| 100% | AMAS | 4 | Annual event for singers and musicians: Abbr. |
| 45% | USO | 3 | Group that brings singers and comedians to perform for the military: Abbr. |
| 44% | MEGACON | 7 | Annual Orlando event for sci-fi and comic fans |
| 43% | CHECKUP | 7 | Annual event for many |
| 42% | OSCARPARTY | 10 | Annual event for movie fans |
| 41% | DERBY | 5 | Annual event for 3-year-olds |
| 41% | GALA | 4 | Annual event for a nonprofit, perhaps |
| 39% | PARADE | 6 | Event for marchers and bands |
| 39% | CANOE | 5 | __ Journey: annual event for Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples |
| 38% | METGALA | 7 | Annual event watched for its outfits |
| 38% | PROM | 4 | Event for a king and queen |
| 37% | XGAMES | 6 | Annual event that includes snocross and ski superpipe |
| 37% | XGAMES | 6 | Annual event with Ski Slopestyle and Skateboard Vert |
| 37% | PROM | 4 | Event for a teen-age king and queen |
| 37% | COBAIN | 6 | Singer and guitarist for Nirvana: the late Kurt __ |
| 37% | IPO | 3 | Big 2012 event for Facebook: Abbr. |
| 37% | WJC | 3 | Global sporting event for teens: Abbr. |
| 37% | IPO | 3 | Market event for a unicorn?: Abbr. |
| 37% | NIT | 3 | Annual sports event: Abbr. |
| 37% | NIT | 3 | Annual basketball event: Abbr. |
| 37% | ACCOMPANIST | 11 | Musician for a singer |
| 37% | SOLSTICE | 8 | *Winter ___, annual cosmic event when the day is shortest...and a connecting theme for 31a, 39a, 42a, 8d, and 20d |
| 36% | THEVAULT | 8 | Gymnastics event for both men and women |
| 36% | ERATO | 5 | Inspiration for poets and musicians |
| 36% | STATEFAIR | 9 | Annual event with carnival rides and agricultural exhibits: 2 wds. |
| 36% | ARTBASEL | 8 | Annual retreat for gallerists and the extremely wealthy |
| 36% | COMICCON | 8 | Festival or event for geeks, fans and gamers |
| 36% | ALS | 3 | Singers Green and Jarreau, for example |
| 36% | WEDDINGRINGS | 12 | Fauxlympics event for brides and grooms? |
| 36% | PROM | 4 | Big event for juniors and seniors |