1. Fashion Week
#1 Fashion Industry Event
More than 100,000 industry insiders turn out for eight consecutive days of runway shows and parties during each edition of the semiannual mega event, currently presented by title sponsor Mercedes-Benz. Next: September 5-12, 2013
More than 100,000 industry insiders turn out for eight consecutive days of runway shows and parties during each edition of the semiannual mega event, currently presented by title sponsor Mercedes-Benz. Next: September 5-12, 2013
Photo: Stefano Masse
2. Council of Fashion Designers of America's Awards
#2 Fashion Industry Event
The Swarovski-sponsored black-tie gala, the industry's buzziest award show, honored Marc Jacobs as Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2012. Next: June 3, 2013
The Swarovski-sponsored black-tie gala, the industry's buzziest award show, honored Marc Jacobs as Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2012. Next: June 3, 2013
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
3. Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
#3 Fashion Industry Event (up from #5)
Broadcast live on CBS, the music-and-fashion extravaganza, held at the 69th Regiment Armory, attracts national attention for bringing together many of the world’s name-brand supermodels. Next: November 2013
Broadcast live on CBS, the music-and-fashion extravaganza, held at the 69th Regiment Armory, attracts national attention for bringing together many of the world’s name-brand supermodels. Next: November 2013
Photo: Thomas Concordia
4. Fashion Group International's Night of Stars Benefit
#4 Fashion Industry Event
The red-carpet event honoring designers, hosted by Simon Doonan in 2012, attracts a steady stream of A-list celebrities, like Sarah Jessica Parker and Renée Zellweger. Next: October 2013
The red-carpet event honoring designers, hosted by Simon Doonan in 2012, attracts a steady stream of A-list celebrities, like Sarah Jessica Parker and Renée Zellweger. Next: October 2013
Photo: BFA
5. Whitney Art Party
#5 Fashion Industry Event
A hip benefit attracting a younger art and fashion-world crowd, the Art Party teamed up with online platform Artsy for a preparty e-commerce sale this year. Next: Spring 2014
A hip benefit attracting a younger art and fashion-world crowd, the Art Party teamed up with online platform Artsy for a preparty e-commerce sale this year. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: David X. Prutting/BFA
1. Advertising Week
#1 Advertising Industry Event
No competition for the top slot here: the 10-year-old event, now encompassing more than 200 different mini events, continues to be the must-hobnob gathering of the year for advertising executives. Next: September 23-27, 2013
No competition for the top slot here: the 10-year-old event, now encompassing more than 200 different mini events, continues to be the must-hobnob gathering of the year for advertising executives. Next: September 23-27, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of AOL
2. Clio Awards
#2 Advertising Industry Event (up from #3)
After returning to New York in 2010, the revamped award ceremony, held at the American Museum of Natural History, has reestablished itself as the industry's highest honor. Next: May 15, 2013
After returning to New York in 2010, the revamped award ceremony, held at the American Museum of Natural History, has reestablished itself as the industry's highest honor. Next: May 15, 2013
Photo: Christophe Wu
3. Advertising Council's Public Service Awards
#3 Advertising Industry Event
Marking its 60th outing this year, the Ad Council's prestigious award ceremony attracts 1,110 corporate executives and other high-level advertising insiders. Next: November 20, 2013
Marking its 60th outing this year, the Ad Council's prestigious award ceremony attracts 1,110 corporate executives and other high-level advertising insiders. Next: November 20, 2013
Photo: Donald Bowers/Getty Images for the Advertising Council
4. Ad:Tech
#4 Advertising Industry Event
Now in 10 cities worldwide, the East Coast edition of the digital marketing conference brings 10,000 attendees to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center each fall. Next: November 6-7, 2013
Now in 10 cities worldwide, the East Coast edition of the digital marketing conference brings 10,000 attendees to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center each fall. Next: November 6-7, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Ad:Tech
5. Creative Week NYC
#5 Advertising Industry Event (new to the list)
Now encompassing more than 100 different events, the spring advertising, design, and digital media fest includes the One Club's prestigious One Show awards, as well as seminars, presentations, and roundtables. Next: Spring 2014
Now encompassing more than 100 different events, the spring advertising, design, and digital media fest includes the One Club's prestigious One Show awards, as well as seminars, presentations, and roundtables. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: Courtesy of Creative Week
1. Time 100 Gala
#1 Media Event
The celebration of power and influence exhibits broad appeal by crafting a unique mix of celebrity honorees and minglers from across genres—including Lena Dunham, Joe Biden, Jimmy Fallon, and Arianna Huffington in 2013. Next: Spring 2014
