D.C. 2014

#1 Parade, Walk & Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival marked its 101st year with an opening ceremony that brought together Japanese and American entertainers. The crowd was significantly smaller than the one that celebrated the centennial last year, but the festival remains one of the city's signature events. Next: March 20-April 13, 2014

#2 Parade, Walk & Festival
The free festival on the National Mall celebrates cultural traditions from all over the world and draws more than one million people annually. Among the festival programs last year was "Will to Adorn," which explored the traditions, artistry, and social histories behind African-American clothing and accessories. Next: June 25-29, July 2-6, 2014

#4 Parade, Walk & Festival
The annual L.G.B.T. event drew record numbers to its parade and festival this year. Serving as one of the grand marshals was Brigadier General Tammy Smith, the first openly gay or lesbian flag officer to serve in the United States military. Next: June 6-8, 2014

#5 Parade, Walk & Festival
Motorcycle riders from around the nation gather for the annual First Amendment Demonstration Run in support of prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action as well as all veterans of American wars. Riders travel en masse from the Pentagon parking lots to West Potomac Park and then gather on foot in the National Mall. Next: May 25, 2014

#6 Parade, Walk & Festival
About 21,000 people registered for the race in support of breast cancer research and awareness, but attendance and fund-raising continued to decline as the organization faces fallout from the 2012 battle between its founder and Planned Parenthood. The 2014 race is the 25th anniversary of the race series in the D.C. area. Next: May 10, 2014

#7 Parade, Walk & Festival (new to the list)
The Washington City Paper's craft fair marked its 10th anniversary this year, curating a group of 140 vendors from more than 500 applicants. The handmade items come from independent artists and include punk-rock baby clothes, handcrafted jewelry, screen-printed items, and art. Next: Fall 2014

#1 Fashion & Beauty Event
The popular event, in which donors raise money to walk the runway with their pets, drew 1,700 guests and big-name sponsors, raising about $730,000. While the evening has become the city's biggest fashion event, it undoubtedly will see major changes and will possibly downsize since event founder Tara de Nicholas left the society in September. Next: April 2014

#2 Fashion & Beauty Event (new to the list)
To fete its fashion-heavy September issue, Washingtonian began its Style Setters Party in 2008. The event, this year held at Malmasion in Georgetown, attracted a chic crowd of about 350 guests. Next: September 2014

#3 Fashion & Beauty Event
D.C. Fashion Week draws designers from Washington and from around the world for a mix of ticketed, free, and invitation-only events. Next: February 17-23, 2014

#5 Fashion & Beauty Event
Thousands of shoppers and local fashion editors flocked to retail and residence center Bethesda Row for the Front Row's fifth edition. In addition to the fashion show featuring local designers, the event had celebrity wattage with actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba, who signed copies of her first book, The Honest Life. Next: May 2014

#1 Literary & Publishing Event
The 13th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival offered programming from more than 100 authors. This year's theme was "Books That Shaped the World," and it's estimated that around 200,000 people attend the free event. Next: September 2014

#2 Literary & Publishing Event
Nearly 2,000 people headed to the National Building Museum for the AT&T-sponsored Best of Washington event hosted by Washingtonian magazine. The annual fete pairs with the editorial feature of the same name that spotlights the best restaurants and businesses around the city as determined by the magazine’s writers and editors. This year's decor featured a vintage travel theme. Next: July 16, 2014

#3 Literary & Publishing Event (new to the list)
The 10-day festival from the city's Jewish Community Center presents author panels, readings, and talks that represent the year's best in Jewish writing. Its 2013 edition featured E.L. Doctorow and Dan Savage among others, and a closing lecture from Congresswoman and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Next: Fall 2014

#4 Literary & Publishing Event (up from #5)
The ceremony and dinner honors the best published work of fiction by American citizens, chosen from more than 350 works submitted each year. At the event, the five finalists read from their work before the winner is named. In 2013, the winner was Benjamin Alire Sáenz for his novel Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club. Next: May 10, 2014

#5 Literary & Publishing Event (up from #6)
Winners of local spelling bees converge on Washington each spring for the national contest, the final rounds for which are televised by ESPN. For the first year, contestants had to prove their knowledge of vocabulary in a preliminary-round test. The winning word this year for Queens teenager Arvind Mahankali was knaidel, a dumpling that goes into matzo ball soup. Next: May 25-31, 2014

