Washington’s Top 100 Events 2016 - Parades, Walks & Festivals

#2 Parade, Walk & Festival
“Basque: Innovation by Culture” was the theme of the 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which is presented in partnership with the National Park Service. By exploring the unique language and distinct heritage of the Basque people, the event included musicians, cooks, artisans, craftsman, and language experts who explored themes of cultural sustainability, identity, and migration. The free festival was held outdoors on the National Mall between Fourth and Seventh streets, from June 29 to July 4 and July 7 to 10. The event was co-sponsored by the Regional Basque Government, Navarre Government, and the regional governments of Araba, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa. Next: Summer 2017

#3 Parade, Walk & Festival
Every July 4, an estimated 20,000 people gather on Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th streets to watch the patriotic parade celebrating Independence Day. The event is hosted by the National Park Service and produced by Diversified Events. Participating bands are usually selected based on recommendations from each state's governor's office or educators at the governor's request. Other parade features include military and specialty units, floats, equestrian attractions, drill teams, celebrities, and other V.I.P.s. Next: July 4, 2017

#4 Parade, Walk & Festival
Capital Pride, which celebrates the L.G.B.T. community, is a multi-day event from Capital Pride Alliance that includes a parade, festival, concert, and gala. Meghan Trainor, Melanie Martinez, and Alex Newell performed at the concert, while Leslie Jordan was the grand marshal of the parade. Jeffery Austin performed at the Capital Pride Heroes Gala, which was presented by sponsor Hilton and hosted by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. The festival attracted about 200,000 visitors and nearly 300 sponsor and vendor exhibits. Next: June 8-11, 2017

#5 Parade, Walk & Festival
Rolling Thunder is a celebration of motorcycle culture with an emphasis on military veterans in crisis, such as prisoners of war or those missing in action.The 29th annual event this year was attended by more than 1 million people, of which an estimated 950,000 rode motorcycles during Rolling Thunder, which includes the Ride for Freedom procession. Donald Trump and actor Robert Patrick were among the celebrities who made appearances at this year's gathering. In addition, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter started a demonstration that proceeded out of the Pentagon parking lot and ended at the event's Reflecting Pool stage. Next: May 28, 2017

#7 Parade, Walk & Festival (new to the list)
Produced by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, D.C., the year's Chinese New Year Parade and Festival attracted about 40,000 people. The event, held on February 14 on H Street in Chinatown, included a Chinese dragon dance, kung fu demonstrations, and live music. Next: January 29, 2017

#8 Parade, Walk & Festival
Taking place at the National Mall on May 17, during Mother's Day weekend, the Susan G. Komen Washington, D.C. Race for the Cure raised about $1 million for breast-cancer issues. The race, which includes walkers and runners, spanned about 3.1 miles and had more than 13,000 participants, including 1,500 breast-cancer survivors. Traci Braxton, who lost her grandmother to breast cancer, sang at the event and captained the Crowns and Cleats Team. American Airlines, Ford, Bank of America, Self, Walgreens, and New Balance were among the event's national sponsors. Next year's event will take place in the fall, at a new location to be announced. Next: Fall 2017

#9 Parade, Walk & Festival
Formerly known as AIDS Walk Washington, the event is Whitman-Walker Health's signature fund-raiser. The 30th annual event, which attracted an estimated 5,000 people to Freedom Plaza on November 12, raised nearly $676,000. Next: Fall 2017

#10 Parade, Walk & Festival
Despite heavy rain on the event's first day, an estimated 20,000 people attended the 13th annual Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair, which was held October 1 and 2 at Union Market. The event, produced by the Washington City Paper, displays and sells handmade goods from about 100 independent artists and vendors. A new production element to the fair this year was the grouping together of several local artists in one tent to make it easier for guests who wanted to “shop local.” The event also added Great Lakes Brewing Company as a new beer sponsor. Next: Fall 2017

#11 Parade, Walk & Festival (new to the list)
A celebration of Scottish culture, the 43rd annual event was held September 3 and 4 at Great Meadow in the Plains, Virginia. About 15,000 people attended. The games programming for the event included competitions for bagpipes, Highland dancing, fiddling, children's games, Scottish dogs, and a car and bike show. The festival included exhibits for Scottish clothing, bagpipe accessories, jewelry, food, collectibles, music, and fine art from about 30 vendors and crafters. Next: Fall 2017