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Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

International Boston Seafood Show — International Boston Seafood Show
#1 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event (up from #2)
The country’s largest seafood showcase notched its largest outing yet, attracting 19,000 buyers and sellers in 2012. Next: March 10-12, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the International Boston Seafood Show

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Wine Expo — Boston Wine Expo
#2 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Reconfigured in 2012, the Boston Wine Expo added a series of more intimate vintner dinners and drew a smaller crowd, 6,000 consumers and 2,000 industry members. Next: February 16-17, 2013
Photo: Scarpetta Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

New England Food Show — New England Food Show
#3 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Running concurrently with the slightly larger seafood show, the New England Food Show unveils new products to a crowd of more than 16,000. Next: March 10-12, 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl — Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl
#4 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
A three-day ice cream fest that raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl marked its 30th anniversary in 2012. Next: June 2013
Photo: Aaron Washington

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Local Food Festival — Boston Local Food Festival
#5 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event (new to the list)
The culinary convention brought out 30,000 people for its second edition in 2011 and is set to move to a larger venue, Rose Kennedy Greenway, this year. Next: October 7, 2012
Photo: Jacob Silberberg

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Share our Strength's Taste of the Nation Boston — Share our Strength's Taste of the Nation Boston
#6 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The fund-raiser brings together 70 local restaurants and 30 wineries to fight childhood hunger. Next: April 2013
Photo: Susan Forshner Frechette

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Men of Boston Cook for Women's Health — Men of Boston Cook for Women's Health
#7Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Last year's 14th outing featured Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Thomas Menino among the celebrity chefs. Next: September 27, 2012
Photo: Scotland Huber/Codman Square Health Center

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Taste of the South End — Taste of the South End
#8 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
This year's fund-raiser, the 17th iteration of the event, showcased local chefs like Joanne Chang and Gordon Hamersley. Next: March 2013
Photo: BOLDFACERS

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Chefs in Shorts — Chefs in Shorts
#9 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The massive summertime barbecue brings together 40 Boston chefs at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center. Next: June 2013
Photo: Bethany Versoy/V2Visuals

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

American Craft Beer Festival — American Craft Beer Festival
#10Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Now the East Coast’s largest celebration of American beer, American Craft Beer Festival featured 100 breweries at its fifth outing this year. Next: June 2013
Photo: Taylor Seidler/BeerAdvocate

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

South Boston St. Patrick's Day Breakfast and Political Roast — South Boston St. Patrick's Day Breakfast and Political Roast
#1 Political & Advocacy Event
The event is the must-attend morning of the year for politicians from the Boston area and across Massachusetts. Next: March 17, 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

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John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award Ceremony

#2Political & Advocacy Event
The gathering honors public figures for taking courageous stands, in a ceremony hosted by Caroline Kennedy. Next: May 2013

Photo: Lorenz Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Banned in Boston — Banned in Boston
#3Political & Advocacy Event
With politicos like Elizabeth Warren and Governor Deval Patrick performing in skits, Banned in Boston raised $600,000 for local schools this year. Next: spring 2013
Photo: Lorenz Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Unicef Children's Champion Awards Dinner — Unicef Children's Champion Awards Dinner
#4Political & Advocacy Event
Last year the dinner hosted by Unicef honored singer Sting and activist wife Trudie Styler, and raised $1.2 million. Next: October 2012
Photo: Darren McCollester/Getty Images for the Unicef

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Social Enterprise Conference — Social Enterprise Conference
#5Political & Advocacy Event (up from #6)
The conference draws more than 1,500 political, business, and philanthropic leaders to the Harvard campus. Next: February 2013
Photo: Lise Balk King

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus Tribute to Abigail Adams — Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus Tribute to Abigail Adams
#6Political & Advocacy Event
Honoring women who have made a difference in the state, the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus Tribute to Abigail Adams is a ceremony held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel. Next: October 10, 2013
Photo: Rendon Group