#6 Literary & Publishing Event (new to the list)
More than 750 people attended the 36th annual holiday book event, which had dozens of authors from genres spanning sports, food, young adult, and, of course, politics. New this year, the press club partnered with local bookstore Politics & Prose (where President Obama shopped on Small Business Saturday). Next: November 18, 2014

#1 Political & Press Event
The president's annual address to Congress remains the top political event for its policy announcements, pageantry, and endless dissection by news networks and publications. Next: January-February 2014

#2 Political & Press Event
Media brands such as The New Yorker, MSNBC, and BuzzFeed host dozens of events during the long weekend celebrating the press and the president. At this year's black-tie dinner at the Washington Hilton, the first lady, Michelle Obama, congratulated student scholarship winners and President Obama nearly upstaged headliner Conan O'Brien with his one-liners. Next: May 3, 2014

#3 Political & Press Event
Members of Congress and the journalists who cover them meet at the annual dinner, this year held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Next year marks the 70th edition of the event. Next: February 5, 2014

#4 Political & Press Event
The conference from the American Conservative Union—which marked its 40th year in 2013—reliably draws the biggest names in Republican politics including Representative Paul Ryan, Senators Marco Rubio and Rand Paul, and former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Next: March 6-8, 2014

#5 Political & Press Event
Heads of state, as many as 350 members of Congress, and about 12,000 delegates attend the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference. The event vets its attendee list carefully and often sees more than 1,000 people submit their registration for the following year before they leave. Next: March 2-4, 2014

#7 Political & Press Event (up from #9)
The Human Rights Campaign’s 17th annual national dinner lost keynote speaker Vice President Joe Biden because of the federal government shutdown, but the event still had star wattage: Jennifer Lopez received the Ally for Equality Award for her support of the L.G.B.T. community, and singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles performed. The dinner is becoming more popular, growing by 400 guests and selling out three weeks earlier than last year. Next: October 25, 2014

#8 Political & Press Event
More than 1,000 guests attended Africare's annual dinner, which honors humanitarian efforts in Africa. This year's event honored Mo Ibrahim for the work of his foundation as well as President Obama, whose award was accepted by White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. Next: April 5, 2014

#11 Political & Press Event
The annual conference tackles legislative and policy issues impacting the African-American community and this year looked at voter rights, racial profiling following the death of teenager Trayvon Martin, and immigration reform. President Obama was the keynote speaker. Next: September 24-27, 2014

#12 Political & Press Event
The event, renamed this year as the Atlantic Council Distinguished Leadership Awards, brought together an eclectic but accomplished group of honorees: former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Chevron chairman and C.E.O. John S. Watson, singer Tony Bennett, and Colombian rock star Juanes. Next: April 30, 2014

#13 Political & Press Event
This year's event honored local television and radio broadcasters as well as singer-songwriter and social activist Stevie Wonder and Lowe’s Home Improvement, which received a corporate leadership award. Next: June 17, 2014

#14 Political & Press Event
The U.S. State Department honored nine women from around the world with its International Women of Courage Awards for their efforts to advocate for women's rights and empowerment. First Lady Michelle Obama joined Secretary of State John Kerry at the ceremony. Next: March 2014

#15 Political & Press Event
The organization of the nation's governors always convenes its winter meeting in Washington where members cement their relationships with the federal government through events such as a reception with the president and first lady and a meeting with the president and vice president. This year's agenda had a special focus on employing people with disabilities. Next: February 22-25, 2014

#16 Political & Press Event
The annual meeting featured remarks from big-city mayors including Chicago's Rahm Emanuel and New York's Michael Bloomberg. Policy discussions focused on issues such as gun control, civil rights, the arts, and city employee benefits. Next: January 22-24, 2014

#17 Political & Press Event
Following a rebranding, the Campus Progress National Conference became the Make Progress National Summit. Hosted by Generation Progress and other progressive organizations, the event drew hundreds of young people to tackle major issues important to millennials such as voting rights, marriage equality, and student loan debt. Next: July 2014

