The world's richest people spend much of their time working to earn their fortunes, but there's always time for fun, especially when they appear on the guest lists for the most prominent film festivals, yacht shows, polo matches, football and soccer games, and tennis tournaments around the world. Wealth-X, a company that conducts research on the ultra-wealthy, recently released its annual billionaire census, which explores the trends and habits of the world's richest people. The report reveals that the typical billionaire's social calendar is jam-packed year round.
From the fashion runways of London and Milan to a waterfront auto raceway in Monte Carlo, Monaco, read on to check out 21 of the biggest and best events frequented by billionaires.
Davos World Economic Forum
REUTERS/Ruben Sprich
World Economic Forum's annual meeting of the minds — and money — is held in Davos, Switzerland, every January. The week-long international business conference invites world leaders and business magnates like Bill and Melinda Gates and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff to discuss the world's most pressing social, political, and economic issues.
Sundance Film Festival
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Hollywood takes over the scenic ski town of Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival every January. The 10-day event is the largest showcase of independent filmmaking in the US and doubles as a swanky winter getaway for Hollywood elite.
Super Bowl
The Denver Broncos celebrate their Super Bowl 50 victory over the Carolina Panthers.Harry How/Getty
The biggest sporting event in the US happens every February, marking the end of the football season and the final face-off between the champions of the National Football Conference and the American Football Conference. More than 111 million television viewers watched this year's game — the 50th anniversary of the franchise — while deep-pocketed fans cheered from the stands.
Yachts Miami Beach
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Formerly known as the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, Yachts Miami Beach takes place annually in February as a showcase of the world's most beautiful, over-the-top yachts — as well as their billionaire owners — gathered on more than 1.2 million square feet of water.
Fashion Week
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New York City, London, and Milan host their respective fashion weeks in February and September every year. In addition to the A-list designers and their models, attendees typically include high-profile celebrities and businesspeople who are granted exclusive access to the next season's hottest trends at shows like Marc Jacobs, Balmain, Oscar de la Renta, and Vera Wang.
Dubai World Cup
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Founded and hosted by the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai World Cup is held at the Meydan Racecourse annually in March. The "world's richest race day" counts $30 million in prize money and doubles as a coveted fashion event. The Jaguar Style Stakes award the event's best-dressed men, women, and couples for their creativity, flair, and presentation.
The Masters
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One of four major golf championships held annually, the US Masters takes place in April at the world-renowned Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. The tournament has been an exclusive event since its inception 80 years ago and is attended by America's richest residents, including the club's two wealthiest members, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
Cannes Film Festival
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Entertainment's most talented actors, artists, directors, and producers head to Cannes, France, each May to attend the Cannes Film Festival. The 11-day fête is one of the most significant stages for European cinema, its massive red carpet a symbol of the festival's glamour and prestige.
Monaco Grand Prix
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One third of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious auto races in the world, held each May along the French Riviera in Monte Carlo. Monaco's royal family is a mainstay at the Formula One world championship.
Kentucky Derby
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For 142 years, legendary racetrack Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, has been the site of the Kentucky Derby, "the most exciting two minutes in sports." Wealthy and prominent attendees from British royalty to US politicians to high-profile entertainment and sports stars attend each May and take part in Derby Day's storied traditions like sipping on Mint Juleps and wearing oversized, extravagant hats.
European Championship (soccer)
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Major international soccer tournaments are a favorite among the billionaire set. The European Championship, which like the World Cup is held once every four years, took place in France this summer in June and July, with Portugal coming out on top with its final win over France in the final. Some billionaires express their love for the 'beautiful game' by purchasing top-flight Europe clubs — Russian magnate Roman Abramovich owns Chelsea and real estate tycoon Stan Kroenke owns Arsenal, two of the best from the Barclays Premier League.
Royal Ascot
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Royal Ascot is the premiere racing event in Great Britain held in June. The top racehorses in the world, along with their wealthy owners and sponsors, compete in front of the royal family, exclusive invite-only guests, and anyone else that can afford the ticket. A strict dress code is enforced for all guests — and ladies must wear hats.
Wimbledon
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It’s probably the only sporting event where you will see David Beckham, Bradley Cooper, and Anna Wintour sitting side by side. Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world and takes place in London annually in July. With players donning stark white tennis attire and guests dressing to impress, the sports event is unique in its focus on elegance at all levels.
Venice International Film Festival
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The Venice International Film Festival attracts the most posh and elegant figures in the entertainment world, along with those who like to party with them, for a week and a half of film screenings and dazzling private parties. It’s the oldest film festival in the world and runs from the end of August to the beginning of September every year.
The Olympics
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The Summer Olympics happens only once every for years and remains one of the most anticipated international events in the world. The 2016 Summer Olympics kicked off on August 5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where more than 10,500 athletes from 208 countries met to compete for the gold. Though the Olympic stadiums are typically star-studded, Rio's safety and health concerns deterred many celebrities and dignitaries from attending this year, including the British royal family.
Monaco Yacht Show
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Yacht aficionados flock to the French Riviera each year to explore over 500 exhibits — from small charter boats to over-200-feet super yachts — at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. The millionaire and billionaire owners of the super yachts throw exclusive parties with world-class DJs to celebrate the occasion.
Singapore Grand Prix
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The Singapore Grand Prix, which takes place every September, is a part of the FIA Formula One motor races that attract the most elite driving clubs and their wealthy fans. The Amber Lounge party and fashion show accompanies the Grand Prix, garnering attendees like Prince Harry, Bono, and other celebrities that billionaires like to hobnob with.
Bal des Débutantes
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This debutante ball goes a step farther than the rest — the gowns are only haute couture and the proud fathers are the richest and most famous men in the world. Le Bal des Débutantes is a rite of passage for the ladies, as well as one of the most renowned fashion events in Europe. Royal families, the Kennedys, and even Phil Collins have introduced their daughters at this event held annually in November.
Opening Night, La Scala
Reuters
What was once the rendezvous of 18th-century Milanese nobles now attracts a modern elite crowd. The opening night of La Scala in December marks the beginning of a season full of dramatic performances, beautiful symphonies, and fashionable attendees.
Art Basel, Miami
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Art Basel is as much a contemporary art showcase as a playground for the trendiest of the super rich. Artists, designers, celebrities, and billionaires gather each December to throw rooftop parties and snatch up the most up-and-coming artwork from modern artists. It’s the ultimate event for the who’s who in the fashion, arts, and culture world.
New Year's in St. Barts
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For the international billionaires and most elite celebrities, ringing in the New Year is best celebrated on the swanky Caribbean island of St. Barts. The uber rich and famous spend the days relaxing poolside at their $160,000-per-week villas and on luxury super yachts owned by the likes of Russian steel magnate Roman Abramovich and US entertainment mogul David Geffen.
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