#1 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
A Los Angeles institution, the Tournament of Roses goes back 126 years, making it one of the oldest events around. It includes elaborate floral and organic floats in the nationally televised parade as well as the Rose Bowl football game, also more than a century old. About 700,000 attend the parade, and another 100,000 come for the game. Next: January 1, 2016
#2 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
The huge street party bills itself as the biggest event of its kind in the world—and the second-biggest event in town after the Tournament of Roses. It started in 1987 and now draws about 500,000. On event night, the petite City of West Hollywood becomes California’s seventh largest city. Next: October 31, 2015
#3 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
The pride event produced by Christopher Street West includes one of the largest L.G.B.T. parades in the world. L.A. Pride is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and draws a huge crowd of 400,000 attendees to West Hollywood for a weekend-long celebration that also includes a festival and other related events. Next: June 12-14, 2015
#4 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
The streets of downtown Los Angeles, including the new Grand Park, are the backdrop for the giant Cinco de Mayo fair, which draws more than 300,000. It’s billed as the largest celebration of the holiday in the world and is also the biggest Hispanic event in the city, which is the country’s largest Hispanic market. Next: April 26, 2015
#6 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
Taking place every Independence Day at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl, the event is billed as the largest fireworks show in Southern California. Produced by Pyrospectaculars by Souza, the show is nearing nine decades old. Americafest offers food vendors, kids’ rides, and entertainment, in addition to the big-draw fireworks spectacle. Next: July 4, 2015
#7 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
The parade and festival has more than a century of history, having first debuted in 1904. Carrying on the long-established tradition, last year’s 32-minute fireworks show included 1,300 rounds, 500 of them during the finale in the last 40 seconds. About 300,000 spectators came out for the holiday spectacle. Next: July 4, 2015
#8 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event (up from #9)
The AIDS walkathon is more than three decades old, making it one of the largest and longest running in the United States. Last year, AIDS Walk Los Angeles drew 25,000 walkers and 2,500 volunteers and raised more than $2.3 million for H.I.V./AIDS prevention, treatment, and advocacy programs. Since its beginnings, the event has raised more than $79 million. Next: October 11, 2015
#9 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event (new to the list)
The Dia de los Muertos celebration draws a shoulder-to-shoulder costumed crowd to meander the paths at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, view intricate altars, and check out performances. In addition to a costume contest, food and drink, arts and crafts, and more than 100 altars, last year’s event saw the addition of a third stage for music and theatrical performances. Next: November 1, 2015
#10 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
The event, which takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving, began in 1928 and has appeared in various incarnations over the years. Last year’s grand marshal was Buzz Aldrin, and the event included live performances by Stevie Wonder, Bill Ray Cyrus, Kenny Loggins, and LeAnn Rimes. The 82nd annual event showed as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel and was broadcast throughout the holiday season on more than 350 stations. Next: November 29, 2015