The celebration of power and influence exhibits broad appeal by crafting a unique mix of celebrity honorees and minglers from across genres—including Lena Dunham, Joe Biden, Jimmy Fallon, and Arianna Huffington in 2013. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
2. National Magazine Awards
#2 Media Event
"The Ellies"—the highest honor in the world of glossy paper publishing—has expanded to digital categories in recent years and retooled with a more relaxed dinner setting. Next: Spring 2014
"The Ellies"—the highest honor in the world of glossy paper publishing—has expanded to digital categories in recent years and retooled with a more relaxed dinner setting. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: Courtesy of ASME
3. National Book Foundation's National Book Awards
#3 Media Event
The seven-decade-old award is still one of print publishing's most prestigious prizes and a must-attend evening for many agents, authors, and publishers. Next: November 2013
The seven-decade-old award is still one of print publishing's most prestigious prizes and a must-attend evening for many agents, authors, and publishers. Next: November 2013
Photo: Aslan Chalom
4. The New Yorker Festival
#4 Media Event
Author Malcom Gladwell, rockers Vampire Weekend, and rocker-author Patti Smith were among the big names appearing at this highbrow cultural festival in 2012. Next: October 2013
Author Malcom Gladwell, rockers Vampire Weekend, and rocker-author Patti Smith were among the big names appearing at this highbrow cultural festival in 2012. Next: October 2013
Photo: Courtesy of The New Yorker
5. Glamour Women of the Year Awards
#5 Media Event
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and photographer Annie Leibovitz were among the women honored at the diverse celebration of feminine accomplishment in 2012. Next: November 2013
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and photographer Annie Leibovitz were among the women honored at the diverse celebration of feminine accomplishment in 2012. Next: November 2013
Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage for Glamour Magazine
6. Peabody Awards
#6 Media Event
CBS News anchor Scott Pelley is set to serve as M.C. at the awards honoring quality television, which will fete HBO's Girls this year. Next: May 20, 2013
CBS News anchor Scott Pelley is set to serve as M.C. at the awards honoring quality television, which will fete HBO's Girls this year. Next: May 20, 2013
Photo: Anders Krusberg/Peabody Awards
7. New York Women in Communications' Matrix Awards
#7 Media Event
Hosted by Joan Rivers in 2013, the long-running luncheon pays homage to women in media. Next: April 2014
Hosted by Joan Rivers in 2013, the long-running luncheon pays homage to women in media. Next: April 2014
Photo: maryannerussell.com
8. BookExpo America
#8 Media Event (new to the list)
The retooled old-media publishing event is adding new media sponsors like the Huffington Post in 2013, and it also brings in a larger array of publishers from global markets. Next: May 29-June 1, 2013
The retooled old-media publishing event is adding new media sponsors like the Huffington Post in 2013, and it also brings in a larger array of publishers from global markets. Next: May 29-June 1, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of BookExpo America
1. Upfront Week
#1 Entertainment Industry Event
While TV broadcast networks are not quite the media behemoths of years past, the industry's annual inventory unveiling only grows larger with additional cable networks and other outlets joining in each year. Next: May 13-16, 2013
While TV broadcast networks are not quite the media behemoths of years past, the industry's annual inventory unveiling only grows larger with additional cable networks and other outlets joining in each year. Next: May 13-16, 2013
Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC
2. Tribeca Film Festival
#2 Entertainment Industry Event
More than 6,000 film submissions competed to get in front of the almost 400,000 movie lovers who turned out for the 12-year-old festival this year. Next: April 2014
More than 6,000 film submissions competed to get in front of the almost 400,000 movie lovers who turned out for the 12-year-old festival this year. Next: April 2014
Photo: Courtesy of the Tribeca Film Festival
3. CMJ Music Marathon
#3 Entertainment Industry Event
With 120,000 music fans filling 80 venues large and small, the one-time college-centric gathering is now the city's biggest live music party. Next: October 15-19, 2013
With 120,000 music fans filling 80 venues large and small, the one-time college-centric gathering is now the city's biggest live music party. Next: October 15-19, 2013
Photo: Jack Jeffries
4. New York Film Festival
#4 Entertainment Industry Event
Lincoln Center's half-century-old movie festival is known for regularly premiering many of the films that go on to garner Oscar nominations. Next: September 2013
Lincoln Center's half-century-old movie festival is known for regularly premiering many of the films that go on to garner Oscar nominations. Next: September 2013
Photo: GODLIS
