As the leaves begin to hint at autumn’s arrival in the Peach State, Atlanta welcomed a fresh symphony of sophistication and soul this past weekend.
The inaugural Soul Symphony Weekend, held from Friday, September 19, through Sunday, September 21, reimagined the city’s beloved Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic into a three-day celebration of cultural fusion, high-end leisure, and philanthropic spirit.
Speaking to AtlantaFi.com, Wilson said that he was attracted to polo many years ago. “I’ve been into polo for 20 years. I already loved horses, so it became a natural progression.”
Hosted by fashion icon and entrepreneur Miguel Wilson of the Miguel Wilson Collection and the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, the event drew a stylish crowd of locals, celebrities, and dignitaries to venues across metro Atlanta, blending orchestral grandeur with equestrian thrills and runway glamour.
What could have been just another fall festival stood out as a bold statement of Black excellence and accessibility in luxury experiences.
Benefiting the Ride to the Olympics Foundation — a nonprofit dedicated to introducing underserved youth to equestrian sports — the weekend raised awareness and funds for opportunities often out of reach.
Attendees raved about the seamless blend of elegance and energy, with one social media post capturing the sentiment: “This weekend was top tier. The set and show was amazing. This was an experience and a cultural education for the world.”
Friday Kickoff: Tee Off with Style and Sunset Vibes
The festivities launched on Friday afternoon with the Soul Symphony Golf Outing at the pristine Eagles Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, about 30 minutes south of downtown.
Early birds teed off amid rolling fairways and Spanish moss-draped oaks, networking over birdies and business cards.
“It was the perfect low-key start — golf for the pros, cocktails for the rest of us,” shared one participant via social media, highlighting the inclusive vibe that mixed competitive swings with casual camaraderie.
As the sun dipped low, the action shifted northward to the rooftop of the Kimpton Overland Hotel in the heart of Midtown.
The Welcome Party pulsed with Atlanta’s signature energy: skyline views, signature cocktails from Bentley Atlanta (the event’s presenting sponsor), and previews of the weekend’s fashion-forward agenda.
DJ sets and light bites set a sultry tone, drawing influencers and executives who mingled under string lights. If Friday was the appetizer, it whetted appetites for the main course, proving Atlanta’s rooftops remain unbeatable for sunset schmoozing.
Saturday’s Black Tie Crescendo: A Symphony for the Senses
Saturday evening at Enon Ranch in Chattahoochee Hills elevated the weekend to symphonic heights — literally and figuratively.
The Black Tie Soul Symphony transformed the sprawling equestrian venue into a black-tie wonderland, where attendees in tuxedos and gowns gathered for a groundbreaking fusion of genres.
The Soul Symphony Orchestra, led by composer Camden Stewart, wove soul, R&B, country, Latin, and classical threads into a tapestry of sound, backed by powerhouse vocalists Kevin Ross, Syleena Johnson, Madelyn Brené, and Brady Turner.
Interwoven with the music was a live fashion show from the Miguel Wilson Collection, showcasing bold prints, tailored silhouettes, and nods to equestrian heritage.
“The lights and production: stellar. The sound: tremendous. The crowd: passionate,” tweeted one enraptured guest, echoing the electric atmosphere.
The presence of multiple celebrities amplified the night’s inspirational undercurrent, with his remarks on equity in sports and arts landing like a perfectly timed crescendo.
From the opening notes to the final bow, the event felt like Atlanta at its finest: innovative, inclusive, and unapologetically soulful.
One attendee called it “the best concert I’ve ever been to. 10/10 no notes a true emotional rollercoaster,” a sentiment that rippled through post-event chatter.
Minor gripes about timing — some wished for an earlier start to avoid late-night fatigue — were drowned out by praise for the production’s polish.
Sunday Closer: Polo, Picnics, and Parting Shots
The grand finale unfolded Sunday at Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills, where the Atlanta Polo Party unfurled like a high-society tailgate.
Formerly the heart of the Fashion & Polo Classic, this daytime affair featured thundering polo matches, gourmet spreads from local chefs, and craft cocktails flowing freely.
Vendors dotted the grounds with artisanal goods, while live music and equestrian demos kept the energy buoyant under clear September skies.
Celebrities, influencers and fashionistas alike sat under the white tents on the grass, cheering mallet-cracking plays and snapping pics of impeccably attired riders.
“I was there. It was an electric, amazing atmosphere,” posted one family-oriented attendee, noting the all-ages appeal.
The event’s charitable core shone through, with silent auctions and youth equestrian clinics reminding guests why they came: to support dreams on horseback.
Why It Worked — and What’s Next for Atlanta’s Cultural Calendar
In a city that thrives on reinvention, Soul Symphony Weekend hit all the right notes. It honored Atlanta’s equestrian legacy while pushing boundaries with orchestral innovation and fashion flair, all while funneling proceeds to a cause that levels the playing field for young riders.
Attendance estimates topped 2,000 across the three days, with sold-out tickets signaling strong demand for future iterations.
Standouts included the orchestra’s genre-bending prowess and Wilson’s designs, which felt both timeless and timely.
If there’s a critique, it’s that traffic to the southern venues tested even the most patient Atlantans — a reminder that MARTA expansions can’t come soon enough. Still, the overwhelmingly positive buzz, from “fantastic show” raves to calls for encores, cements this as a must-return staple.
Final Word
As we wrap up another vibrant weekend, Soul Symphony leaves us humming with possibility. Mark your calendars for 2026 — if this debut is any indication, Atlanta’s symphony of soul is just getting started. For more on upcoming events, visit our calendar at AtlantaFi.com.