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Franklin Medal for Community and Public Service Ceremony — Franklin Medal for Community and Public Service Ceremony
#7 Political & Advocacy Event
The ceremony honors individuals for service to others, and raises funds for the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology’s scholarship fund. Next: fall 2012

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Human Rights Campaign New England Dinner — Human Rights Campaign New England Dinner
#8Political & Advocacy Event
The dinner hosted by the Human Rights Campaign is slated to move to new location Boston Marriott Copley Place for its 31st outing this September. Next: September 22, 2012
Photo: Preston Keller Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Harborfest — Boston Harborfest
#1Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
Drawing two million visitors for six days of events each summer, the Boston Harborfest includes the popular Chowderfest and Parade of Ships. Next: June 27-July 4, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Boston Harborfest

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular — Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
#2Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
Hosting several hundred thousand people along the Charles River for a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is Boston's annual Independence Day celebration. Next: July 4, 2013
Photo: Stu Rosner

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

St. Patrick's Day Parade — St. Patrick's Day Parade
#3 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
A 112-year-old tradition celebrating Irish pride, the St. Patrick's Day Parade entertains some 600,000 spectators on the streets of South Boston. Next: March 17, 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston First Night Festival — Boston First Night Festival
#4Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
Showcasing the work of 1,000 artists and featuring 200 live performances across the city, Boston First Night Festival takes place each New Year’s Eve. Next: December 31, 2012
Photo: Paul Marotta

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Pride Parade and Festival — Boston Pride Parade and Festival
#5 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
Now a 10-day extravaganza surrounding the Boston Pride Parade, the festival includes the spinoff Latino Pride and InterPride conference later in the year. Next: June, 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Revere Beach Sandsculpting Festival — Revere Beach Sandsculpting Festival
#6 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
The largest of its kind on the East Coast, the Revere Beach Sandsculpting Festival brings 500,000 sand castle enthusiasts to Revere Beach each summer. Next: July 12-15, 2012
Photo: Jennifer Cimino

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Cambridge River Festival — Cambridge River Festival
#7Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
Typically attracting 200,000 people, the Cambridge River Festival was cancelled this year due to poor weather for the first time in its 33-year history. Next: June 1, 2013
Photo: Adam Gooder

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Cambridge Carnival International — Cambridge Carnival International
#8Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
The event is expected to bring out 150,000 revelers for its 20th annual celebration of Caribbean culture. Next: September 9, 2012
Photo: Thomas F. Morris

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Fisherman's Feast — Fisherman's Feast
#9 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
Dating back to 1910, Fisherman's Feast is still Boston’s largest celebration of Italian heritage, honoring Madonna del Soccorso di Sciacca (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) with a huge party on the North End. Next: August 16-19, 2012

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Greenfest — Boston Greenfest
#10Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event (new to the list)
The event is expected to draw 100,000 attendees for its fifth annual multicultural environmental festival. Next: August 16-19, 2012
Photo: Lazarusworks Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Walk for Hunger — Walk for Hunger
#11Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
This year, the 44th annual Walk for Hunger raised $3.6 million from some 43,000 walkers. Next: May 5, 2013
Photo: David Leifer

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Ahts: The Boston Arts Festival — Ahts: The Boston Arts Festival
#1 Art Event
The arts festival brings 50,000 spectators to Christopher Columbus Park for a weekend of performing arts shows, plus works from 60 juried visual artists. Next: September 7-9, 2012

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Museum of Fine Art's Art in Bloom — Museum of Fine Art's Art in Bloom
#2Art Event
Each spring, the museum's Art in Bloom displays 70 extravagant floral arrangements, along with three days of artsy classes and events. Next: April, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

MassArt Auction — MassArt Auction
#3Art Event
The Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s annual fund-raiser, the MassArt Auction, took in $730,000 from 800 guests in 2012. Next: April 13, 2013
Photo: Renee Ricciardi