#2 Holiday Event
More than 30,000 people attended the 135th edition of the event, which had the theme, "Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You." In addition to the traditional roll, activities included a basketball court with Washington Wizards players, a healthy-cooking demonstration from chef Anne Burrell, and story time with the first family. Next: April 21, 2014

#3 Holiday Event
The annual Independence Day concert from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol was hosted this year by Tom Bergeron of Dancing With the Stars. Performers on the PBS-aired concert included Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Darren Criss, and Megan Hilty. Next: July 4, 2014

#4 Holiday Event
Kicking off the city's holiday season, the National Tree Lighting is a 91-year tradition started by President Calvin Coolidge. Now, the event has a larger reach with a live stream on thenationaltree.org, its own Twitter feed, and a broadcast of the ceremony on PBS. This year, Mariah Carey, Renée Fleming, and Aretha Franklin performed, and Jane Lynch hosted the event. Next: December 2014

#5 Holiday Event
The annual tribute to members of the military who have died in service to the country features musical performances, documentary footage, and dramatic readings. The event, this year hosted by actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, aired on PBS. Next: May 26, 2014

#1 Benefit (up from #2)
With its record-setting nearly $4 million fund-raising total, new corporate partnership with Under Armour, and high bar for entertainment, Fight Night has become the biggest benefit in town. The event, centered on live boxing matches and moving into its 25th year, is constantly tweaking its format to engage guests and encourage giving. Sister gala Knock Out Abuse, which hosts a joint after-party with Fight Night, had a Great Gatsby theme. The evening had a performance by Eric Benét and raised $560,000. Next: November 2014

#2 Benefit
One of Washington society's most anticipated events, the Washington National Opera's annual ball raised $1.3 million for the cultural organization, an increase from last year. The event, with its reception at the residence of the Italian ambassador, celebrated several regions of Italy and its culture. Next: Spring 2014

#3 Benefit (up from #4)
As one of the largest fund-raisers in the city, nearly 2,000 people attended the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 26th annual ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The night’s headliners included Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band and comedian Dana Carvey, and the event raised $2.75 million. Next: March 22, 2014

#4 Benefit (up from #5)
With a cast that included Cloris Leachman, the annual spring benefit presented My Fair Lady to a sold-out crowd at the Concert Hall. The evening began with a reception and dinner for 800 at the Kennedy Center's rooftop venues. The benefit raised $2.2 million. Next: May 4, 2014

#5 Benefit (up from #6)
The Metro DC chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosts the largest fund-raising event for the foundation around the country, raising more than $4 million. One way the event boosts its take is from its high-end silent and live auctions, which this year included a trip to Greece, an "ultimate N.F.L. fan football package," and a 1967 Lincoln Continental convertible. Next: November 2014

#6 Benefit (up from #7)
The gala's Italian theme was interpreted by event designer David Tutera, who happens to be a member of the foundation's board. More than 800 guests attended the event, which raised more than $1.3 million for cancer prevention and early detection. Next: March 7, 2014

#7 Benefit (up from #8)
The gala is the culmination of a weekend of events that celebrate Italian culture and heritage. With guests including Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the 38th edition of the event handed out several awards to business, government, and entertainment luminaries. Comedian and actor Joe Piscopo, who co-hosted with journalist Maria Bartiromo, performed at the after-party. Next: October 18-19, 2014

#9 Benefit (up from #10)
The Trust for the National Mall's Ball on the Mall, the only gala to take place on the celebrated stretch, celebrated its fifth year in 2013. The event theme took inspiration from motifs echoing architecture and design of 1791, the year Pierre L'Enfant created the original plans for Washington, D.C., and the Mall itself. Combined with the luncheon, the events raised more than $2 million to restore and improve the National Mall. Next: May 1, 2014

#10 Benefit (new to the list)
The annual salute to the nation’s service men and women drew 950 guests to the Washington Hilton and raised $1.6 million. The evening included a performance from singer Wynonna Judd and sponsorships from companies such as Chevron. Next: October 17, 2014

#11 Benefit
More than 40 chefs contribute dishes at the gala, which this year raised $500,000 from its 750 guests. Honorary chef chair Adam Sobel of Bourbon Steak hosted the event. Next: February 25, 2014