5. Tony Awards
#5 Entertainment Industry Event
After two consecutive years at the Beacon Theatre, Broadway's biggest night is set to return to Radio City Music Hall this year with a live broadcast on CBS. Next: June 9, 2013
After two consecutive years at the Beacon Theatre, Broadway's biggest night is set to return to Radio City Music Hall this year with a live broadcast on CBS. Next: June 9, 2013
Photo: WireImage
6. Film Society of Lincoln Center's Chaplin Gala
#6 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #8)
Bill Clinton presented the 40th annual prize to Barbara Streisand in 2013 at a fete that filled the 2,738-seat Avery Fisher Hall to capacity. Next: April 2014
Bill Clinton presented the 40th annual prize to Barbara Streisand in 2013 at a fete that filled the 2,738-seat Avery Fisher Hall to capacity. Next: April 2014
Photo: Julie Cunnah
Governors Ball Music Festival
#7 Entertainment Industry Event (new to the list)
Launched in 2011, the ever-expanding outdoor music festival has moved from its namesake isle up to Randall's Island, with Kanye West and Kings of Leon slated to headline in 2013. Next: June 7-9, 2013
Launched in 2011, the ever-expanding outdoor music festival has moved from its namesake isle up to Randall's Island, with Kanye West and Kings of Leon slated to headline in 2013. Next: June 7-9, 2013
Photo: Forest Woodward
7. New York Television Festival
#9 Entertainment Industry Event
Launched in 2005, the six-day event has added many independent TV creators in recent years, growing to 15,000 participants. Next: October 2013
Launched in 2005, the six-day event has added many independent TV creators in recent years, growing to 15,000 participants. Next: October 2013
Photo: Lauren Caulk for NYTVF
1. Internet Week
#1 Tech Industry Event
As the Big Apple's start-up scene blossoms, the eight-day festival has grown to 10,000 attendees turning out for panels, meet-ups, and marquee events like the Webby Awards. Next: May 20-27, 2013
As the Big Apple's start-up scene blossoms, the eight-day festival has grown to 10,000 attendees turning out for panels, meet-ups, and marquee events like the Webby Awards. Next: May 20-27, 2013
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
2. Social Media Week
#2 Tech Industry Event
Rapidly catching up to the more established Internet Week in terms of the stamp it leaves on the city, the biannual gathering takes place in 10 global locations, with New York's events boasting the largest registration numbers at more than 9,000 in February. Next: September 23-27, 2013
Rapidly catching up to the more established Internet Week in terms of the stamp it leaves on the city, the biannual gathering takes place in 10 global locations, with New York's events boasting the largest registration numbers at more than 9,000 in February. Next: September 23-27, 2013
Photo: Andrew Kelly/Insider Images
3. New York Tech Meetup
#3 Tech Industry Event (new to the list)
While not exactly an annual event, the monthly pitch-fest is one of the local event landscape's greatest success stories, exploding from an informally organized gathering into an enthusiastic 30,000-member group. Next: June 11, 2013
While not exactly an annual event, the monthly pitch-fest is one of the local event landscape's greatest success stories, exploding from an informally organized gathering into an enthusiastic 30,000-member group. Next: June 11, 2013
Photo: Brian Quinn
4. CE Week
#4 Tech Industry Event (new to the list)
Consumer electronics professionals flock to the city each summer for the weeklong gathering that includes sub-industry-specific conferences like the Digital Health Summit and the Ultra HD Conference. Next: June 24-28, 2013
Consumer electronics professionals flock to the city each summer for the weeklong gathering that includes sub-industry-specific conferences like the Digital Health Summit and the Ultra HD Conference. Next: June 24-28, 2013
Photo: John Staley Photography
5. TechCrunch Disrupt NY
#5 Tech Industry Event
Hosted by popular technology news site TechCrunch, Disrupt has quickly become one of the East Coast's buzziest technology showcases with more than 100 start-up companies jostling for attention. Next: Spring 2014
Hosted by popular technology news site TechCrunch, Disrupt has quickly become one of the East Coast's buzziest technology showcases with more than 100 start-up companies jostling for attention. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: Brian Ach/Getty Images for TechCrunch
1. The Armory Show
#1 Art, Design & Architecture Event
Now the centerpiece on an entire Armory Arts Week featuring several smaller fairs, New York's largest art show welcomed 60,000 visitors this year. Next: March 4-9, 2014
Now the centerpiece on an entire Armory Arts Week featuring several smaller fairs, New York's largest art show welcomed 60,000 visitors this year. Next: March 4-9, 2014
Photo: Elk Studios LLC
2. Architectural Digest Home Design Show
#2 Art, Design & Architecture Event
With exhibits from more than 350 brands, the city's biggest home design show grew to more than 43,000 attendees this year. The table installations for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS' Dining by Design continues to be one of the year's highlights for the design community. Next: March 2014
