celebration of cinema, the amFAR Gala is a veritable glittering jewel of a party. Attended by the absolute elites of the moviemaking world, amFAR is a charity ball hosted by Cinema Against AIDS – a world-renowned philanthropic society – which has proven to be among the world’s most coveted annual events since its launch in 1993.

Attracting the creme de la creme of European and global high society, the amFAR Gala truly is one of the most exciting and sophisticated events in the luxury calendar. Held amid the peerlessly beautiful setting of Hotel Cap du Eden-Roc on the island of Antibes, it’s a remarkably exclusive and discreet gathering of some of the most influential individuals in the world. Expect live music from legendary performers, the chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of the planet’s most famous stars, incredible food and hospitality, and an evening that will simply never be forgotten.

What’s On:

The black tie event features an opulent Champagne reception and multi-course dinner, followed by a series of scheduled showcases and dazzling performances. At the centre of the gala, a major fashion show – curated by legendary fashion editor Carine Roitfeld – typically takes place, although plans for 2023’s gala are still under wraps.

One of the main draws to this charity ball is (as one might expect) a truly opulent auction, which has raised over $100 million to date. The live auction has, in the past, included items varying from a trip to space with Leonardo DiCaprio, artworks by Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol, the chance to star in a Karl Lagerfeld film, a family portrait by Annie Leibovitz, and a private performance by rock icons Duran Duran. Who knows what awe-inspiring offerings will feature on 2023’s auction list?

After Parties

The amFAR Gala has its own VIP afterparty at the hotel venue, which is usually seen as a chance for the jetset to truly let their hair down in classic Riviera style. It’s a discrete event usually free of press, adding to the air of sophistication and privacy that typifies the gala in general.

Availability:

The amFAR Gala has a tiered ticketing system based upon charitable donations. These are arranged as follows:

• Supporter ticket: dinner seating at a shared table, listed in program as a supporter
• Preferred ticket: dinner seating at a shared table, listed in program as a patron
• Benefactor Package: prime dinner seating for two at a shared table, listed in program as a benefactor
• Benefactor Table Package: preferred dinner seating at private table for 10 guests, listed in program as a benefactor
• Grand Benefactor Package: premium dinner seating at private table for 10, listed in program as Vice Chair
• Grand Philanthropist Package: prime choice dinner seating at a private table for 12, listed in program as Co-Chair

Tickets for the amFAR Gala afterparty only are also available.

Critic’s View:

When it comes to festivals which encapsulate the essence of European glamour, nowhere does it quite like Cannes. This legendary film festival takes over the French riviera city of Cannes each year in May, attracting glittering actors, directors and movie lovers from across the world, where the latest releases can be celebrated alongside the utmost in Mediterranean French hospitality.

Visiting the Cannes film festival goes far beyond attending glamorous parties and the star-studded ceremonies. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the golden-era vibes of the Riviera, check out the champagne flights and amazing gastronomy the region is known for, and get closer to the elite of world cinema.

What’s On:

2023 will be the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival, and is sure to be as luxurious and unmissable as ever.

Hosted at the iconic Le Croisette venue, Cannes Film Festival 2023 will provide the usual opulent blend of daring cinematic releases, red carpet entrances, talks and screenings, fine food, wine and cocktails against a backdrop of golden sands and sparkling sea.

Cannes is a place to see and be seen; attending this world-renowned festival is an opportunity to dress to impress, immerse oneself in haute-couture culture and rub shoulders with icons of Hollywood and European cinema. As such, it’s no surprise it’s one of the most hotly-anticipated events of the luxury calendar, packed with surprises and truly remarkable parties.

After Parties

Gala parties and balls are central to Cannes. Most notable is the glittering amfAR ball – one of the most prestigious black tie events in the awards ceremony calendar – which usually takes place at the astonishing island resort of Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc.

However, visitors will find no shortage of elegant events to explore during the festival week, including numerous afterparties and balls based at some of the city’s most beautiful venues. The most popular and glamorous events include:

• Chopard Gents Night
• Magnum Party
• Vanity Fair Party
• Philipp Plein Fashion Show
• Chopard Trophee Annual Dinner
• The Closing Ceremony

Featured Accommodation

The French Riviera is the veritable home of fine hospitality, and as such, visitors to the Cannes Film Festival can expect to stay in some of the most glamorous hotels in this beautiful corner of the world. The aforementioned Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc is arguably the most spectacular, but other options include:

• Amarante
• Campanile Cannes Ouest
• Residence Gambetta
• Residhotel Villa Maupassant
• La Bastide de l’Oliveraie

Availability:

Tickets are available for the Opening and Closing ceremonies, the Red Carpet event, and the various celebrity parties and charity galas. VIP packages and ‘benefactor packages’ are also available, which will get you a seat at the most prized tables during the festival.

Critic’s View:

EDM enthusiasts worldwide know that when it comes to the greatest dance music festival on Earth, EDC Las Vegas is where it’s at. The Electric Daisy Carnival began life back in 1997 as a humble warehouse party. However, it has since become the quintessential EDM gathering in the heart of Las Vegas, attracting top DJs and performers from across the globe to its numerous neon-lit stages and dancefloors.

What’s On:

EDC 2023 promises to be the biggest and most all-encompassing festival yet, with three days of live electronic music and all-night ravings, a psychedelic carnival atmosphere and endless hours of dancing and checking out the numerous festival attractions. While the official 2023 lineup remains a closely-guarded secret at time of writing, there’s little doubt that many of the big-hitters of the EDM world will be present and correct. Last year’s festival featured Kx5 (the must-see collaboration between deadmau5 and Kaskade), Charlotte de Witte, Armin van Buuren, Eric Prydz, Grimes, Jauz, DJ Snake and literally dozens more.

With a plethora of carnival stages to check out (most notably the iconic kineticFIELD, cosmicMEADOW, neonGARDEN, circuitGROUNDS and wasteLAND, EDC is a multisensory experience offering a wide palette of EDM music and performances.

After Parties

As ever in Las Vegas, pre-parties and afterparties are easily discovered, and events organiser INSOMNIAC will be hosting a number of raves and pool parties along the strip in the week leading up to EDC.

The only official EDC afterparty in 2023 will be hosted by Sahara Orlando, which will be offering luxury food and drinks, a hookah bar and mellow vibes until 5am.

Featured Accommodation

EDC’s campsite is all part of the legendary festival experience, offering an immersive psychedelic atmosphere for when you finally need to hit the hay. However, EDC has partnered with a number of hotels including:

• Vdara Hotel and Spa
• The Wynn
• Bellagio
• Cosmopolitan
• Aria

Availability:

VIP packages are still available via the EDC website and its partnered ticketing companies. Private tables, helicopter access and limousine shuttles are also available as part of several tiered luxury packages.