#12 Benefit (up from #18)
A gathering of top policy makers, business leaders, diplomats, and other D.C. luminaries, the Meridian Ball follows the Meridian Global Leadership Summit. The event marked its 45th year in 2013 with its traditional formula of dinners hosted at the White-Meyer House as well as at ambassadors' residences with the ball at the Meridian House. Next: October 2014

#13 Benefit
The theme of this year's Washington Ballet Spring Gala was "A Movable Feast: the Hemingway in Paris Ball" at the Library of Congress. Dancers from the professional company dressed in character and evoked performers from the legendary Moulin Rouge. Guests sipped authentic 1920s-period cocktails presented under the guidance of Hemingway cocktail aficionado Philip Greene. Next: April 2014

#14 Benefit (up from #21)
This year the Phillips Collection's gala drew 400 guests, one of its largest galas ever. Produced in partnership with the Italian Embassy, the evening had theme-appropriate touches such as chef Lidia Bastianich collaborating on the menu and an after-party featuring a La Dolce Vita dessert bar, an Italian fashion display, and a boccie court where Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito played a round with the Italian ambassador. Next: May 16, 2014

#15 Benefit (up from #24)
Glee star Matthew Morrison headlined the annual gala, which raised $880,000 for the society's education and concert programming. Next: May 10, 2014

#16 Benefit (up from #20)
This year the Shakespeare Theatre Company awarded Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern with its William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre at the gala. The event drew 425 guests and raised $689,000. Next: October 2014

#17 Benefit
The hospital hosted its 13th annual gala at the Four Seasons Hotel, drawing a crowd for dinner, an auction, and dancing. Next: October 2014

#18 Benefit
Members of Congress serve as celebrity chefs at this political riff on the traditional tasting event. Using the flavors of their home states, the chefs competed for awards in categories such as American Regional Cuisine, Easiest Preparation, and People's Choice. A record 44 members of Congress participated in the event, which raised more than $925,000 for the charity's programs and research. Next: May 7, 2014

#19 Benefit
The annual event benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and celebrated its 35th year in 2013 at the JW Marriott Hotel. Next: September 2014

#20 Benefit
The event, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Opera House, includes a performance with dinner and dancing for 850 guests afterward. The event grossed more than $725,000, which will support Ailey’s programs in the city including new works, arts-in-education activities, and scholarships for dance students. Next: February 4, 2014

#21 Benefit (up from #22)
More than 820 people and 400 pets attended the Washington Humane Society’s 26th annual Bark Ball at the Washington Hilton. The event raised a record amount of more than $550,000 for its programs and services. Next: June 14, 2014

#22 Benefit (new to the list)
Political, business, and cultural leaders gathered on the Filene Center stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and raised more than $1 million to support Wolf Trap Foundation arts and education programs. Produced this year in partnership with the Embassy of France, the event had a Parisian theme. Next: September 13, 2014

#23 Benefit (up from #27)
This year, the gala's decor centerpiece was a wall of 3,000 photos arranged to form the organization's logo against a colorful backdrop. The images showed how the American Red Cross impacted people's lives through blood drives, disaster relief, and health and safety training. The event drew 500 people and raised $500,000. Next: October 18, 2014

#24 Benefit (up from #26)
The less-formal gathering still raises big-time donations, about $330,000 this year from its 800 guests. Chef Spike Mendelsohn was this year's special guest, and 35 restaurants provided food stations at the event. Next: April 13, 2014

#25 Benefit
More than 200 guests attended the 2013 gala, which raised $260,000 for the Folger Shakespeare Library’s programs. The event had an Irish theme and included a comedic Shakespeare performance followed by dinner. Next: April 23, 2014

#26 Benefit
Expats of 13 Southern states have organized the food-centric benefit for more than three decades. The 31st annual event’s theme was Roaring Southern Nights, a nod to The Great Gatsby. It drew about 2,000 guests and raised more than $200,000 for charities in the participating states. Next: March 29, 2014

#27 Benefit
A successful name change and format have kept the benefit current. Models wearing elaborate fashions made from chocolate—this year had a literary theme—strutted down an elaborate runway at the Mandarin Oriental in September. Proceeds allowed organizers to donate nearly 10,000 books to children. Next: Fall 2014

