What is The Velvet Key Journal?

The Journal is a set of short guides to the headline dates on our FY 2026–27 calendar: polo, racing, Formula 1, tennis, couture and Udaipur's spring occasions. Each piece explains what the occasion is, when it falls and how we plan around it. Anything not yet announced is marked To be confirmed.

The Velvet Key Journal

The occasions, explained.

Short guides to the headline dates on our FY 2026–27 calendar: what each occasion is, when it falls, and how we plan around it. Anything not yet announced is marked To be confirmed.

Written for members, as a starting point for a request.

The cream and pink tiers of the Chandra Mahal at the City Palace, Jaipur, against a clear blue sky

The polo season, from Delhi to the palace citiesRoyal cups in Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur, in a season that includes five windows. Where the FY 2026–27 calendar goes, and what is still to be announced.2 min read

An empty white exhibition hall under a glass roof

The Gulf in November: art and the Boat ShowTwo weeks, two emirates: the first Frieze Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat, then the Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai Harbour.2 min read

The white-canopied pit building and the race-control tower at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, beside the track

Abu Dhabi: the Formula 1 finale weekendThe season ends on Yas Island under floodlights: the race, the official hospitality tier and the concerts that fill the evenings.2 min read

The Victorian grandstands of the Kolkata racecourse, with red-roofed towers, seen across green turf on a hazy day

Derby season: Kolkata in January, Mumbai in February, Dubai in MarchThree of racing's great social days fall within eleven weeks: the Calcutta Derby, the Indian Derby and Dubai World Cup night.2 min read

An aerial view of Melbourne Park beside the Yarra River, with the tennis arenas, blue courts and the cricket ground beyond

Melbourne in January: the Australian OpenA Grand Slam at Melbourne Park, the tournament's own premium hospitality with three-Michelin-star chefs, and how to plan finals week.2 min read

Green Art Nouveau ironwork arches and the glass roof inside the nave of the Grand Palais, Paris

The couture calendar: Paris in January, the collections in springHaute couture and high jewellery share one week in Paris, and the ready-to-wear capitals follow in February and March. How the season fits together, and what is still to be announced.2 min read

The City Palace, Udaipur, rising above old lakeside houses and ghats on Lake Pichola in soft morning light

Udaipur's royal spring: Holika Dahan at The City Palace, then Gangaur by the lakeTwo spring occasions in the City of Lakes: a palace ceremony kept by the House of Mewar, and a festival procession to the ghats of Lake Pichola.2 min read

A long banquet table set with candles and plates

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