Royalty, racing drivers and the Riviera’s most charming reprobates: Inside Monaco's fabulous parties
Zachary Weiss takes a look back at some of the most epic evenings (and daytimes) in Monaco history.
Monaco’s proclivity for partying belies its bijou size. Long synonymous with glamorous gatherings, the Principality has transformed its social scene over the decades, from aristocratic balls to yacht blowouts, via the Casino di Monte-Carlo and velvet rope nightclubs. It’s a reflection of Monaco’s unique blend of heritage and no-holds-barred.
To celebrate the publication of Country Life’s special Monaco issue (on newsstands June 3), we’ve selected some of the most unforgettable moments in the country’s history.
What? The Royal Wedding
When? April 19, 1956
Perhaps the greatest string of moments in the country’s history surrounds the marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III. These included an engagement party, a gala supper for 120 people to celebrate Kelly’s arrival in Monaco (red and white carnations were dropped from a plane), the civil ceremony and subsequent garden party on April 18, and, finally, the wedding itself on April 19, 1956. 700 guests were invited to the ceremony and wedding breakfast; a further 30 million watched proceedings on their televisions.
What? Frank Sinatra’s first appearance in Monaco
When? June 1958
A friend and frequent collaborator of Grace Kelly’s, Frank Sinatra was known to frequent the Principality in the decades that followed Kelly’s coronation. His first visit in 1958, pictured here, shows the legendary crooner playing an impromptu tune on an acoustic guitar during one of the many gala dinners Kelly would go on to host during her reign.
What? The inauguration of The Hall of The Americas
When? March 1969
Hot on the heels of the 16th Cannes Film Festival, the Principality’s Société des Bains de Mer held a celebration to inaugurate The Hall of the Americas, a newly renovated portion of the central casino. To mark the occasion, they opted for a Bal des Têtes theme, requesting guests don elaborate hats and headwear. Grace Kelly and Sofia Loren opted for these soaring, intricate fascinators.
What? Grace Kelly’s 40th birthday Scorpion Ball
When? November 15, 1969
To mark her 40th birthday, Grace Kelly invited just 60 guests — Elizabeth and Rock Hudson among them — for a dinner celebration at the Hotel Hermitage. The catch? The guests had to be a scorpio, like Kelly, or married to one. Everyone in attendance was instructed to wear ‘scorpio colors’ (red and black), and served by a troupe of waiters in powdered wigs and red velvet suits.
What? The opening of Jimmy’z
When? July 9, 1971
Still the de facto dance club in Monaco, Jimmy’z first opened its doors in 1971 to much fanfare. Founded by French crooner Régine Zylberberg, or ‘Queen of the Night; as she was christened by her partygoers, Jimmy’z was the Cote d’Azur’s answer to Studio 54.
What? Estée Lauder’s garden party
When? August 1981
Estee Lauder (right) with Jane Dudley.
Estée Lauder’s subdued garden party was one of Monte-Carlo’s less ornate celebrations. Nevertheless, it earns its place here for the fact that it was photographed by the legendary Slim Aarons. During this 1981 visit to Monaco, Aarons also organised photoshoots on Italian Count Hannibal Scotti's yacht, Scotland Cay, and in Princess Caroline’s winter garden, at her home on the palace grounds.
What? Ivana Trump’s yacht christening party
When? July 30, 1995
Ivana Trump with her third husband, Ricardo Mazzuccelli.
A few years after her divorce from Donald, Ivana Trump was back in high spirits alongside her third husband, Riccardo Mazzucchelli, christening their 32-meter yacht in Monaco’s harbor at the peak of the high summer season. The boat’s name? Ivana, of course.
What? The 3rd Push World Championships
When? September 15, 1996
Fun fact: His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco was an Olympic medal contender. An avid athlete with a long resume of sporting hobbies including cross country, javelin throwing, handball, judo, swimming, tennis, rowing, sailing, skiing, squash and fencing, his shot at gold came as a member of the country’s bobsleigh team in the 1988, 1992, 1994, 1998, and 2002 Winter Olympic Games. He retired in 2002, but often hosts events related to his competitive past.
What? The opening of the Amber Lounge
When? 2003
Founded in 2003 by Sonia Irvine, the sister of former Ferrari Formula One (F1) driver Eddie Irvine, the Amber Lounge was the first foray into the nightlife circuit that now goes hand-in-hand with Monaco’s Grand Prix weekend, and F1 racing around the world.
The first night of business, in 2003, saw guests including Bono, The Edge (of U2), Helena Christensen and Heidi Klum walk through the doors. Years later, Amber Lounge debuted their own fashion show, one of their ‘most celebrated and media-friendly events’ (their words). A who’s who of the F1 grid has walked the Amber Lounge runway — showcasing designs by Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Armani — including a 19-year-old Charles Leclerc (above).
What? The Star Wars Red Bull Grand Prix party
When? May 21, 2005
This early-2000s fever dream of a party was the culmination of a collaboration between Red Bull Racing and Star Wars to promote Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The team featured themed car liveries, while the pit crew wore Stormtrooper helmets during stops. Perhaps best of all though, while Star Wars creator George Lucas and star Hayden Christensen mingled with the crowd at the party, Chewbacca took the dance floor by storm.
What? World Music Awards
When? November 4, 2007
Held at Salle des Étoiles, the city’s grand ballroom complete with a retractable roof, the 2007 World Music Awards was perhaps the largest gathering of celebrity names in recent history. Celine Dion, Patti Labelle, Justin Timberlake, U2 and Ciara all took home awards, as well as Rihanna, who was crowned with the Entertainer of the Year accolade after performing her 2007 hit tune Umbrella.
What? The Surrealist supper
When? December 12, 2017
The 2017 Surrealist dinner, charged with an over-the-top showmanship of a bygone era, is the closest thing Monaco has seen to the soirées thrown by Grace Kelly. Full sections of the casino were decked out in red and white harlequin-patterned fabric as part of an installation by artist Charles Kaisain and waiters sported Hitchcock-inspired bird cage headpieces. Catherine Deneuve and Caroline, Princess of Hanover were in attendance.
What? The Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival
When? August 6, 2018
The Sporting Summer Festival has been around since 1974 (past performers including Elton John and Tina Turner), but 2018 was a particularly special year with Ringo Starr and Grace Jones, pictured here, taking to the stage.
What? The Red Cross Gala
When? The last one was held on July 12, 2025
Princess Caroline of Monaco photographed at the 2000 Red Cross Gala.
One of the most revered fundraisers in Monaco, the Red Gross Gala, or Gala de la Croix-Rouge, has been held since 1948. Each year, black tie-clad donors are treated to dinner and a show, but perhaps most exciting is the tombola raffle. Prizes usually come in the form of diamond baubles, noisy cars and trips to faraway lands. Last year’s performer, Billy Idol, had guests dancing until 2am.
