Washington's Top 100 Events 2013 - Parades, Walks & Festivals

1. National Cherry Blossom Festival

#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

Photo: Courtesy of Hargrove

2. Smithsonian American Folklife Festival

#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

Photo: Francisco X. Guerra/Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution

3. Capital Pride

#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

Photo: John Jack Photography

4. Rolling Thunder, Washington D.C.

#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

Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer E. Berry

5. Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure

#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

Photo: Mike Gibson for Susan G. Komen

6. Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair

#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

Photo: Courtesy of Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair