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Inauguration Events

POSTED: December 27, 2008, 12:00 am

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

The People's Inaugural Premier

8 pm
The Historical Society of Washington, DC at Mount Vernon Square (801 K St. NW)
Tickets: $75 for General Admission; $250 for Host Committee VIP Pass

The People’s Inaugural celebrates our ground breaking achievement with three amazing Pre-Inaugural events starting with the next generation’s Premier on Jan. 16. Join grassroots organizations from across the country as we celebrate the role young voters played in electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden.


SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

Asia Society Inaugural Reception

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
St. Regis Hotel (16th & K Streets NW)
Tickets for members: $100 individual, $175 couple, $250 VIP
Tickets for nonmembers: $150 individual, $275 couple

Asia Society celebrates the contributions that Asian Americans have made to the presidential election.

BET Honors

8 pm
Warner Theatre (1299 Pennsylvania Ave NW)

Red-carpet watchers will want to take note of the BET Honors as they celebrate legendary songstress Mary J. Blige; groundbreaking filmmaker Tyler Perry; celebrated dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison; businessman, philanthropist and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson; B. Smith for her success as an entrepreneur; and the Congressman James E. Clyburn.

Change the Game GALA

The Sports Club/LA (22nd and M Street NW)
Tickets: $75

Join us as the worlds of entertainment, sports and politics come together for an exclusive celebration. Special guests include current and former professional athletes in addition to live music and dancing.

International Inaugural Ball

7:30 pm -3 am
L'Enfant Plaza Hotel (480 L'Enfant Plaza NW)
Tickets: $12

WHUR 96.3 FM and Inner Caucus Entertainment Inc., HiddenBeach Recordings & KnockBoyz Productions presents this ball that will feature Project Runway finalist Korto Momulu.

Sweet Honey in the Rock (Annual Children's Concert)

2 pm & 5 pm
Peoples Congregational Church (4704 13th St. NW)
Tickets: $12

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the ensemble will perform songs from its Grammy award-nominated CD, Experience... 101, along with the rest of its catalog. Guests are invited to join in the fun by singing along and dancing in the aisles.

The Green Inaugural Ball: Maximum Celebration, Minimum Impact

8 pm - midnight
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium (1301 Constitution Ave. NW)
Tickets: $500

Billed as DC's most eco-friendly inauguration celebration, is produced by green events planning company Event Emissary, the ball will serving organic food and use earth-friendly linens and serviceware.

H.O.P.E. Inaugural Youth Ball

6 pm -10 pm
The Trinity Center at Trinity University (125 Michigan Ave. NE)
Tickets: $77.50

A family-friendly inauguration celebration.

Obamarama Pre-Inaugural Party

DC Blues Society
8:30 pm -12:30 pm
Surf Club Live (4711 Kenilworth Ave.)
Hyattsville, MD
Tickets: $10 Blues Society members, $12 non-members, $15 at the door

Blues-y jazz, R&B and soul music by local artist CW Harrington & Band

The People's Inaugural Ball

8 pm -2 am
The Historical Society of Washington, DC at Mount Vernon Square (801 K St. NW)
Tickets: $75 for General Admission; $250 for Host Committee VIP Pass

We made the calls, we knocked on the doors, and wrote the checks, now it is time to come together and celebrate the role grassroots organizing played in electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Pre-Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration!

8 pm -2 am
Tuscana West (1350 I St. NW)
Tickets: $135 (includes open bar from 8 PM-9 PM, dinner and dancing); VIP tickets $200 (includes reserved seating, bottle service, heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar from 8 PM-10 PM, dinner and complimentary champagne)

Young & Powerful Group Launch Event

7 pm -11pm
Capitol Hill Holiday Inn (550 C St. SW)
Advanced Ticket Sale Price: $50

Ticket Price includes heavy appetizers and beverages. "Join us as we celebrate the launch of Young & Powerful as a political, social and economic national powerhouse nationwide."


SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

The Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball

8 pm
Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th St. and F St. NW
Tickets: $375 per guest; $500 per VIP guest

Building on the Lincoln-Obama connections that have surfaced throughout the election, the Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball celebrates the Obama inauguration in the landmark building where Lincoln celebrated his own inauguration in 1865. Lavish food stations and open bar are covered in this all-inclusive ticket price. The ball also launches Living the Legacy: Lincoln in DC, a cultural tourism promotion running January through April 2009. The promotion is part of a nationwide Lincoln bicentennial celebration.