With exhibits from more than 350 brands, the city's biggest home design show grew to more than 43,000 attendees this year. The table installations for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS' Dining by Design continues to be one of the year's highlights for the design community. Next: March 2014
Photo: Jude Domski
3. International Contemporary Furniture Fair
#3 Art, Design & Architecture Event
Marking its 25th anniversary in 2013, the 165,000-square-foot, four-day show brings in 26,000 design professionals and consumers. Next: May 18-22, 2013
Marking its 25th anniversary in 2013, the 165,000-square-foot, four-day show brings in 26,000 design professionals and consumers. Next: May 18-22, 2013
4. Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards
#4 Art, Design & Architecture Event
Held at Pier Sixty on the Hudson River last fall, the design awards honor contributions to aesthetics and functionality across industries. Next: October 2013
Held at Pier Sixty on the Hudson River last fall, the design awards honor contributions to aesthetics and functionality across industries. Next: October 2013
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
5. Dumbo Arts Festival
#5 Art, Design & Architecture Event (up from #6)
The city's largest consumer art event is across the river in Brooklyn with attendance topping 200,000 people annually. Next: September 27-29, 2013
The city's largest consumer art event is across the river in Brooklyn with attendance topping 200,000 people annually. Next: September 27-29, 2013
Photo: Jane Kratochvil/Courtesy of DUMBO Arts Festival
6. Open House New York
#6 Art, Design & Architecture Event (new to the list)
Founded as part of Architecture Week in 2003, the annual peek inside New York's least visited structural wonders now brings out 200,000 eager viewers. Next: October 12-13, 2013
Founded as part of Architecture Week in 2003, the annual peek inside New York's least visited structural wonders now brings out 200,000 eager viewers. Next: October 12-13, 2013
Photo: Nicolas Lemery Nantel
7. The Art Show
#7 Art, Design & Architecture Event
While the Art Dealers Association of America's big show doesn't attract as large a crowd as the concurrent Armory Show, it remains one of the city's most talked-about destinations for fine art fans. Next: March 2014
While the Art Dealers Association of America's big show doesn't attract as large a crowd as the concurrent Armory Show, it remains one of the city's most talked-about destinations for fine art fans. Next: March 2014
Photo: David X Prutting/BFAnyc.com
8. The Affordable Art Fair
#8 Art, Design & Architecture Event (new to the list)
The average consumer's alternative to the high-end art show, the upstart event grew to 16,000 attendees in 2012 with more than $4 million worth of art sold. Next: October 3-6, 2013
The average consumer's alternative to the high-end art show, the upstart event grew to 16,000 attendees in 2012 with more than $4 million worth of art sold. Next: October 3-6, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Affordable Art Fair
1. James Beard Awards
#1 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
Fine cuisine's highest honor, the gala awards ceremony brings 2,000 foodies to Avery Fisher Hall; this year's event started with a special pre-presentation to book, broadcast, and journalism award winners at Gotham Hall three nights earlier. Next: Spring 2014
Fine cuisine's highest honor, the gala awards ceremony brings 2,000 foodies to Avery Fisher Hall; this year's event started with a special pre-presentation to book, broadcast, and journalism award winners at Gotham Hall three nights earlier. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: Paul Porter/BFAnyc.com
2. New York City Wine & Food Festival
#2 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
Some 40,000 food lovers will take over the meatpacking district—and increasingly, venues throughout the city—for the sixth annual weekend-long gorge-fest this fall. Next: October 17-20, 2013
Some 40,000 food lovers will take over the meatpacking district—and increasingly, venues throughout the city—for the sixth annual weekend-long gorge-fest this fall. Next: October 17-20, 2013
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
3. Fancy Food Show
#3 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (new to the list)
After decamping to Washington for two years while the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center completed renovations, the Specialty Food Association's massive trade show returns to New York this summer with 180,000 products on display. Next: June 30-July 2, 2013
After decamping to Washington for two years while the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center completed renovations, the Specialty Food Association's massive trade show returns to New York this summer with 180,000 products on display. Next: June 30-July 2, 2013
Photo: chucksphotospot.com
4. International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York
#4 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
