Here’s our list of galas, balls, and parties happening around town during the inauguration. We’ll be updating this on a rolling basis as events are confirmed. Don’t see one listed? Send an e-mail to [email protected] and we’ll get the information
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NOTE: Balls with an asterisk (*) next to them are official balls, sanctioned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. These are the only events that the president-elect, vice president-elect, or their families are guaranteed to attend.
51st State Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:John A. Wilson Building. Time: 8 PM. Hosts: Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr., council chair Vincent C. Gray, and Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry. Program: Chuck Brown and local bands have been asked to perform. Ticket price: $51.
2009 Green Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location: National Portrait Gallery. Time: 8 PM. Hosts: 2009 Green Inaugural Ball Host Committee, composed of 25 environmental organizations. Program: Former Vice President Al Gore as the event’s honorary chair. This event is by invitation only.
2009 Inaugural Celebrity Basketball Game Date: January 17. Location:Calvin Coolidge Senior High School. Time: 4 PM. Hosts: SeeMeBall.com and Lonnie Harrell of the And 1 Mixtape Tour. Program: Confirmed celebrity participants include the Redskins' Clinton Portis and Santana Moss, the Baltimore Ravens' Willis McGahee, the 49ers' Vernon Davis, and lots more. The event benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Ticket price: $15; $100 for VIP tickets, which includes floor seats and free food and drinks. Tickets are available here.
A Celebration of Change Inaugural Gala Date: January 17. Time: 7 PM. Host: The Babyboomer Professionals. Program: Live R&B band and dancing. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Ticket price: $175 Sold out.
“A New Birth of Citizenship” Inauguration Kick-Off Date: January 18. Location: Renaissance Washington. Time: 8 PM. Host: Declare Yourself, the nonpartisan youth voter initiative. Program: The event will be hosted by Jessica Alba and will feature special musical guests including Maroon 5, spoken word artists Steve Connell, Sekou (Tha Misfit), Nuttin’ But Strings, celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson, and surprise guests. Proceeds from the evening will go towards Declare Yourself and the “Born Again American” campaign. Ticket price: $250. Tickets are available by e-mailing Rachel@hirschbergstrateies.com or calling 202-547-5797.
African-American Church Inaugural Ball Date: January 18. Location:Grand Hyatt Washington. Time: 6 PM. Host: Leaders of African-American churches. Size: 2,000. Theme: "We Have Come This Far By Faith." The event honors the history and accomplishments of African-Americans in the US. "Keeper of the Flame" awards will be given to individuals who have been a part of the advancement of African-Americans in the country. Food and drink: Sit-down dinner, red and white wine. Ticket price: $250; $500 for VIP. The $250 tickets are sold out, but some VIP tickets are still available here.
African Diaspora Inaugural Ball Date: January 18. Location:Harman Center for the Arts. Time: 7 PM. Host: African Diaspora for Change in partnership with Africa Aspire. Program: Live entertainment by some of the Diaspora’s brightest stars including an all women’s Brazilian drumming group, an energetic East African Dance troupe and a live South African band. Confirmed artists include Grammy-award nominated group Les Nubians, and a special guest appearance by Grammy Award winner and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Angelique Kidjo. One hundred-percent of proceeds will go to Batonga Foundation and First Book. Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and open bar. Ticket price: Start at $150. Tickets are available here.
African Inaugural Ball Date: January 18. Location:Hilton Silver Spring. Time: 7 PM. Host: African Foundation. Program: Entertainment by African music groups, a comedian, and celebrities; deejay music and dancing. Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres, carving stations, and a cheese station, plus cash bar. Ticket price: $150. Tickets are available here.
All American Ball Date: January 20. Location:Westin Washington. Program: There will be six entertainment areas, featuring bands, DJs, dance floors, and interactive attractions. Food and drink: Several open bars from 9 PM to 1 AM, and serving stations from 9 to 10:30; nonalcoholic beverages served until 2 AM. Ticket price: Tickets will start at $175 on November 25, when they go on sale, and will go up in price after that. The highest they'll go is $350. Tickets can be purchased here.
