How much do the rich pay for the world's most expensive events?

The world's most expensive events, those that always end up at the center of media reports and are teeming with billionaires, heirs, and assorted celebrities, offer glamour and exclusivity, as well as magnificent open bars. But peeking inside the golden bubble reveals a harsh truth: the completely crazy prices that the elite must pay to have the right to sit at a certain table or enter a certain festival. In a recent review of the most exclusive events around the world, Jarred Abbott of A2Z Events compared the costs associated with these experiences for the 1% spread throughout the year. The first of the year, held in January, is the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, still a top event for independent filmmakers and industry professionals. Jarred Abbott called it “the ultimate playground for independent cinema. It's where the next generation of cinematic talent is discovered.” The cheapest pass, the Discovery Pass, allows access to all screenings and non-premiere events for $635. The most expensive pass, the Premier Pass, allows access to all screenings and events, including premieres, for $7,000. In addition to festival passes, the Sundance Film Festival also offers a range of VIP packages that provide exclusive access to events, parties, and talent. These package prices can vary from $15,000 to $25,000 or more.

In February, there is the Super Bowl, which is no longer just a sporting event since its half-time show has also become the performance of the year. “It’s a cultural event that transcends sports,” says Abbott, who states that the price of front-row seats for the Super Bowl varies greatly depending on the team, the day of the week, and the specific seat. However, one can generally expect to pay at least $20,000 for a ticket on the secondary market. Luxury suite packages for the Super Bowl can cost up to $100,000. These packages typically include a private suite with catering service, access to the club level, and VIP parking. May brings the Met Gala to New York, which is “the Super Bowl of the fashion industry” with tickets costing $35,000 that provide access to the main event, including the initial cocktail, dinner, and a performance. Whole tables, on the other hand, can cost from $200,000 to $300,000. These tables typically host 10 people and include a private culinary experience, prime seating, and access to exclusive events such as after-parties. In the same month, the Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera attracts Hollywood's elite. The ticket prices for Cannes Film Festival screenings vary depending on the film and seat. Generally, the price of a single ticket ranges from 10 to 20 euros, but the numerous galas held during the actual festival cost with tickets ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 euros. In June, there are the Wimbledon Championships in London, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament for which debenture seats in the Royal Box, guaranteeing access for five years, cost up to 70,000 pounds. These seats provide access to Centre Court and Court No. 1 for all five days of the tournament. While the price of a daily ticket for the Royal Box at Wimbledon is so high it’s not public, it is estimated to be in the tens of thousands of pounds.

At the end of the summer, the Black Rock Desert in Nevada hosts Burning Man, the festival most beloved by influencers who want to photograph themselves with few clothes on and evoke the aesthetics of Mad Max. The price of a general admission ticket for Burning Man, with weekly access, is $440, but like in Cannes, the exclusive packages weigh heavily on the bank account: exclusive camps at Burning Man can cost from $10,000 to $100,000 or more and usually offer services such as spas, private chefs, and air-conditioned lounges. Finally, in December, Art Basel Miami Beach attracts wealthy art collectors and socialites. “Art Basel Miami Beach is the ultimate playground for art enthusiasts,” notes Jarred. “It's where the biggest deals are made and the most coveted pieces are unveiled.” Here too, the figures are highly variable: while the price of a general admission ticket for Art Basel Miami Beach is $65 for one day or $160 for the entire week with access to all areas, access to exclusive events and parties can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.