More than 500 vendors took part in the industry showcase at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which drew a record 16,000 attendees in its 20th outing. Next: March 2-4, 2014
More than 500 vendors took part in the industry showcase at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which drew a record 16,000 attendees in its 20th outing. Next: March 2-4, 2014
Photo: White Light Design
5. Chef's Tribute to Citymeals-on-Wheels
#5 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
The longtime fund-raiser continues to hold the restaurant industry's attention, raising $828,000 from 1,000 guests last year. Next: June 10, 2013
The longtime fund-raiser continues to hold the restaurant industry's attention, raising $828,000 from 1,000 guests last year. Next: June 10, 2013
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
6. 'Food & Wine's Best New Chefs Event
#6 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
Now 25 years old, the magazine-bestowed honors are widely seen as a sign of a successful career-to-come for chefs around the nation. Next: Spring 2014
Now 25 years old, the magazine-bestowed honors are widely seen as a sign of a successful career-to-come for chefs around the nation. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
1. Clinton Global Initiative
#1 Political & Diplomatic Event
Coinciding with U.N. Week each fall, former President Clinton's marquee annual event has brought together 150 heads of state and garnered some $73 billion in pledges for global aid. Next: September 23-26, 2013
Coinciding with U.N. Week each fall, former President Clinton's marquee annual event has brought together 150 heads of state and garnered some $73 billion in pledges for global aid. Next: September 23-26, 2013
Photo: Adam Schultz/Clinton Global Initiative
2. Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner
#2 Political & Diplomatic Event
The traditional comedic break in the presidential campaign season, the Smith dinner brought together President Obama and Mitt Romney for the standard guffaws last fall and also brings local politicos together in off-years. Next: October 17, 2013
The traditional comedic break in the presidential campaign season, the Smith dinner brought together President Obama and Mitt Romney for the standard guffaws last fall and also brings local politicos together in off-years. Next: October 17, 2013
Photo: Ryan Brenizer
3. The Inner Circle Show
#3 Political & Diplomatic Event
New York's localized answer to the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, the annual insiders' send-up took on added significance in 2013, with Mayor Bloomberg making a last hurrah at the end of his third term. Next: March 2014
New York's localized answer to the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, the annual insiders' send-up took on added significance in 2013, with Mayor Bloomberg making a last hurrah at the end of his third term. Next: March 2014
Photo: Marvin Scott
1. P.R.S.A.'s Silver Anvil Awards
#1 PR Industry Event
The six-decade-old awards are still the most prestigious prizes around for public relations professionals. Next: June 13, 2013
The six-decade-old awards are still the most prestigious prizes around for public relations professionals. Next: June 13, 2013
Photo: Albert Chau Photography/PRSA
2. PR Week Awards
#2 PR Industry Event
Increasingly seen as an equal to the Silver Anvil awards, the 14-year-old industry awards attract a crowd of 900 to the Grand Hyatt hotel. Next: March 2014
Increasingly seen as an equal to the Silver Anvil awards, the 14-year-old industry awards attract a crowd of 900 to the Grand Hyatt hotel. Next: March 2014
Photo: Larry Ford Photography
1. FiFi Awards
#1 Beauty Industry Event
The Fragrance Foundation's biggest night brings out 1,000 designers, celebrities, and perfume professional for a red-carpet gala. Next: June 12, 2013
The Fragrance Foundation's biggest night brings out 1,000 designers, celebrities, and perfume professional for a red-carpet gala. Next: June 12, 2013
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
2. International Beauty Show
#2 Beauty Industry Event
Consistently one of the city's largest trade gatherings for professionals in any industry, the beauty show brings nearly 60,000 to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Next: March 9-11, 2014
Consistently one of the city's largest trade gatherings for professionals in any industry, the beauty show brings nearly 60,000 to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Next: March 9-11, 2014
Photo: Belkis Carrasco
3. Breast Cancer Research Foundation Benefit
#3 Beauty Industry Event
The only black-tie gala to encourage magenta accents, the nonprofit's Hot Pink Party raised more than $5 million for cancer research in 2013. Next: Spring 2014
The only black-tie gala to encourage magenta accents, the nonprofit's Hot Pink Party raised more than $5 million for cancer research in 2013. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: Rob Rich
1. New York International Auto Show
#1 Trade Show & Convention
With more than a million attendees and 1,000 new vehicles on display, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center's car show is consistently one of the year's more talked-about events. Next: Spring 2014
