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#1 Entertainment & Media Event
The Academy Awards are likely to own the top spot in town in perpetuity. The town buzzes with events from the ceremony’s own glittering production at the Hollywood & Highland Center, to the army of related parties it spawns—including bashes for Vanity Fair and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Next: February 24, 2013

#2 Entertainment & Media Event
Golden Globes, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s opulent dinner ceremony, takes over the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton annually. In recent years, Ricky Gervais has served as the party’s controversial host. Next: January 13, 2013

#3 Entertainment & Media Event
The Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences’ Grammy awards, which it bills as “Music’s Biggest Night,” takes to the Staples Center with Branden Chapman among those overseeing a huge after-party at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Next: February 10, 2013

#4 Entertainment & Media Event
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Primetime Emmy Awards honor TV’s best. The crowd moves from the show to the academy’s splashy annual Governors Ball for about 3,900 guests; the ball is billed as the largest formal dinner in the U.S. Next: September 23, 2012

#5 Entertainment & Media Event
Screen Actors Guild Awards dole out statuettes during a dinner show at the Shrine Exposition Center early each award season. Jeff Margolis Productions, in association with Screen Actors Guild Awards L.L.C., produces. Next: January 27, 2013

#6 Entertainment & Media Event
Film Independent’s Spirit Awards take over a tent in Santa Monica with a laid-back vibe, having moved back to the beach after a controversial move to L.A. Live. The Oscar-weekend event includes an array of backstage sponsor activations. Next: February 2013

#7 Entertainment & Media Event (up from #9)
The BET Awards, which celebrate African-Americans in music, sports, and other entertainment realms, will expand significantly. The 2013 event will include an interactive, multiplatform three-day takeover of the L.A. Live complex after a move from the Shrine, and is being billed as the largest consumer event in BET Networks’ history. Next: June 28-30, 2013

#8 Entertainment & Media Event
Acknowledging depictions of environmental issues in the media, the Environmental Media Association Awards are in their 22nd year. Recent installments of the eco-friendly show have taken over the Warner Brothers lot, where the show remains this year. Next: September 29, 2012

#9 Entertainment & Media Event
The A.F.I. Life Achievement Award went to Shirley MacLaine at a celeb-studded gala and after-party on June 7. It was the milestone 40th installment of the event. Next: June 2013

#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

#11 Entertainment & Media Event
A.F.I. Fest, presented by Audi, kicks off awards season each year, offering films exposure to the entertainment community and providing audiences with a lively atmosphere. Next: November 1-8, 2012

#12 Entertainment & Media Event (up from #16)
Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival, supported by L.A. Live and The Los Angeles Times, is in its 18th year. This year included a promotional stunt for the 30th anniversary of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial as well as the Disney-Pixar premiere for Brave that also served as the debut for the newly renamed Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Next: June 2013

#13 Entertainment & Media Event
Elle Women in Hollywood Awards at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills draws a celeb-packed house, and is a don’t-miss for Hollywood A-listers. Elle took over hosting duties for the event in 2007 after Premiere magazine folded. Next: October 2012

#14 Entertainment & Media Event
People’s Choice Awards winners, selected by a record-breaking 230 million fan votes online, were announced during a live broadcast at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on CBS. Kaley Cuoco hosted, and Faith Hill and Demi Lovato performed. Next: January 9, 2013

#15 Entertainment & Media Event
Bafta/L.A. Britannia Awards draw big stars as presenters and honorees for its awards. The Beverly Hilton will host the upcoming bash. Next: November 7, 2012

#16 Entertainment & Media Event
American Cinematheque Gala Tribute presents an award annually to what the group bills as “an artist currently making a significant contribution” to movies; this year the honor will be presented to Ben Stiller at the Beverly Hilton. Next: November 15, 2012

#17 Entertainment & Media Event
Now in its 23rd year, the Glaad Media Awards doled out honors to the likes of Chaz Bono and Josh Hutcherson at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites. Next: April 2013

#1 Benefit
The year the Carousel of Hope Ball will honor George Clooney at the Beverly Hilton. Founded by Barbara and the late Marvin Davis in 1977, this event, held every two years, has raised $75 million for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes since its inception with help from corporate sponsors and entertainment industry partners. Next: October 20, 2012

#2 Benefit
Co-chaired by Nancy Davis and Tommy Hilfiger, Race to Erase MS raises big money for the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis and its Center Without Walls program. The 2012 theme was glam rock, and the event took to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and raised $1.8 million. Next: May 3, 2013

#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

#5 Benefit
The Entertainment Industry Foundation’s An Unforgettable Evening benefits the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, and is typically held in Beverly Hills in February. The 15th annual event took place on April 18, 2012 to accommodate the schedules of honorary chairs Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, and Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg. Next: February 2013

#6 Benefit
A celebrity-studded, 11-year-old benefit for the homelessness support organization, the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball takes place at a luxe private estate. Seth MacFarlane hosted this year’s program. Next: June 2013

#7 Benefit
Begun in 1977, the Women in Film’s Crystal & Lucy Awards acknowledge women in a male-dominated environment at a celebrity-heavy annual award show and fund-raiser. Christina Applegate and Viola Davis were among the 2012 honorees at the Beverly Hilton. Next: June 2013

#8 Benefit (up from #9)
This year Concern Foundation’s Block Party took to the Studios at Paramount, honoring the 60th anniversary of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and honoring Alan Freed. The event draws more than 3,500 and raises about $1.5 million. Next: July 2013