#1 Art & Entertainment Event
After revamping its selection process to encourage diversity, the Kennedy Center Honors selected honorees Martina Arroyo, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine, and Carlos Santana. The distinction is among the highest honors in the performing arts, and a broadcast of the event will air on CBS later this month. Next: December 2014

#2 Art & Entertainment Event
Highlights of the Ford’s Theatre Society's annual gala included performances by Denyce Graves, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Heidi Blickenstaff, and Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio of the ABC series Nashville. Actor Eric Stonestreet presented a tribute to Dennis and Judy Shepard, parents of gay college student Matthew Shepard who was murdered in 1998. The theater staged a production of The Laramie Project, about Shepard's death, this fall. Next: June 2014

#3 Art & Entertainment Event
First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a White House luncheon for winners of the National Design Awards. Among the guests was Tim Gunn, co-host and mentor of Lifetime’s Project Runway. Next: Fall 2014

#4 Art & Entertainment Event
The sixth annual BET Honors were awarded to Halle Berry, T.D. Jakes, Chaka Khan, Lis Leslie, and Clarence Avant in a ceremony at the Warner Theater. The night before, honorees and others gathered at an elegant dinner at the U.S. Library of Congress. Next: February 7, 2014

#6 Art & Entertainment Event
A bipartisan cast performs Shakespeare—with some asides about modern politics—in the annual Will on the Hill performance, which benefits the Shakespeare Theatre Company. This year's cast included celebrity co-stars John Leguizamo and Anna Chlumsky. Next: May 2014

#7 Art & Entertainment Event
The past year saw major changes for the former SilverDocs Film Festival. It lost sponsor Discovery Channel, added Audi, and renamed the documentary film fest the A.F.I. Docs Film Festival. Although the 2013 event was two days shorter than previous years, it expanded to venues beyond its traditional home at A.F.I. Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland and plans to have a greater presence in the District. Next: June 18-22, 2014

#8 Art & Entertainment Event
Among the largest music festivals in the country, the DC Jazz Festival spans nearly 60 venues and attracted 3,400 fans to a show this year by the Roots. The fest claims an economic impact on the city of $2.9 million and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2014. Next: June 24-29, 2014

#9 Art & Entertainment Event
Filmfest DC is the city's oldest film festival—it marked 27 years in 2013—but its future is uncertain because of severe budget problems. While director Tony Gittens has set dates for the 2014 event, it may not continue after funding reductions from the city as well as main sponsor the University of District of Columbia. The fest has entertained more than 20,000 people annually with a program of more than 80 features, documentaries, and shorts. Next: April 17-27, 2014

#1 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington draws the city's top chefs and restauranteurs for the Rammy restaurant awards, which this year hosted its 31st edition of the program with a guest list of 1,600 people—300 more than last year. Next: June 2014

#2 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
More than 20,000 people attended the massive show, which had wares from 300 vendors. Activities included the National Beef Cookoff, a Grand Tasting, and presentations from notable chefs including Hugh Acheson. Next: November 2014

#3 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The wine and food festival plans to celebrate its 15th year in 2014, a milestone that comes with bigger ambitions to raise the event's profile. The multiday gathering draws about 4,000 people for its wine dinners, mixologist events, and other offerings. Next: February 13-15, 2014

#5 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Taking place in tents along the waterfront and pier of National Harbor, the wine and food festival marked its sixth year in 2013. Next: May 3-4, 2014

#4 Trade Show & Convention (up from #5)
Attendance at the Travel & Adventure Show continues to grow, with more than 20,400 people this year, a 21 percent increase. Speakers such as Rick Steves, Andrew Zimmern, and Arthur Frommer draw the crowds. Next: February 22-23, 2014

#5 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
More than 26,000 people attended the 17th Capital Home & Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center. Highlights included five feature gardens from top landscaping companies and stage presentations from experts such as Justin Cave of HGTV’s Ground Breakers. Next: February 21-23, 2014

#6 Trade Show & Convention
The juried exhibition and sale of fine American craft had 121 craft artists, 44 of whom were new to the show. Special events this year included Martha Stewart speaking about her "American Made" initiative. Next: April 10-13, 2014

#7 Trade Show & Convention
The three-day show held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center includes work from 190 artists and fashion shows for the work of designers and jewelry artists. Next: November 2014

