#3 Benefit
Ottawa
The benefit—which raised more than $800,000 in 2012 for the center’s Youth and Education Trust—includes performances by up-and-coming musicians and international stars and a dinner on the concert stage. The 2013 guest of honor is Ottawa-born former teen heartthrob Paul Anka. Next: September 21, 2013
#8 Benefit
Toronto
The 2013 event celebrated 25 years of care for H.I.V.-positive individuals at Casey House specialty hospital with $400,000 raised by 300 guests. Founded by the late author and activist June Callwood, the event attracts a literary crowd, such as designer Tommy Smythe and fashion journalist Jeanne Beker. Next: Spring 2014
#2 Award Show
Los Angeles
The Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences' awards, billed as "Music's Biggest Night," take over the Staples Center with a huge after-party at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Buzzed-about performances from this year's show included Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake with Jay-Z, and Fun. Next: January 26, 2014
#2 Benefit
San Francisco
The museum's biggest fund-raiser, which in 2012 raised $2.8 million for art education programs, is an elegantly design gala with highlights like chef Hubert Keller—as the event's DJ. The ball will take place off site next year while the museum is closed for Âexpansion. Next: April 2014
#8 Benefit
Chicago
This year's Discovery Ball at the Radisson Blu Aqua hotel had a travel-inspired theme to celebrate the society's 100-year history. The registration area decor included worn suitcases, vintage train schedules, and other tropes that brought the year 1913 to life, while the ballroom represented the present, and the after-party evoked the future. The event raised $2.1 million. Next: April 2014