All Souls Inaugural Ball Date: January 18. Location:All Souls Unitarian Church. Time: 6 PM reception, 7 PM ball. Host: All Souls Unitarian Church. Program: The event honors Reverend William Sinkford, the first African American President of the Unitarian Universalist Association. All proceeds support All Souls' social justice mission. Ticket price: $100 for the reception and ball; $50 ball only. Tickets are available here.
Aloha Inaugural Ball Date: January 18. Location:Marriott Wardman Park. Time: 7:30 PM. Ticket price: $350 for regular admission and $650 for VIP, which includes access to a private balcony and a special gift. Tickets are available here.
American Indian Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Time: 7:30 PM. Host: American Indian Society of Washington DC. Program: The ball celebrates Native American leaders, organizations, artists, and musicians. It features a silent auction, award presentation, and dancing. Ticket price: $110 advance purchase; $150 at the door. Tickets are on sale now and are available here.
CANCELED: American Music Inaugural Balls Date: January 20. Location:Marriott Wardman Park. Time: 8 PM. Size: 4,000 to 6,000. Host: Dionne Warwick. Program: The event is composed of two parts: the Legends Ball, which Warwick will host, and the Urban Ball, which will see rapper Ludacris at the helm. It will be the first ever two-ball event in inaugural history. Performers include Rodney Atkins, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, Marvin Sapp, the Temptations (with Dennis Edwards), Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Kirk Franklin, the H.B. Barnum Orchestra, The Caravans, Smokie Norful, T-Pain, David Banner, Athena Cage, Cedric the Entertainer, the Cheetah Girls, Fantasia, Lil Jon, Monica, Bella Steez, and Bobby Valentino. Ticket price: $450 for the Legends Ball and $350 for the Urban Ball. A combo ticket, which gets you entrance into both events, is $675. Tickets are on sale here.
Ancestors Dream Ball Date: January 20. Location:Gaylord National Resort Hotel and Conference Center. Time: 8 PM. Host: Prince George's County Presidential Inaugural Committee. Program: Live bands and televised Inauguration Day coverage. Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Ticket price: $200 through January 10; $250 after. Tickets are available here.
Barack Obama Pre-Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration Date: January 17. Location:Tuscana West. Time: 8 PM. Host: National Association of Minority Government Contractors. Program: Open bar from 8 to 9, then dinner and dancing. Ticket price: $135. VIP tickets are $200 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar from 8 to 10, dinner, and complimentary Champagne. Tickets are available here. VIP is sold out.
CANCELED: Be the Change Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Host: MTV and ServiceNation. Program: The event will feature several leading artists, celebrities, and government officials, and it will be televised live on MTV. No word yet on ticket price and how to get them. We'll update as details of the event unfold.
Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Time: 7 PM. Host: Texas State Society. Size: 13,000. Theme: All-things Texas. The centerpiece of the event: A Texas State Fair with vendors from the state on hand selling everything from boots to belt buckles to Texas wines. Program: Texan performers, including Tracy Byrd, Jack Ingram, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Kevin Fowler, Dale Watson, and more, will put on a country-music extravaganza. Food and drink: An open bar and Texas-inspired hors d'oeuvres will be available all night long. Ticket price: $225 for TSS members; $300 for nonmembers. Tickets are available here.
Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Folger Shakespeare Library. Time: 7 PM. Host: National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training. Size: 500. Program: Entertainment by pop singer Ferras. Awards will be given to Senator Edward Kennedy, filmmaker George Lucas, and others. Ticket price: $2,500 a couple. Sold out.
Change Has Come Inaugural Gala Date: January 20. Location:Hilton Washington Embassy Row. Time: 7 PM. Host: The Babyboomer Professionals. Program: Live jazz and dancing. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and open bar for the first hour. Ticket price: $150. Tickets available here.
Change the Game Inaugural Gala Date: January 17. Location:Sports Club/LA. Time: 9 PM. Program: Live entertainment and silent auction. Guests include current and former pro athletes and coaches, entertainers, and VIP guests. Food and drink: Complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and passed hors d'oeuvres. Ticket price: $75, plus a $1.88 online service fee. Tickets are available here.