#8 Trade Show & Convention
The charity antiques show attracted a record crowd this year of more than 5,000 people and had to create a waiting list for tickets to the lecture with David Frei, the TV co-host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Next: January 10-12, 2014

#9 Trade Show & Convention
Daily attendance for the flower show reaches about 10,000 people. The benefit for the cathedral's gardens and grounds will mark its 75th year in 2014. Next: May 2-3, 2014

#10 Trade Show & Convention
The show draws more than 20,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next year the show will include events such as a Q&A session with American Motorcyclist Association Hall of Fame member Scott Russell and a custom-built bike competition. Next: January 10-12, 2014

#1 Sports Event
The second leg in horse racing's Triple Crown, the Preakness in Baltimore draws Washington residents and a national crowd. Fans come for the main event as well as InfieldFest, the entertainment festival featuring national headlining artists on two stages. Next: May 17, 2014

#2 Sports Event
While an injury kept host Tiger Woods out of the field, he still attended the golf tournament, which raises money for the Tiger Woods Foundation. The event, held at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, also included a congressional pro-am day. Next: June 23-29, 2014

#3 Sports Event
For the second year in a row the tennis tournament grew with more than 69,000 people attending—up 9,000 from last year—and 20 sponsors, including eight new ones, showcasing their brands on site. Next: July 26-August 3, 2014

#4 Sports Event
The federal government shutdown ended just in time for the Marine Corp Marathon to continue as planned. The city's most popular marathon—its coveted spots are snapped up in a matter of minutes—once again had a race field of 30,000 runners. Next: October 26, 2014

#5 Sports Event
One of city-dwellers' favorite summer pastimes is watching the Washington Kastles, the World TeamTennis. Fans include First Lady Michelle Obama and senior administration officials. This year former world number one Martina Hingis joined the team, replacing Serena Williams. Next: July 2014

#6 Sports Event
Events DC signed on as the title sponsor of the Nation's Triathlon, which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year marked the endurance event's eighth year. Next: September 7, 2014

#7 Sports Event
More than 25,000 runners participate in the only marathon course entirely within the District of Columbia. This year the race changed its starting and finish lines, ending the race at RFK Stadium where there is a concert and festival for runners and their supporters. Next: March 15, 2014

#1 Trade Show & Convention
The 70th annual Washington Auto Show opens to the public following three days of press and policymaker preview events. This year, organizers reworked the show's 767,600-square-foot layout by bringing luxury car lines onto one level and aligning mid-priced brands on the second floor of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next: January 24-February 2, 2014

#6 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
In the Corcoran Gallery of Art's creative cocktail contest, local mixologists compete to see who can craft the most artistic drink inspired by a work of art in the gallery. The popular event is the museum's annual spring fund-raiser. Next: March 22, 2014

#4 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
A fund-raiser for the anti-hunger nonprofit Share Our Strength, Taste of the Nation DC serves guests tasty creations from the city's best-loved bars and restaurants. Next: March 31, 2014

#5 Art & Entertainment Event
Carol Burnett received this year's Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at an event featuring tributes by comedians such as Tina Fey, a past recipient of the award. A broadcast from the evening later aired on PBS. Next: Fall 2014

#28 Benefit (new to the list)
The annual “Taste of the Stars" event raises money for the foundation's efforts benefiting chronically and terminally ill children throughout the region. Through a creative room layout, lively music, and eye-popping decor, the event's organizers aim to provide a fresh gala experience for guests. Next: November 2014

#8 Benefit
Vibrant colors inspired by the galleries of the Corcoran Gallery of Art set a festive tone for the 58th annual Corcoran Ball. Guests dined on a three-course meal at elaborately decorated tables set up throughout the museum’s eight galleries, atrium, and rotunda—the only time food and drink are allowed in these spaces. The benefit from the museum's Women’s Committee drew 721 guests and raised nearly $300,000. Next: April 25, 2014

#4 Fashion & Beauty Event (new to the list)
When Fashion's Night Out was cancelled nationwide, its D.C. sponsor, the Georgetown Business Improvement District, kept the event but gave it a new name: Fashion Art Design. More than 80 fashion specialty stores, art galleries, home furnishings and design showrooms, salons, and restaurants hosted events during the three-day affair. Next: October 2014