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Start with one part fundraiser. Add a celeb-packed guest list. Throw in some live music from Stevie Wonder, food from Thomas Keller and Charlie Palmer, or a silent auction with Louis Vuitton goodies or tennis lesson from Andre Agassi. Season to taste with black ties and cocktails. You’ve just whipped up one of Night+Day’s Best Annual Charity Events, some of the hottest parties on the social calendar.
The Draw: An unforgettable night of internationally renowned musicians, gourmet food, and fine whiskey in an intimate setting, all in support of the Learning for Life non-profit organization The Scene: Between sets from top-of-the-chart musicians, the city’s well-heeled mingle over scotch, and admire the venue—event organizers pride themselves on hosting the party in intimate architectural icons, such as the Colegio de las Vizcaínas, rarely open to the public. Past performers have included Sir Elton John, James Blunt, Jon Bon Jovi, and Sting, as well as Latin American stars such as Fito Páez and Aleks Syntek. Tickets are upwards of $750, available through ticketmaster.com.mx. Hot Tip: It’s best to arrive early to enjoy the green carpet arrival event (green is Buchanan’s organizational color); seating is general admission.
México Vivo’s Annual Art Auction Location varies, September or October, 55.5276.8530 mexicovivo.org
The Draw: Mexico’s top contemporary artists auction their work in support of the Centro de Investigación en Enfermidades Infectuosas (CIENI), the country’s only research and treatment center for HIV/AIDS. The Scene: Fundación México Vivo’s annual art auction is the most renowned in Mexico City. Hosted in different major art museums each year, the event begins with an address from guests of honor (professional athletes, actors, musicians, writers) and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, which are followed by a two-hour auction. Once the last piece is sold, a DJ supplants the auctioneer, and drinks and dancing prevail until midnight. Hot Tip: Buyers can check out the artwork onsite for five days prior to the event, and on the online catalog (mexicovivo.com), and for two weeks following the event, can buy unsold pieces.
The Draw: A night of first-class Scottish debauchery, benefiting Mexico’s Christ Church Cathedral and a charity chosen by the St. Andrew’s Society. The Scene: The city’s classic black-tie at the Nikko is attended by all those with an itch for worsted wool. Expect short speeches and long drinks, starting with a welcome cocktail. Then it’s a five-course sit-down meal with liquor a’flowing (sorry, there’s no haggis on the menu). A live pipe band and a dance troupe perform, followed by D-I-Y Scottish dancing until the wee hours. Hot Tip: Wear your family tartan with pride and remember the response to the age-old question, “What is worn underneath the kilt?” Answer: “Nothing worn, all in first class working order!”
