12. Lookingglass Theatre Company’s Gglassquerade
#12 Theater, Dance, & Music Event
The gala increased its ticket price this year and raised $600,000—up 10 percent from 2011. Actors in attendance included John Mahoney and David Schwimmer. Next: March 2013
The gala increased its ticket price this year and raised $600,000—up 10 percent from 2011. Actors in attendance included John Mahoney and David Schwimmer. Next: March 2013
Photo: Robert Carl
10. American Music Awards
#10 Entertainment & Media Event
Last year, the American Music Awards took to the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live on November 20, and Taylor Swift was the big winner. In unsubtle sponsor integration, Jennifer Lopez shared the stage with the Fiat 500, inducing cringes from some. Next: November 18, 2012
Last year, the American Music Awards took to the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live on November 20, and Taylor Swift was the big winner. In unsubtle sponsor integration, Jennifer Lopez shared the stage with the Fiat 500, inducing cringes from some. Next: November 18, 2012
Photo: Kevin Winter/AMA2011/Getty Images for AMA
3. California Science Center’s Discovery Ball
#3 Benefit
The California Science Center’s Discovery Ball celebrated its 14th go with a Cleopatra theme, offering a sneak peek of the exhibition surrounding the Egyptian pharaoh’s life. Christina Sion heads up the detail-minded event annually. Next: March 9, 2013
The California Science Center’s Discovery Ball celebrated its 14th go with a Cleopatra theme, offering a sneak peek of the exhibition surrounding the Egyptian pharaoh’s life. Christina Sion heads up the detail-minded event annually. Next: March 9, 2013
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
6. Country Friends' Art of Fashion
#8 Fashion & Retail Event
The Country Friends' Art of Fashion runway show is held in partnership with South Coast Plaza at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The 57th event includes wine tasting, a luncheon, and boutique shopping, with proceeds funding the more than two dozen charities the Country Friends supports. Next: September 20, 2012
The Country Friends' Art of Fashion runway show is held in partnership with South Coast Plaza at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The 57th event includes wine tasting, a luncheon, and boutique shopping, with proceeds funding the more than two dozen charities the Country Friends supports. Next: September 20, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Country Friends' Art of Fashion
4. Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade and Festival
#6 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade and Festival began in 1904 and drew about 50,000 people. It now attracts about 300,000 attendees, and got a new logo and theme for 2012. Next: July 4, 2013
Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade and Festival began in 1904 and drew about 50,000 people. It now attracts about 300,000 attendees, and got a new logo and theme for 2012. Next: July 4, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade and Festival
1. Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles Gala
#1 Art & Design Event
The buzzy benefit draws attention for its experiential events tied to exhibits and artists. The 2011 Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles’ gala under the artistic direction of Marina Abramović drew 750 patrons who donned white lab coats and ate their dinner as apparently disembodied heads, positioned as table centerpieces, stared at them. Next: November 17, 2012
The buzzy benefit draws attention for its experiential events tied to exhibits and artists. The 2011 Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles’ gala under the artistic direction of Marina Abramović drew 750 patrons who donned white lab coats and ate their dinner as apparently disembodied heads, positioned as table centerpieces, stared at them. Next: November 17, 2012
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