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

School of the Museum of Fine Arts Medal Award Gala — School of the Museum of Fine Arts Medal Award Gala
#4Art Event
For making a lasting impact on the art world, photographer Lalla Essaydi was honored by the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at its medal gala dinner in 2012. Next: May 2013
Photo: Ronald Cowie Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston International Fine Arts Show — Boston International Fine Arts Show
#5Art Event
At its 16th edition this fall, the Boston International Fine Arts Show will showcase works from 40 contemporary and traditional galleries. Next: November 15-18, 2012
Photo: Joni Lohr

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Artists for Humanity Greatest Party on Earth — Artists for Humanity Greatest Party on Earth
#6Art Event
This year's Greatest Party on Earth marked Artists for Humanity’s 20th anniversary, raising $250,000 from 500 guests. Next: April 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Artists For Humanity

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival — Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival
#1Music Event
The 2011 Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival was smaller than recent years, but is still Boston’s biggest music fest, drawing 45,000 music-lovers to Columbus Avenue. Next: September 29, 2012.
Photo: Phil Farnsworth

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Music Awards — Boston Music Awards
#2 Music Event
Celebrating the diversity of local music with a concert and awards show at the Liberty Hotel, the Boston Music Awards honors everything from punk and metal to jazz and folk. Next: November 20, 2012

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Life is Good Festival — Life is Good Festival
#3Music Event (new to the list)
Last year, the Life is Good Festival brought 20,000 people to Canton’s Prowse Farm and raised more than $1 million for charity. Next: September 22-23, 2012.
Photo: Courtesy of Life Is Good

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Hot Stove Cool Music — Hot Stove Cool Music
#4 Music Event
A 12-year-old benefit concert for the Foundation to Be Named Later—a branch of the Red Sox Foundation—the Hot Stove Cool Music featured a performance from Susan Tedeschi at Paradise Rock Club this year. Next: January 2013
Photo: Christopher Huang

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Film Festival — Boston Film Festival
#1Theatre & Film Event
At recent editions of the five-day event, which includes red-carpet film premieres, the Boston Film Festival has featured stars like George Clooney and Val Kilmer. Next: September 20-24, 2012
Photo: Johannah Juarez

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Hasty Pudding Awards — Hasty Pudding Awards
#2Theatre & Film Event
Harvard University’s two-day theatrical extravaganza, known as the Hasty Pudding Awards, feted Claire Danes and Jason Segel as Woman and Man of the Year in 2012. Next: February 2013
Photo: Rose Lincoln/Harvard Staff Photographer

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Shakespeare on the Common — Shakespeare on the Common
#3Theatre & Film Event
Each summer, Shakespeare on the Common brings more than 100,000 theatre lovers to Boston Common for two weeks of free performances. Next: July 25-August 12, 2012
Photo: Andrew Brilliant

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Independent Film Festival of Boston — Independent Film Festival of Boston
#4 Theatre & Film Event (new to the list)
This year the decade-old celebration of art-house cinema screened more than 100 films for some 20,000 attendees. Next: Spring 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Society of Film Critics Awards — Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
#5 Theatre & Film Event
Honoring the best films of the year, as well as individuals who have contributed to the Boston film community, the Boston Society of Film Critics Awards is a gala event held each winter. Next: February, 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Gala — Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Gala
#6Theatre & Film Event
A “Cinema Italiano” theme marked the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's gala, the theatre company’s fourth annual fund-raiser, held at the Mandarin Oriental hotel this year. Next: May 201
Photo: Lindsay Metivier

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Ellie Fund Oscar Night in Boston — Ellie Fund Oscar Night in Boston
#7Theatre & Film Event
This year's Ellie Fund Oscar Night sold out in record time, raising $200,000 for breast cancer research from 200 attendees. Next: February 24, 2013
Photo: Dina K Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Book Festival — Boston Book Festival
#1 Literary & Publishing Event
A one-day outdoor street fair dedicated to the written word, the Boston Book Festival attracted 25,000 attendees in 2011, its third year. Next: October 27, 2012
Photo: Mike Ritter

