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Summer, sunglasses, and a glass of something cold with a front-row view of horses thundering down the field. Add in a sunset dance party, and you’ve got a pretty fabulous way to wrap up the year.
The Adelaide Polo Classic is returning to Ellis Park on Friday 11 December, and this year, The Stables is shaping up to be one of the hottest spots to kick off the festive season.
Enjoy fieldside drinks, live polo, fashion, food and music, all wrapped up in one afternoon that rolls straight into a huge party as the sun goes down.
From 3pm to 7pm, The Stables will be buzzing with guests enjoying four hours of South Ave RTDs, wine and beer, along with a food voucher for the dedicated EMBR Hospitality food bar. Just metres away, the polo action will be unfolding on the field, giving guests a chance to experience the excitement of the sport up close while catching up with friends between matches.
Hospitality manager Penny Schapel said The Stables capture everything people love about a big summer occasion, minus the stuffiness.
“We really wanted The Stables to feel premium, but not formal. You can dress up and make a day of it, but it’s still relaxed enough that a summer dress, or shorts and a polo, feel completely at home.”
And there are plenty of reasons to step away from the sidelines and get amongst the action.
Fashion on the Field will bring some serious style to the event, while the traditional Divot Stomp will see guests invited onto the polo field to stomp down the grass kicked up by the horses. It’s the perfect opportunity to channel your inner Julia Roberts and recreate that iconic Pretty Woman polo moment, with a little Adelaide flair.
“Polo is one of those events where there is always something happening.”
“You can be watching the game one minute, walking onto the field for the Divot Stomp the next, then catching up with friends over a drink before the music takes over later in the day.”
And if you’re picturing yourself spending the afternoon in the sunshine, The Stables has had a few upgrades to make the experience even better this year. A sea of umbrellas, extra marquee shade and a huge dedicated bar will create a relaxed outdoor precinct.
“So it still has that fantastic outdoor atmosphere while giving guests a really comfortable space to spend the afternoon.”
It’s also a particularly appealing option for anyone planning an end-of-year celebration with friends or colleagues.
“We hear every year that groups are looking for something different for their Christmas party.”
Instead of coordinating restaurant bookings, drinks packages and a second venue for dancing, groups of 10, 20 or even 30-plus can spend the afternoon together, with everything happening in one place.
“It feels like an occasion.”
And just when you think the afternoon couldn’t get much better, the whole event changes gear.
At 7pm, Adelaide DJ duo Opposites Attract will take over the main stage, turning the polo grounds into a sunset party destination.
The music will be pumping, the cash bars will be open and guests can swap watching the action on the field for making their own moves on the dance floor.
Whether it’s your work Christmas party, a festive catch-up with friends or simply an excuse to get dressed up and enjoy an Adelaide summer afternoon, The Stables offers a little bit of everything.
Adelaide Polo Classic – The Stables
When: Friday 11 December 2026, 3pm to 7pm, with the post-polo party from 7pm
Where: Ellis Park, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
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