"2 Degrees of Separation" Champagne Brunch

10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Fairmont Washington Hotel Georgetown
2401 M. St. NW
Tickets: $85

Aloha Inaugural Ball

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Rd. NW
Tickets: $300

Organized by former Obama campaign workers, the ball will carry out a Hawai’I theme with island entertainers and hula dancers, reminiscent of the president-elect’s years in Hawai’i.

California State Society’s Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show

11:30 am
The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
1150 22nd St. NW

The Inaugural Soiree

6 pm - 8 pm Business Networking Reception
8 pm -1am Gala
The Hudson Restaurant and Lounge
2030 M Street NW
Tickets: $150
Information: Valerie Mullins at 301-390-5620 or Lisa Coakley at 202-438-7788

Tickets include full dinner, live entertainment, Gala and networking with more than 200 businessmen and women. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Presidential Inaugural Committee Official Welcome Event

Afternoon
Lincoln Memorial

President-elect Barack Obama and Vice-President-elect Joe biden will officially kick-off the inauguration activities with an event that is free adn open to the public on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. More details to follow.

Route 44 to The White House

Four Seasons Hotel
2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Tickets: $250

Grammy winner Albertina Walker, the "Queen of Gospel", will headline a gospel and musical Inaugural brunch. The event will benefit the DC-based CB&JT Family Foundation which provides youth mentoring and senior assistance programs for underserved families.

The People's Inaugural LGBT Gayla

8 pm
The Historical Society of Washington, DC at Mount Vernon Square
801 K St. NW
Tickets: $75 for General Admission; $250 for Host Committee VIP Pass

We answered the call not just to elect a president, but to restore decency, fairness, and equality for all Americans. Now, let's celebrate this historic victory and begin mobilizing to take our fight for equality to every door in America. Join LGBT grassroots activists from around the country as we toast the election of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Welcome to DC Inaugural Celebration

The Historic Bohemian Caverns
2001 11th Street NW
Tickets: $60-75

An event celebrating the rich history of arts and culture in Washington, DC. The event will feature live entertainment, local cuisine and an all-star musical tribute to DC music icon Marvin Gaye, hosted by The Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown!


MONDAY, JANUARY 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Throughout the District of Columbia

Make it a day ON not a day off and volunteer with Serve DC for many meaningful projects throughout the city. The President-elect and Vice President-elect and their families, like Americans in communities all across the country, will participate in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across the DC area.

Free Concert! Aretha Franklin, Nuttin' But Stringz & the Let Freedom Ring Choir

6 pm
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage
Tickets: Free tickets are required. Beginning at 4 pm on January 19, tickets will be distributed one (1) per person, on a first-come first-served basis, in line in front of the Concert Hall.

The Oprah Winfrey Show - SOLD OUT

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

According to Harpo Productions, Winfrey will host a live episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" from the Kennedy Center Opera House on Jan. 19, the day before Barack Obama takes the presidential oath of office. At least two shows are planned in DC, the second on Wednesday.

Concert for America's Children (Presidential Inaugural Committee Official Event)

Evening
Verizon Center
Tickets: Concert will be free, but tickets will be required.

Arkansas State Society Inaugural Party for Razorbacks

National Press Club
529 14th St. NW
Information: 202-329-6711

Sunshine and Stars (Florida State Society)

Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 17th Street NW
Information: 202-298-7710
Tickets: Sold out, wait list is open

Land of Lincoln Inaugural Gala (Illinois State Society)

Reception and dinner at 5:30 pm, gala follows from 8:30 pm -1:30 am
Renaissance Washington DC Hotel
999 9th St. NW
Tickets: $400, $200 for gala only
Information: 703-451-1747

Themed “Illinois Heroes,” the State Society’s inaugural gala highlights the many magnificent cities, towns, riverfronts, and historical sites of Illinois.

Indiana Inaugural Ball

6 pm
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street NW
Tickets: $295 before Dec. 19, $350 after Dec. 19; reserved tables $7500 before Dec. 19, $9000 after Dec. 19
Information: 202-463-4262

Featured talent includes the Singing Hoosiers from Indiana University and the Donati Orchestra.

Bluegrass Ball (Kentucky State Society)

6:30 pm
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Rd. NW
Members: $175
Information: 202-399-2032

Chef Michael Paley from Louisville’s acclaimed Proof of Main restaurant will serve as executive chef for the inaugural gala.