#9 Benefit
Los Angeles Opera season-opening celebration will have an alfresco setting on Music Center Plaza, with an accompanying performance of Two Foscari starring Plácido Domingo and conducted by James Conlon. Next: September 15, 2012

#10 Benefit
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Dinosaur Ball is the museum’s black-tie biannual fund-raiser. In 2011, it was tied to the opening of the new, permanent Dinosaur Hall, which has the most species of dinosaurs on display anywhere in the country. The 2013 ball will mark the centennial of the museum. Next: June 8, 2013

#11 Benefit
Elizabeth Glaser’s Pediatric AIDS Foundation’s A Time for Heroes celebrity picnic event has raised more than $33 million since it began in 1990. It draws about 1,000 for arts and crafts, carnival games, music, and food. Next: June 2013

#12 Benefit (new to the list)
Concours D'Elegance at Greystone Mansion, which the City of Beverly Hills hosts as a fund-raiser for the former Doheny family venue, is a high-end auto show in its third year and has fast become one of the region’s most anticipated—and exclusive, with tickets limited to 3,000—auto events. Next: May 5, 2013

#13 Benefit
What started as a mixer for 50 people at Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete’s home has grown to include a reception, fashion show, entertainment, and silent and live auctions. This year at the HollyRod Foundation’s DesignCare Benefit Natalie Cole performed, led by music director Rickey Minor. Next: July, 2013

#14 Benefit
A black-tie gala that honors writers for adapting books into film, the U.S.C. Libraries Scripter Award gala doled out awards to author Kaui Hart Hemmings and screenwriters Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash for their contributions to The Descendants. Next: February 2013

#15 Benefit
This year the Fulfillment Fund’s Stars Benefit Gala at the Beverly Hilton will honor Paramount Pictures’ vice chairman Rob Moore. The event includes cocktails, dinner, and entertainment. Next: October 24, 2012

#16 Benefit
Backstage at the Geffen recognizes leadership in the theater community while raising awareness of the Geffen Playhouse’s education and outreach programs. Most recently, it honored Jim Gianopulos and Carol Burnett. Next: May 2013

#17 Benefit
Art of Elysium’s Heaven gala is held annually on Golden Globes weekend and this year took over downtown’s historic Union Station. Next year designer Colleen Atwood will be presented with the Visionary honor. Next: January 12, 2013

#18 Benefit
The Los Angeles Urban League Whitney M. Young. Jr. awards dinner, which in 2011 marked the organization’s 90th anniversary, is the group’s signature event, attracting more than 1,400 attendees. Next: April 2013

#19 Benefit
In March Keep a Child Alive acquired the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation’s fund-raising events, including Dream Halloween. The family-friendly affair with treats for kids, arts and crafts activities, and face painting also offers a sponsor reception, food from L.A. eateries, stage shows, and live and silent auctions at Barker Hangar. Next: October 27, 2012

#2 Fashion & Retail Event
Cosponsored by the City of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee, the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style awards honors big fashion names on the shopping street. This year the event will honor famed fashion editor, Diana Vreeland. Next: September 10, 2012

#3 Fashion & Retail Event
Macy’s Glamorama includes live music, celebrity appearances, and an after-party. This year’s event will have a Beatles theme at the Orpheum Theatre followed by an after-party at the California Market Center. Next: September 7, 2012

#4 Fashion & Retail Event (new to the list)
Otis College of Art and Design celebrated its 30th annual scholarship benefit and fashion show in 2012, with 800 guests and more than 70 models in 175-plus fashion and costume looks from the Otis College fashion department. It bills itself as L.A.’s largest annual runway show. Next: May 4, 2013

#5 Fashion & Retail Event
F.I.D.M.’s L.A. Debut Runway Show and Gala, a Saturday-night scholarship fund-raising event, draws about 1,000 attendees, and several runs of the show the same weekend draw more than 10,000 in all. Next: March 2013

#6 Fashion & Retail Event
This year Colleagues charity luncheon benefiting the Children's Institute Inc. drew 800 guests to the Beverly Wilshire, and honored Sherry Lansing. The annual fashion show came from Oscar de la Renta, and a live auction included a stay at his retreat at Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic. Next: April 2013

#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

#9 Fashion & Retail Event (new to the list)
Launch, a new fashion trade show focusing on all things Southern California lifestyle, took to Santa Monica this summer—possibly a start at carving out a significant space for itself in a marketplace vacated by the former Class trade show. Next: July 2013

#1 Festival & Fair
L.A. County Fair offers live entertainment, rides, games, and vendors selling food and crafts. In 2011, attendance surpassed projections and hit 1,491,123, making it the second highest-attended fair in the event’s 89-year history. Next: August 31-September 30, 2012

#2 Festival & Fair (up from #3)
Last year the Orange County Super Fair shattered attendance records, drawing more than 1.4 million attendees (up 21 percent over 2010) to what has become one of North America’s largest fairs; it was the seventh largest in 2011, up from the ninth largest in 2010. Next: July-August 2013

#3 Festival & Fair
To meet the massive demand, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival’s producer Goldenvoice expanded the program to two weekends this year. The event takes over the Empire Polo Fields in Indio. Next: April 12-14 & 19-21, 2013

#4 Festival & Fair
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books’s 17th annual event took over the University of Southern California. After a move last year from that university’s cross-town rival, U.C.L.A., the event packed in more than 100,000 attendees. Next: April 20-21, 2013

#5 Festival & Fair
Abbot Kinney Festival draws a laid-back crowd of nearly 150,000. The volunteer-produced event dates back to 1984, offering live music, arts and crafts booths, and food offerings. Next: September 29, 2012