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Magazine's Best of Boston Party — Boston Magazine's Best of Boston Party
#2Literary & Publishing Event
Marking Boston magazine’s marquee issue, the 1,000-person party fetes local establishments named to the “best” list. Next: summer 2012
Photo: Scotland Huber for BizBash

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair — Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair
#3Literary & Publishing Event
One of the largest rare book festivals in the country, the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair brings 120 dealers to the Hynes Convention Center. Next: November 16-18, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of CommPromo

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Associates of the Boston Public Library's Literary Lights Dinner — Associates of the Boston Public Library's Literary Lights Dinner
#4Literary & Publishing Event (up from #5)
This year the 24th annual black-tie event hosted by the Associates of the Boston Public Library raised $250,000, honoring authors including Mary Higgins Clark. Next: April 14, 2013
Photo: Roger Farrington/Courtesy of Associates of the Boston Public Library

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards — Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards
#5Literary & Publishing Event
One of the most prestigious prizes for children’s literature, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards are announced in June, then handed out in a ceremony at Simmons College in the fall. Next: September 28, 2012
Photo: Richard Asch

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Fashion Week — Boston Fashion Week
#1Fashion & Beauty Event
For the first time, in 2011 Boston Fashion Week centralized shows at a single location, a 250-person tent spanning the courtyard between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Prudential Center. Next: September 27-October 6, 2012
Photo: Melissa Ostrow for the Tent at Boston Fashion Week

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Harris Center Public Forum — Harris Center Public Forum
#2Fashion & Beauty Event
The 15th edition of the Harris Center Public Forum, a conference on body image in the media, included 600 guests and a keynote speech by Arianna Huffington. Next: June 2013
Photo: Roger Farrington

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

HBS Fashion Show — HBS Fashion Show
#3 Fashion & Beauty Event
A student-organized runway show at Harvard Business School, the HBS Fashion Show featured designs from Marc Jacobs and Rag & Bone in 2011. Next: fall 2012

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

From Fenway to the Runway — From Fenway to the Runway
#4Fashion & Beauty Event
A charity fund-raiser for the Red Sox Foundation, From Fenway to the Runway features baseball wives and girlfriends, including Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz's spouse Lindsay (pictured), modeling outfits. Next: September 7, 2012
Photo: Brita Meng Outzen/Boston Red Sox

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Symphony Orchestra Presidents at Pops — Boston Symphony Orchestra Presidents at Pops
#1Benefit
One of the biggest gatherings of corporate and philanthropic leaders in Boston, Boston Symphony Orchestra Presidents at Pops saw Steve Martin on banjo and honored composer John Williams in 2012. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: Stu Rosner

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Ballet Gala — Boston Ballet Gala
#2Benefit
The black-tie ball more than doubled its fund-raising haul in 2012, soliciting $2.2 million from 600 guests in a setting inspired by French surrealist films. Next: April 20, 2013
Photo: Eric Antoniou

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

MassGeneral's Storybook Ball — MassGeneral's Storybook Ball
#3Benefit
Last year, The Dark Knight inspired the look of the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Storybook Ball, which raised $1.1 million from more than 500 guests. Next: October 20 , 2012
Photo: Aviran Levy for BizBash

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boys and Girls Club House Party — Boys and Girls Club House Party
#4Benefit
Held at a different philanthropist’s home each year, the Boys and Girls Club House Party took place at the residence of Red Sox owner John Henry in 2012. Next: May 17, 2013
Photo: Judson Abts and Randy H. Goodman

