BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe

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

December 6, 2016
1. Smithsonian Folklife Festival
1. Smithsonian Folklife Festival

#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

Photo: Greyson Harris
2. National Independence Day Parade
2. National Independence Day Parade

#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

Photo: Ron Engle
3. Capital Pride
3. Capital Pride

#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

Photo: Tom Donohue
4. Rolling Thunder
4. Rolling Thunder

#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

Photo: Lee Stalsworth
5. Chinese New Year Parade and Festival
5. Chinese New Year Parade and Festival

#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

Photo: Victoria Pickering, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
6. Susan G. Komen Washington, D.C. Race for the Cure
6. Susan G. Komen Washington, D.C. Race for the Cure

#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

Photo: Michael Der/Gameface Media
7. Walk & 5K to End HIV
7. Walk & 5K to End HIV

#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

Photo: Whitman-Walker Health
8. Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair
8. Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair

#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

Photo: Ian Foulk
9. Virginia Scottish Games and Festival
9. Virginia Scottish Games and Festival

#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

Photo: Kristin Bishop
Latest in Home
Fords Gin's 'Beyond the Pour' experience spanned a total of 7,378 square feet across four rooms. The final room, 'The Garnish Lounge' (pictured), was the largest, offering guests an array of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and even toasted bread to complete their gin cocktail.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Trinity River Skyline
Industry Insiders
On the Fort Worth Horizon
The Method campaign extended to the venue concourse, where a shower-inspired photo booth invites fans to engage with cultural touchpoints like un cafecito, snap selfies with themed backdrops, and even send postcards home. On opening weekend, lines stretched over an hour as fans waited to participate.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Hotel del Coronado
Los Angeles / Southern California
6 New Venues in San Diego for Summer 2025 Meetings and Events
Related Stories
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Top 100 Events
Washington’s Top 100 Events 2016
1. Humane Rescue Alliance Fashion for Paws Runway Show
Home
Fashion & Beauty Events
1. Preakness Stakes
Home
Sports Events
1. White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
Home
Political & Press Events
More in Home
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Forget billboards. Fords Gin invited guests to taste its brand story with a multiroom experience that explored what really makes a good drink.
Fords Gin's 'Beyond the Pour' experience spanned a total of 7,378 square feet across four rooms. The final room, 'The Garnish Lounge' (pictured), was the largest, offering guests an array of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and even toasted bread to complete their gin cocktail.
Sponsored
On the Fort Worth Horizon
Fort Worth is the Unexpected City, where Texas hospitality and Western heritage create a standout setting for meetings.
Trinity River Skyline
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Whether functional or just for fun, these cheeky bathroom-themed activations prove no space is too private for creativity.
The Method campaign extended to the venue concourse, where a shower-inspired photo booth invites fans to engage with cultural touchpoints like un cafecito, snap selfies with themed backdrops, and even send postcards home. On opening weekend, lines stretched over an hour as fans waited to participate.
Los Angeles / Southern California
6 New Venues in San Diego for Summer 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened in San Diego.
Hotel del Coronado
Sponsored
Utah’s Ultimate Athletic Destination Is About to Level Up
The all-new Western Sports Park’s impact on statewide competitive events can’t be overstated.
Dsc 3099 (1) (1)
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
The grocery store chain showcased its affordable products within a cute farmstand-like setting.
At the smoothie stand, visitors could snag the Not-Your-$20-Strawberry-Glaze Smoothie, which was inspired by the viral smoothie from a popular LA grocery store.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Orlando / Central Florida
5 New Venues in Orlando/Central Florida for Summer 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened in Orlando/Central Florida.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Atlanta-based event designer Frank Carlisi shares pro tips for keeping guests cool, your food fresh, and the vibe polished when temps rise.
'Choose a location where you can offer respite for guests—whether that’s shade elements, indoor-outdoor flow, or partial coverage,' Carlisi suggests. 'It’s all about asking: How many options do we have, and how many ways can we use the space creatively?”
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
At the Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C., the network offered the show’s superfans a fun secret spy lair.
The activation was disguised as an ordinary porta-potty.
Phoenix / Scottsdale
11 New Venues in Phoenix/Scottsdale for Summer 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened in Phoenix/Scottsdale.
Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes
Sponsored
Cosm Opens Immersive Event Venues in LA and Dallas
Redefining immersive events through Shared Reality
Cosm transports guests to destinations around the world, wherever 'there' may be! Immerse in Shared Reality alongside your friends and family and experience an entirely new way of watching premium content across live sports, art, and entertainment. If you can't be there, be at Cosm!
Event Design & Decor
Inside Rosé Day LA: How This Luxe Lifestyle Event Became a Must-Attend for Brands
From over-the-top floral displays to a skydiving stunt next to a Formula 1 car, here’s how Rosé Day LA continues to raise the bar for experiential design, sponsor integration, and strategic luxury.
Rosé Day Los Angeles took place on June 14. The event is produced by an experienced hospitality team led by Ben Biscotti of 1iota Productions; nightlife visionaries Sylvain Bitton, JT Torregiani, and David Jarrett; Tony Schubert of Event Eleven; and culinary icon Marc Forgione.
Page 1 of 304
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.