Events
2024 Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic: A Weekend of Style, Sports, and Elegance
Atlanta is preparing for one of its most glamorous and thrilling weekends of the year as the 7th Annual Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic rolls into town. From Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13, the city will come alive with a fusion of high fashion, equestrian elegance, and star-studded events. Hosted by the Miguel Wilson Collection and the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, and proudly sponsored by Bentley Atlanta, the event is set to be bigger and more luxurious than ever before. After drawing over 1,000 guests in previous years, this year’s Classic is expected to attract a crowd of up to 3,000 attendees for an unforgettable experience that blends sport, style, and charity.
A Weekend of Elegance Kicks Off
The festivities begin on Friday, October 11 with a brand-new addition to the weekend: the Black Tie Celebrity Fight Night at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Hotel. This formal sit-down dinner offers a unique combination of glitz and grit, with a boxing exhibition featuring celebrity fighters. Guests will mingle in their finest black-tie attire, enjoying an evening that promises both excitement and elegance. The introduction of this event sets the tone for what will be a dynamic weekend of entertainment.
Cigars Under the Stars: A Classic Favorite
The following evening, Saturday, October 12, guests will return to the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Hotel for one of the event’s most beloved traditions: Cigars Under the Stars. This chic, outdoor event brings together Atlanta’s elite for an evening of indulgence, where attendees can relax with premium cigars, savor cocktails, and enjoy the crisp autumn air under the glow of the city lights. The ambiance will be enhanced by live jazz performances, making it a perfect prelude to the grand finale on Sunday.
Atlanta Junior Polo Classic: Nurturing the Next Generation
One of the most exciting additions to the 2024 event lineup is the Atlanta Junior Polo Classic, set for Sunday, October 13. This unique match, featuring young players from Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Atlanta’s B.E.S.T. Academy, highlights the next generation of polo talent and offers a family-friendly showcase of athleticism and skill. This event aims to introduce more young people to the sport, fostering a love for polo and equestrian pursuits while providing a thrilling match for spectators.
The Main Event: Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic
The weekend culminates in the crown jewel of the festivities, the 7th Annual Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic, on Sunday, October 13, at the stunning Horse Mansion at Bouckaert Farm. This signature event promises an unparalleled experience of high fashion, gourmet food, and world-class polo. Guests, dressed to impress in their finest derby attire, will be treated to a day of sophisticated fun that blends Southern charm with international style.
With two exhilarating polo games as the centerpiece, spectators will watch skilled players battle it out on the field in one of the most exciting sports in the world. Alongside the polo matches, attendees can enjoy equestrian exhibitions, showcasing the beauty and power of horses in motion.
Beyond the sporting action, the event offers a luxury experience with complimentary gourmet food, signature cocktails, and access to party tents where guests can socialize and celebrate in style. Those who appreciate the finer things in life can retreat to cigar lounges while enjoying live music from top performers. And, of course, it wouldn’t be the Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic without a stunning fashion show, where designers will present the latest in couture and equestrian-inspired style.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Guests
As in previous years, the 2024 Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic will draw a glittering crowd of celebrities, influencers, and public figures. Among the special guests set to attend are nationally syndicated radio host Frank Ski, Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, business mogul and former rapper Master P, singer Q Parker, and radio personality Big Tigger. Reality TV fans will be delighted to see Martell Holt from OWN’s Love & Marriage Huntsville, along with Dr. G and Lateasha Lunceford from Married to Medicine.
Also adding star power to the event are singer RL from the R&B group Next, actors Michael “Bolo” Bolwaire and Oshea Russel from BET’s All The Queen’s Men, and members of Jagged Edge, King and Wingo. The presence of such high-profile figures is sure to elevate the energy and excitement of the weekend, making it a must-attend event for fashionistas, polo enthusiasts, and Atlanta’s elite social scene.
The Mission Behind the Glamour
While the Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic is undeniably a glamorous affair, its mission goes far beyond entertainment. The event is a key fundraiser for the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing diversity in equestrian sports. The foundation provides access and training opportunities for underrepresented youth, encouraging participation in activities that have historically been exclusive to certain demographics. By offering programs that foster a love of horses and polo, the foundation is breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation of athletes.
Event host Miguel Wilson, a luxury menswear designer and equestrian enthusiast, is passionate about using his platform to support young riders and diversify the world of equestrian sports. Through his work with the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, Wilson is creating pathways for youth of color to engage in and excel within the equestrian community. The Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic is not only a celebration of fashion and sport but a vital part of Wilson’s mission to make polo more inclusive and accessible.
What to Expect: The Details
With an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 attendees expected this year, the Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic promises to be an unforgettable weekend filled with luxury, entertainment, and philanthropy. Whether you’re attending for the love of polo, the thrill of fashion, or to support a worthy cause, this event has something for everyone.
Event Schedule:
• Friday, October 11:
Black Tie Celebrity Fight Night
Location: Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Hotel
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
A formal dinner and boxing exhibition featuring celebrity fighters.
• Saturday, October 12:
Cigars Under the Stars
Location: Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Hotel
Time: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
An elegant evening of cigars, cocktails, and live music under the stars.
• Sunday, October 13:
Atlanta Junior Polo Classic
Location: The Horse Mansion at Bouckaert Farm
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A polo match featuring young athletes from Maryland and Atlanta.
• Sunday, October 13:
7th Annual Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic
Location: The Horse Mansion at Bouckaert Farm
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Polo matches, fashion show, live music, gourmet food, and more.
A Weekend Not to Be Missed
Whether you’re a fashion aficionado, a polo enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a weekend of elegance, the 2024 Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic is the event of the season. With its perfect blend of luxury, sportsmanship, and philanthropy, this weekend offers an experience like no other. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the fashion, thrilled by the polo, and inspired by the mission to make equestrian sports more inclusive. As the city of Atlanta gears up for one of its most exciting weekends, one thing is certain: this year’s event will be one for the history books.