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Night — Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Night
#5Benefit (up from #6)
After moving from the Boston Convention Center to the more intimate House of Blues in 2012, Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Night raised $1.7 million from 900 guests. Next: winter 2013
Photo: David Fox Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Institute of Contemporary Art's Party on the Harbor — Institute of Contemporary Art's Party on the Harbor
#6Benefit
Serving as the kickoff to the summer gala season, the Institute of Contemporary Art's annual gala and Party on the Harbor added a new V.I.P. pre-party before the 700-person event this year. Next: May 10, 2013
Photo: John Kennard

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Catholic Schools Foundation's Inner-City Scholarship Fund-Raising Dinner — Catholic Schools Foundation's Inner-City Scholarship Fund-Raising Dinner
#7 Benefit
Supporting Catholic School education, the Catholic Schools Foundation's Inner-City Scholarship Fund dinner hauled in $2.7 million at its 22nd outing in 2012. Next: spring 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Catholic Schools Foundation's Inner-City Scholarship Fund

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Museum of Fine Art's the Summer Party — Museum of Fine Art's the Summer Party
#8Benefit
A DJ event for Boston’s younger socialite set, the Museum of Fine Art's the Summer Party marked its ninth anniversary with a “solid gold” theme in 2012. Next: June 8, 2013
Photo: Helene Norton Russell

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Symphony Orchestra's "A Company Christmas at Pops" — Boston Symphony Orchestra's "A Company Christmas at Pops"
#9Benefit (up from #10)
A gala holiday concert, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's "A Company Christmas at Pops" welcomed 2,000 guests to Symphony Hall in 2011. Next: December 12, 2012
Photo: Stu Rosner

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

American Heart Association Heart Ball — American Heart Association Heart Ball
#10 Benefit
The most recent outing of the American Heart Association Heart Ball, held at the Westin Copley Place, raised $600,000 to benefit heart disease research. Next: spring 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Hot Pink Party — Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Hot Pink Party
#11 Benefit
In 2012, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Boston Hot Pink Party moved to new venue, the Intercontinental Boston, with 400 guests including Senator John Kerry and Teresa Heinz. Next: May 8, 2013
Photo: Michael Blanchard Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Huntington Theatre Company's Spotlight Spectacular — Huntington Theatre Company's Spotlight Spectacular
#12 Benefit
This year the musical gala raised $730,000 and honored longtime managing director Michael Maso. Next: spring 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Home for Little Wanderers' Voices & Visions Gala — Home for Little Wanderers' Voices & Visions Gala
#13 Benefit
Raising $1 million for its child and family service programs, Home for Little Wanderers' Voices & Visions Gala brought a record 1,100 guests to the Seaport World Trade Center. Next: May 29, 2013
Photo: Michael Blanchard Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Emerald Necklace Conservancy Party in the Park — Emerald Necklace Conservancy Party in the Park
#14 Benefit
Bringing out 700 Bostonians in their most elaborate headwear, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy Party in the Park raised $560,000 for the conservancy’s Justine Mee Liff Fund. Next: May 15, 2013
Photo: Roger Farrington

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

American Repertory Theater Valentine's Day Gala — American Repertory Theater Valentine's Day Gala
#15Benefit
The fund-raiser grew by 30 percent to 300 guests this year, and will return for a third outing next year. Next: February 11, 2013.
Photo: Evan Bradford

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

New England Conservatory Feast of Music — New England Conservatory Feast of Music
#16 Benefit
This year the New England Conservatory Feast of Music, a gala concert and dinner, paid homage to Vienna and raised $500,000 for the conservatory’s scholarship program. Next: February 23, 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Medical Center Gala — Boston Medical Center Gala
#17Benefit
Attracting a roster of the city’s business elite, the Boston Medical Center Gala's dinner at the Seaport World Trade Center hauled in $2.2 million in 2012. Next: spring 2013
Photo: Margaret Brett Hastings

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Room to Grow Fall Gala — Room to Grow Fall Gala
#18 Benefit
Raising $450,000, last year's Room to Grow Fall Gala brought 400 guests to the Boston Public Library, including founder Julie Burns and husband documentarian Ken Burns. Next: fall 2012
Photo: Leo Gozbekian