Land of Enchantment Inaugural Ball (New Mexico State Society) - SOLD OUT

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
4th St. & Independence Ave. SW
Information: 505-463-3908

North Carolina Society Inaugural Ball - SOLD OUT

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Rd. NW

South Dakota State Society Inaugural Reception

6:30 pm -9:00 pm
James Monroe House
2017 Eye Street NW
Members: $50
Information: 202-747-0507

Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball (Texas State Society)

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
201 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745
Information: 301-809-8989

History in the Making: “A Dream & A Change” Inaugural Ball

The Babyboomer Professionals
Sheraton Crystal City Hotel
1800 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22202
Tickets: $199, must be purchased by 12/15

HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball

Historically Black Colleges and Universities
8 pm - 1am
Sequoia at Washington Harbor
3000 K St. NW

Heroes Red, White, and Blue Inaugural Ball

International Conservation Caucus Foundation Inauguration Gala (ICC Foundation)

6:30 pm for VIP and general receptions, 7:30 pm dinner
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
Tickets: $2,500
Information: 202-471-4222

Pearl Gala - SOLD OUT

Asian Americans for Obama
7 pm - midnight
Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC Hotel
1330 Maryland Ave. SW

Guests are also invited to attend a morning conference about voting results, the political appointment process and the legislative issues for the next Congress.

The Historic Inaugural Ball

Sponsored by Changeworks, LLC
Historic Society of Washington, DC
801 K St. NW
Tickets: $200

A gala celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Yes We Did! Celebration

Pennsylvania Democratic Party
Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle NW
Tickets: $150

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, Senator Bob Casey, Chairman T.J. Rooney, members of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation and other Pennsylvania Democrats join together for a night of fun and celebration.

Young and Powerful Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony

L'Enfant Plaza Hotel
400 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Tickets: $125, includes open bar from 8pm - 9pm, heavy Hors D'oeuvres and live music

Dine, dance and toast President-elect Obama's victory with young professionals from across the nation.

South Carolina State Society Inaugural Ball - SOLD OUT

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
Independence Ave. at 7th St. SW

Hip-Hop Summit Action Network

8 pm
Harman Center for the Arts
610 F St. NW
Tickets: $1,000 general admission; $2,500 VIP

Hosted by Russell Simmons, Ll Cool J and T.I., this event donates proceeds to the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to continue its nonprofit work in helping to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other empowerment programs for young adults throughout the United States.

Arab-American 2009 Inaugural Celebration

Arab-American Institute
7 pm -11 pm
Tickets: $100

Arab-American comedians Dean Obeidallah and Aron Kader of Comedy Central's Axis of Evil entertain party-goers.

A Salute to Change

Presented by The National Black Chamber of Commerce and the National Newspaper Publishers Foundation 8 pm - midnight
La Maison Francaise
Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Road
Tickets: $250

The Gala Benefits the NNPA Foundation and the NNPA Media Services Wing of the John H. Johnson School of Journalism at Howard University. Evening includes buffet dinner, dancing and a full bar – Sponsored by Hennessy Entertainment. Attire: Black Tie Optional. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance.


TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

Inaugural Parade Brunch (New York State Society)
11am - 4 pm
Willard Intercontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave.
Tickets: Member $155, Non-members: $180
Information: 301-330-6197

State Society of Arizona Inaugural Ball

8 pm - midnight
The Historical Society of Washington, DC
801 K St. NW
Tickets: Single:$175, Couple: $300, Family of 4: $650
Information: 202-777-2612

Garden State Inaugural Gala - SOLD OUT

7:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Washington Court Hotel
525 New Jersey Ave. NW
Information: 202-333-5750

The gala features a performance by Bruce Springsteen tribute band, B Street Band.

MTV's Be the Change Inaugural Ball

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

The ball will be televised live on MTV and will feature several leading artists, celebrities and government officials (to be named later), alongside hundreds of young people who've been chosen to attend based on their demonstrated volunteerism.

American Music Inaugural Events

7 pm
Washington Marriott Wardman Park
2660 Woodley Rd.
Tickets: $350 for Urban Inaugural Ball, $450 for Inaugural Ball of Legends

Two Inaugural Balls under one American Music Umbrella! The Inaugural Ball of Legends is hosted by Dionne Warwick and features guests Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, George Clinton and even Washington Redskin Jason Taylor. And Ludicras will play host to the Urban Inaugural Ball Fantasia, Big Boi from Outkast, Cedric the Entertainer, Monica and others.

A Night of Stars (Pennsylvania State Society) - SOLD OUT

Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
22nd and M Sts. NW
Information: 703-415-0344

Fox News’ Tony Perkins will emcee the event, which features performing artists from Mark Rivera Entertainment.