With more than a million attendees and 1,000 new vehicles on display, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center's car show is consistently one of the year's more talked-about events. Next: Spring 2014
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
2. Robin Hood Foundation Benefit
#2 Benefit
After hosting a special Sandy benefit concert in December—and raising a staggering $70 million—the Robin Hood Foundation returns again this spring with New York's biggest-money annual fund-raiser. Next: May 13, 2013
After hosting a special Sandy benefit concert in December—and raising a staggering $70 million—the Robin Hood Foundation returns again this spring with New York's biggest-money annual fund-raiser. Next: May 13, 2013
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
5. NYC PrideFest and Parade
#6 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event (up from #7)
"Rain to Rainbows" will be the theme of the annual lineup of events marking the 44th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in the West Village. Next: June 28-30, 2013
"Rain to Rainbows" will be the theme of the annual lineup of events marking the 44th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in the West Village. Next: June 28-30, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of NYC PrideFest and Parade
ING Miami Marathon
#7 Sports Event
For the first time, the ING Miami Marathon hit the 25,000-runner milestone in 2012, up from just 3,400 in its first edition 10 years ago. Next: January 27, 2013
For the first time, the ING Miami Marathon hit the 25,000-runner milestone in 2012, up from just 3,400 in its first edition 10 years ago. Next: January 27, 2013
Photo: Richard Patterson
1. White Party Week
#2 Parade & Festival
The world’s largest HIV/AIDS fund-raiser, White Party Week, brings 15,000 revelers out for six days of parties and events. Next: November 21-26, 2012
The world’s largest HIV/AIDS fund-raiser, White Party Week, brings 15,000 revelers out for six days of parties and events. Next: November 21-26, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of White Party Week
1. Ultra Music Fest
#2 Music, Theatre & Dance Event
With more than 200,000 attendees, this year Ultra Music Fest outgrew Bicentennial Park and relocated to Bayfront Park. Next: March 22-24, 2013
With more than 200,000 attendees, this year Ultra Music Fest outgrew Bicentennial Park and relocated to Bayfront Park. Next: March 22-24, 2013
Photo: Tracy Block for BizBash
3. Winterfest Boat Parade
#4 Parade & Festival
The region’s biggest holiday festival, Winterfest Boat Parade includes a black-tie ball and a nationally televised parade attended by one million people. Next: December 15, 2012
The region’s biggest holiday festival, Winterfest Boat Parade includes a black-tie ball and a nationally televised parade attended by one million people. Next: December 15, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Winterfest
2. Montreal Fashion and Design Festival
#2 Fashion Industry Event
Montreal
Leave it to a city known for its European style to host the largest outdoor fashion and design event in North America, Âattracting more than 500,000 visitors during the summer. The event takes place over four days and nights with runway shows, musical performances, and parties on McGill College Avenue. Next: Summer 2014
Photo: Allen McEacher
2. BC Cancer Foundation Inspiration Gala
#2 Benefit
Vancouver
The gala focuses on a different type of cancer each year and raised $3.5 million for pancreatic cancer research in 2012. The goal of the 2013 event, at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel, is to raise $2 million for lung cancer research. Next: November 7, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of BC Cancer Foundation
5. Crystal Ball
#5 Benefit
Toronto
The signature event for Reach for the Rainbow, a nonprofit that benefits children with disabilities, is a black-tie evening at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event draws about 1,600 guests for dinner and entertainment. Don Felder, former lead guitarist of the Eagles, is slated to perform this year. Next: November 16, 2013
Photo: Sean Debiden/Bash Creative
8. SnowBall
#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
Photo: George Pimentel/Casey House
7. Vancouver Marathon
#8 Sports Event
Vancouver
Named by Forbes as one of the top 10 destination marathons in the world, the Bank of Montreal-sponsored event hosts more than 16,000 runners in four races through the city. As the largest marathon in Canada, the race places 30 musical acts along the course and introduced a new neighborhood spectator initiative in 2012, encouraging locals to come support the runners. Next: May 4, 2014
Photo: Courtesy of Vancouver Bank of Montreal Marathon
9. GranFondo Whistler
#10 Sports Event
Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia
At four years old, the GranFondo (Italian for "big ride") has quickly become one of the most popular cycling events in North America. The 122-kilometer bike ride sees about 7,000 participants of varying skill levels cycle on a car-free lane from downtown Vancouver to the mountains of Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway. Next: Fall 2014
Photo: MarathonFoto