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Joslin Diabetes Center's High Hopes Gala — Joslin Diabetes Center's High Hopes Gala
#19 Benefit
Marking World Diabetes Day and funding research and care programs at the center, Joslin Diabetes Center's High Hopes Gala raised $1.7 million last year. Next: November 17, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Future Affairs Productions

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Berklee College of Music Encore Gala — Berklee College of Music Encore Gala
#20Benefit
After collecting $1.5 million in 2011, the Berklee College of Music Encore gala will mark its 18th year of raising funds to benefit music programs for Boston schoolchildren in fall. Next: October 13, 2012
Photo: Phil Farnsworth

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Kenneth B. Schwartz Compassionate Health Care Dinner — Kenneth B. Schwartz Compassionate Health Care Dinner
#21 Benefit (new to the list)
One of the biggest gatherings of healthcare and biotech industry executives and supporters, the Kenneth B. Schwartz Compassionate Health Care dinner raised $1.1 million from a crowd of 2,000 guests last year. Next: November 8, 2012
Photo: Michael Fein

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Greater Boston Food Banquet — Greater Boston Food Banquet
#22 Benefit
The event raised $1.1 million this year, enough to help the organization distribute nearly three million meals to needy Bostonians. Next: April 25, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Greater Boston Food Bank

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Friends of Boston's Homeless' Beyond Shelter Gala — Friends of Boston's Homeless' Beyond Shelter Gala
#23Benefit
With a party at the House of Blues hosted by Mayor Tom Menino and featuring fare from 20 Boston restaurants, the Friends of Boston's Homeless' Beyond Shelter gala marked its 25th anniversary this spring. Next: April 25, 2013
Photo: Garnick Moore Photographers

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Winter Ball — Boston Winter Ball
#24 Benefit
Taking in $130,000 from a crowd of 1,000 young professionals, the Boston Winter Ball increased fund-raising in its fourth outing, an event that benefited Children’s Hospital Boston. Next: winter 2013
Photo: Chris Saunders

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Steppin' Out Gala for the Dimock Center — Steppin' Out Gala for the Dimock Center
#25 Benefit
The must-attend event of the year for Boston’s African-American socialite set, the Steppin' Out Gala for the Dimock Center will feature Gladys Knight this fall. Next: October 20, 2012
Photo: Laura Keeler/Corinthian Events

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Lyric Opera Gala — Boston Lyric Opera Gala
#26 Benefit
With a witch theme inspired by the opera’s production of Macbeth, the Boston Lyric Opera Gala raised $500,000 last year. Next: October 13, 2012
Photo: Roger Farrington

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

New England International Auto Show — New England International Auto Show
#1Trade Show & Convention
The region’s largest car expo, the New England International Auto Show will give guests the chance to test drive Jeeps on an off-road course set up in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Next: January 17-21, 2013
Photo: Lauren K. Terry for BizBash

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Flower and Garden Show — Boston Flower and Garden Show
#2 Trade Show & Convention
The horticultural expo attracted 67,000 attendees to the Seaport World Trade Center in its fourth edition this year. Next: March 13-17, 2013
Photo: Scarpetta Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Penny Arcade Expo East — Penny Arcade Expo East
#3 Trade Show & Convention (up from #4)
The largest gaming gathering on the East Coast, Penny Arcade Expo East recently reached an agreement to keep the show in Boston through 2023. Next: April, 2013
Photo: Justin Knight Photography

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Globe Ski and Snowboard Expo — Boston Globe Ski and Snowboard Expo
#4Trade Show & Convention
At its 30th annual edition last year, the Boston Globe Ski and Snowboard Expo showed off the latest in ski vacations and gear to a crowd of 45,000. Next: November 8-11, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Boston Globe Ski and Snowboard Expo