The George Washington University Inaugural Ball

8 pm - midnight
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert St. NW
Information: 202-994-1600

The gala celebration features live bands, talent from the GW performance community, and televised Inauguration Day coverage.

Human Rights Campaign Equality Ball

Renaissance M Street Hotel

Guests to include Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright and Cyndi Lauper

Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball

National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training
Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol St. SE

11th American Indian Inaugural Ball

American Indian Society (AIS) of Washington, D.C.
Hyatt Regency Crystal City
2799 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA

Unity in Service Inaugural Ball Unity in Service

Trinity University
125 Michigan Ave. NE
Tickets: $90 standard, $120 preferred before Dec. 20, $110 and $150 after Dec. 20

Inaugural Purple Ball

Eracism Foundation
8 pm
The Fairmont Washington, DC Hotel
2401 M St. NW
 
Guests will enjoy fine champagne and cuisine served in a purple velvet-draped ballroom; the host committee includes notable names like Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd , Brad Silberling, Josh Lucas, Kate Walsh and Patricia Arquette.

Change Has Come Inaugural Gala

The Babyboomer Professionals
Hilton Washington Embassy Row
2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Tickets: $150, must be purchased by 12/15

Demand in DC: Applauding the Empowerment of People Thru Art, Film, and Music

Black Cat
1811 14th St. NW
Tickets: $10
Information: 202-667-7960

The Creative Coalition Gala Inaugural Ball - SOLD OUT

9 pm
Harman Center for the Arts
610 F St. NW
Tickets: Bronze package (2 tickets): $10,000

The President's Ball

The Washington Times Building
3600 New York Ave. NE
Tickets: $200 before 12/31/08; $250 after 12/31/08

Organized by the Maryland Inaugural Special Committee. Entertainment includes pianist Charles Covington and musical groups The Softones and The Rollex Band.

All American Ball

Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel
1400 M St. NW
Tickets: $175

We the People Presidential Inaugural Gala & Ball

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Ave. NW

Organized by campaign volunteers, the gala recognizes the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the country with a VIP celebration, featuring open bar, three-course dinner and live entertainment by the Fabulous Fantoms with lead singer Heather Liverpool.

Georgetown Harbour Inaugural Gala

8 pm
Sponsored by: Tony & Joe's Seafood Place
Washington Harbour in Georgetown
Tickets: prices start at $150 and increase after Jan. 1

Join us for heavy appetizers and hors d’ oeuvres, a four-hour open bar, three large inside bars and six large tented patio bars, as well as live entertainment.

Baltimore Washington Black McDonald's Operators Association

8 pm
City Club at Franklin Square
1300 I St. NW
Tickets: $200 per person

The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dancing and live music by Jonathan Davis Jazz Band and XPD’s Band and Show. All proceeds from the event will fund BMOA initiatives, including Develop Young Minds, an organization that provides financial support to children with limited resources in the communities that the BMOA operators serve. Money is awarded to support academic, art and athletic initiatives in these areas.

Inaugural Peace Ball - SOLD OUT

7 pm
Smithsonian Postal Museum
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE

Hosted by Busboys and Poets, the Smithsonian Postal Museum and special guest host Harry Belafonte, the ball will be the largest gathering of peace activists in Washington on Inauguration Day without a protest. It will be an occasion of celebration, dance and music...but also an event to ensure that we're on a steady course for peace and justice and that these items are on the agenda for the Obama administration.

Sikh Inaugural Ball

Sikh Cultural Center
Ascot I- The Indian Experience
1708 L St. NW
Tickets: $150, $250 VIP tickets

2009 Florida Inaugural Celebration

7 pm
National Museum of the American Indian
4th St. and Independence Ave. SW
Tickets: $200, net proceeds will benefit all the American Red Cross Chapters in Florida
Information: call (703) 905-9838

Guests will enjoy a delicious spread of food and drinks in the museum's grand Potomac Atrium, where they will be entertained by a live band. Sponsors at the Platinum and Gold levels can mingle over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in an exclusive VIP entertaining room overlooking the United States Capitol.

Inaugural DC Ball

8 pm - midnight
The Old Post Office Pavilion
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Inaugural DC Ball is brought to you by the producers of the Barbecue Battle event, held annually in our Nations Capital. Benefiting the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubs, the Inaugural DC Ball will feature DC's very own Chuck Brown, Godfather of Go-Go, along with guest DJ's and a Special guest host. Ticket prices include beer, wine, non- alcoholic beverages and Hors D'oeuvres. This is a 21 and over event.