1. National Cherry Blossom Festival
#1 Parade, Walk & Festival
One of Washington's signature events celebrated its centennial this year with nearly a month of cultural and creative programming, including the 750-person Pink Tie Party. Next: March 20-April 14, 2013
One of Washington's signature events celebrated its centennial this year with nearly a month of cultural and creative programming, including the 750-person Pink Tie Party. Next: March 20-April 14, 2013
Photo: ImageLinkPhoto.com
2. Capital Pride
#4 Parade, Walk & Festival
More than 40 events made up the two-week "Be True. Be You!" Capital Pride 2012 celebration, although the centerpiece remains the parade and the street festival, which drew 250,000 people this year. Next: May 29-June 9, 2013
More than 40 events made up the two-week "Be True. Be You!" Capital Pride 2012 celebration, although the centerpiece remains the parade and the street festival, which drew 250,000 people this year. Next: May 29-June 9, 2013
Photo: Louis Gomez Photography/Borderstan
3. Rolling Thunder
#5 Parade, Walk & Festival
The motorcycle rally over Memorial Day weekend that draws attention to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action attracts nearly one million people; it celebrated its 25th year in 2012. Next: May 26, 2013
The motorcycle rally over Memorial Day weekend that draws attention to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action attracts nearly one million people; it celebrated its 25th year in 2012. Next: May 26, 2013
Photo: Lee Stalsworth/Courtesy of Rolling Thunder Inc. National
4. Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure
#6 Parade, Walk & Festival
Participation dropped to 25,000 this year in the breast cancer research and awareness event after it opted to stop funding breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood (the decision was reversed); in previous years, as many as 60,000 people have participated in what remains one of the largest Komen races in the country. Next: Spring 2013
Participation dropped to 25,000 this year in the breast cancer research and awareness event after it opted to stop funding breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood (the decision was reversed); in previous years, as many as 60,000 people have participated in what remains one of the largest Komen races in the country. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: Tony Powell for Susan G. Komen
