1. Rammys
#1 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Now in its 30th year, the Rammys remain the top food industry event in town. The 2012 event drew 1,500 chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and other industry members. Next: Spring 2013
Now in its 30th year, the Rammys remain the top food industry event in town. The 2012 event drew 1,500 chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and other industry members. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: Juan Carlos Bicceno
3. Washington D.C., International Wine and Food Festival
#3 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The festival from the Washington Post focuses on local talent and features chef demos, a grand tasting, and events such as the Sommelier Showdown and a mixologists challenge. Next: February 14-17, 2013
The festival from the Washington Post focuses on local talent and features chef demos, a grand tasting, and events such as the Sommelier Showdown and a mixologists challenge. Next: February 14-17, 2013
Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com for BizBash
5. National Harbor Wine and Food Festival
#5 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The fifth annual edition drew 10,000 people and offered a larger floor plan with more pavilions, an extended pier, and more live music. Next: Spring 2013
The fifth annual edition drew 10,000 people and offered a larger floor plan with more pavilions, an extended pier, and more live music. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: Courtesy of National Harbor Wine and Food Festival
1. White House Correspondents Association Dinner
#2 Political & Press Event
A ticket to the actual dinner remains tough to get: Even the president makes room on his calendar for this event. However, it's not so much the dinner, but the four days of brunches, dinners, cocktails, and after-parties sponsored by media organizations from Vanity Fair and Bloomberg to NPR that bring in the crowds. Next: April 27, 2013
A ticket to the actual dinner remains tough to get: Even the president makes room on his calendar for this event. However, it's not so much the dinner, but the four days of brunches, dinners, cocktails, and after-parties sponsored by media organizations from Vanity Fair and Bloomberg to NPR that bring in the crowds. Next: April 27, 2013
Photo: Tony Powell
2. Washington Press Club Foundation's Congressional Dinner
#3 Political & Press Event
Not as splashy as its White House cousin, the event still drew nearly 750 journalists, Capitol Hill lawmakers, Hill staffers, and invited guests this year. Next: February 6, 2013
Not as splashy as its White House cousin, the event still drew nearly 750 journalists, Capitol Hill lawmakers, Hill staffers, and invited guests this year. Next: February 6, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Press Club Foundation's Congressional Dinner
5. Human Rights Campaign National Dinner
#9 Political & Press Event
The 2011 dinner featured keynote speaker President Barack Obama and entertainment from singers Cyndi Lauper and Greyson Chance along with actress Sarah Jessica Parker presenting the HRC Ally for Equality Award to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Next: October 6, 2012
The 2011 dinner featured keynote speaker President Barack Obama and entertainment from singers Cyndi Lauper and Greyson Chance along with actress Sarah Jessica Parker presenting the HRC Ally for Equality Award to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Next: October 6, 2012
Photo: Judy G. Rolfe
6. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference
#11 Political & Press Event
This year marks the 42nd edition of the annual conference and, in light of the presidential election, will focus on voter rights and voter suppression. Next: September 19-22, 2012
This year marks the 42nd edition of the annual conference and, in light of the presidential election, will focus on voter rights and voter suppression. Next: September 19-22, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of CBCF
7. Atlantic Council’s Dinner Awards
#12 Political & Press Event (up from #14)
With guest of honor Prince Harry of Wales speaking—and marking his first visit to the nation's capital—this year's event suddenly had an international profile. Next: spring 2013
With guest of honor Prince Harry of Wales speaking—and marking his first visit to the nation's capital—this year's event suddenly had an international profile. Next: spring 2013
Photo: Nick Strocchia Photography
8. National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation Celebration of Service to America Award
#13 Political & Press Event
Honoring local television and radio broadcasters, this year's event also feted actress Glenn Close for advocacy to eliminate the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Next: June 3, 2013
Honoring local television and radio broadcasters, this year's event also feted actress Glenn Close for advocacy to eliminate the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Next: June 3, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of NAB
9. International Women of Courage Awards
#14 Political & Press Event
This year's Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage included remarks from First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as they honored advocates for women's rights from countries including Afghanistan, Brazil, Libya, and Sudan. Next: spring 2013
This year's Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage included remarks from First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as they honored advocates for women's rights from countries including Afghanistan, Brazil, Libya, and Sudan. Next: spring 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. State Department
1. Christmas in Washington
#1 Holiday Event
A-list talent including Justin Bieber, Cee-Lo Green, and Jennifer Hudson perform at the annual Christmas special that airs on TNT. Next: December 2012
A-list talent including Justin Bieber, Cee-Lo Green, and Jennifer Hudson perform at the annual Christmas special that airs on TNT. Next: December 2012
Photo: John Nowak/TNT. A TimeWarner Company. All rights reserved.
1. National Cherry Blossom Festival
#1 Parade, Walk & Festival
One of Washington's signature events celebrated its centennial this year with nearly a month of cultural and creative programming, including the 750-person Pink Tie Party. Next: March 20-April 14, 2013
One of Washington's signature events celebrated its centennial this year with nearly a month of cultural and creative programming, including the 750-person Pink Tie Party. Next: March 20-April 14, 2013
Photo: ImageLinkPhoto.com