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

New England Boat Show — New England Boat Show
#5 Trade Show & Convention
This year, the New England Boat Show grew by 40 percent, spreading across 360,000 square feet of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and notching 41,000 attendees. Next: February 16-24, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of New England Boat Show/NMMA

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Globe Travel Show — Boston Globe Travel Show
#6Trade Show & Convention (up from #7)
In 2012, the Boston Globe Travel Show saw attendance increase by 18 percent, to more than 21,000 consumers and 2,000 travel industry trade members. Next: February 8-10, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Boston Globe Travel Show

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston RV and Camping Expo — Boston RV and Camping Expo
#7 Trade Show & Convention
The largest show of its kind in New England, the Boston RV and Camping Expo shows off the latest in travel trailers, campers, and recreational vehicles. Next: February 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Yankee Dental Congress — Yankee Dental Congress
#8Trade Show & Convention
One of Boston’s largest industry expos, Yankee Dental Congress brings 27,000 dental professionals to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Next: January 30-February 3, 2013
Photo: Henry Studios

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Anime Boston — Anime Boston
#9 Trade Show & Convention (up from #11)
The expo increases its footprint year after year, growing to 22,000 attendees in 2012, up 5,000 from a year earlier. Next: May 24-26, 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

CraftBoston — CraftBoston
#10Trade Show & Convention
The convention brings 200 exhibitors to its spring show, with another 90 turning out for the holiday edition at the Cyclorama building. Next: December 7-9, 2012; April 19-21, 2013
Photo: Craftboston/the Society of Arts and Crafts

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Boston Marathon — Boston Marathon
#1Sports Event
This year's race saw a large number of runners sit out due to unseasonably hot weather, but the Boston Marathon is scheduled to return for a 117th edition in 2013. Next: April 15, 2013
Photo: www.photorun.net

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Head of the Charles Regatta — Head of the Charles Regatta
#2Sports Event
Featuring 9,000 rowers competing in 55 different races, the Head of the Charles Regatta attracts some 300,000 spectators to the Charles River. Next: October 20-21, 2012
Photo: Scott Woolwine

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Pan-Mass Bike Challenge — Pan-Mass Bike Challenge
#3Sports Event
The state’s most successful athletic fund-raiser, the Pan-Mass Bike Challenge set a goal of $36 million for this year’s race. Next: August 4-5, 2012
Photo: Metrodesign

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannisport — Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannisport
#4Sports Event
With participation from celebrities like Tom Brady, the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port goes from Boston to Cape Cod. Next: June 1, 2013
Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage.com

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Beanpot Hockey Tournament — Beanpot Hockey Tournament
#5 Sports Event
With teams from Harvard, Northeastern, Boston College, and Boston University facing off at TD Garden, the Beanpot Hockey Tournament marked its 60th anniversary this year. Next: February 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Deutsche Bank Championships — Deutsche Bank Championships
#6Sports Event
Bringing the world’s top golfers to Norton, Massachusetts, the Deutsche Bank Championships will have U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson looking to defend his title at this year’s event. Next: August 29-September 3, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Deutsche Bank Championships

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Picnic in the Park — Picnic in the Park
#7Sports Event
An annual Red Sox Foundation fund-raiser, Picnic in the Park lets fans camp out on the Fenway Park grass after a summer home game. Next: August 5, 2012
Photo: Courtney Gardner/Boston Red Sox

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

"The Tradition" Boston Sports Museum Award — "The Tradition" Boston Sports Museum Award
#8 Sport Event
At this 11th annual ceremony this year, "The Tradition" Boston Sports Museum Awards honored pitcher Pedro Martinez, Celtics legend Robert Parish, and others. Next: June 2013

Top 100

Boston's Top 100 Events 2012

Beckett Bowl — Beckett Bowl
#9Sports Event
Red Sox star Josh Beckett’s celebrity-studded bowling fund-raiser, the Beckett Bowl is set to return to Lucky Strike Lanes this summer. Next: August 20, 2012
Photo: Aram Boghosian Photography

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