#2 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
A crowd of about 500,000 watched this year's Fourth of July event at the Hatch Shell, with maestro Keith Lockhart conducting the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. The show, as always, included standards like "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Next: July 4, 2014
#4 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event (up from #11)
A crowd of 30,000 volunteers raised $3.2 million at the 45th annual 20-mile walk, which leaves from Boston Common and wends through surrounding towns. Next: May 4, 2014
#5 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event (up from #6)
The enormous sand-sculpting fest expanded this summer, from a few blocks to nearly a half-mile. Organizers also added food trucks and live music to the event, which drew more than 500,000 attendees. Next: July 18-20, 2014
#6 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
The 43rd annual parade and celebration honored Boston’s diversity and pioneering inclusive tradition. Next: Summer 2014
#7 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event (up from #10)
This year’s eco-friendly festival had new attractions that drew buzz. For example, it housed a Plastic Caps sculpture, on view at Boston’s City Hall—the tallest sculpture made out of recycled plastic caps in the country. Next: August 15-17, 2014
#8 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
The annual arts and music fest along the Charles River attracted approximately 200,000 revelers. It’s now in its 30th year. Next: June 2014
#9 Parade, Walk, Festival & Holiday Event
More than 100,000 guests attended the 21st annual carnival celebrating African culture, which featured a new KidsFest Zone and a food truck area in Kendall Square. Next: September 2014