Children's Inaugural Ball Date: January 18. Location:Historical Society of Washington, DC. Time: 12 to 5 PM. Host: Every Child Matters Education Fund in collaboration with national and local children's organizations. Program: This kid-friendly event is not a glitzy, black-tie affair. It's designed for children of any age. The day will include live music, educational exhibits, story time, a puppet stage, crafts, games, and more. The event runs for five hours, but it is not expected that guests will stay the entire time. The large time window just allows more people to participate. Food and drink: Kid-friendly food. Ticket price: Free. Invitation requests are no longer being accepted. But in case space opens up, you can put your name on a waiting list here.
Creative Coalition's Gala Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Harman Center for the Arts. Time: 9 PM. Host: The Creative Coalition. Program: Elvis Costello, Sting, and R&B legend Sam Moore will perform. Confirmed attendees are Spike Lee, Susan Sarandon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kerry Washington, and more. Ticket price: The $10,000, two-ticket package is sold out. Other packages are $25,000, $50,000, or $100,000. Sold out.
DC Latino Inaugural Gala Celebration Date: January 17. Location:Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School. Time: 7 PM. Host: The DC Latino Inaugural Gala Celebration Committee, which includes Franklin Garcia, Maria Corales, Roxana Olivas, Eddie Zavala, Lillian Perdomo, Oralia Puente, Ted Loza, Angel Luis Irene, Beatriz Perez-Gomez, Rita Camilo, Janet Lugo-Tafur, Maria Del Riego, Lucas Botello, Millie Ribeiro, Jose Dorse, Cecilia Domeyko. Program: The evening starts with a wine reception, followed by dinner with a special awards ceremony and tribute to the honorees (Bill Richardson, governor of New Mexico; Janet Murguia, president of National Council of La Raza; Sonia Gutierrez, founder of Carlos Rosario International Charter School; Tom Perez, secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor; and Lillian Perdomo, president of Multicultural Community Services). The event concludes with all-night dancing with a live band. Ticket price: $125 for table seating, $100 for balcony seating. Tickets are available here. Balcony tickets are sold out.
Delaware State Society Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Willard InterContinental. Time: 8 PM. Host: Delaware State Society. Size: 650. Program: Live entertainment and dancing. Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar. Ticket price: $300. E-mail Nancy Aiken at Broomie53@aol.com or call 301-983-8182 for ticket reservations.
Dream Achieved Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Grand Hyatt Washington. Time: 7 PM. Host: African Business Roundtable. Program: Live cultural performances, music, and dancing. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Africa Children in Need through "Africa Needs U." Food and drink: A full course menu and an open bar. Ticket price: $500. Tickets are available here.
Dream Makers Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Bobby Van's Grill. Time: 7 PM. Host: C Four Marketing Solutions. Size: 650. Program: Awards ceremony and live performances by Bebe Winans, Soul Food Jazz, Suai, and Tony Rich of Hidden Beach Recordings. Food and drink: Buffet of Southern-style cuisine and open bar. Ticket price: $250. Tickets are available here. Contact Mr. Smith at 443-562-4581 with questions.
"Dreams from My Father" American Scholars Inaugural Ball Date: January 18. Location:Four Seasons Washington. Time: 8 PM. Host: National Intellectual Property Law Institute, Dave & Ray Entertainment, and Hip Hop Caucus. Size: 2,000. Program: Syndicated celebrity radio talk show host, Russ Parr, TV political analyst and Democratic strategist, Jamal Simmons, and congressman Gregory Meeks will host. The event will include dancing and live entertainment. Food and drink: Open bar and hors d'oeuvres. Ticket price: $350, plus a $12.48 nonrefundable service charge. Tickets are available here.
The George Washington University Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Omni Shoreham Hotel. Time: 8 PM. Host: George Washington University president Steven Knapp. Size: 4,000 Program: Live bands, talent from the GW performance community, and televised Inauguration Day coverage. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages; a cash bar will be provided for guests who are 21 years or older. Ticket price: $100. Sold out.
Georgia Inaugural Gala Date: January 19. Location:National Museum of Natural History. Time: 8 PM. Host: Georgia State Society of Washington, DC. Program: Live music and dancing. Food and drink: Georgia-style buffet and open bar. Ticket price: $200. Tickets are available here.
Glen Echo Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Glen Echo Park's Spanish Ballroom. Time: 7:30 PM. Hosts: World Music & Dance Institute and the Folklore Society of Greater Washington. Program: The dance night includes square dancing, waltzing, and swing dancing with music by the Gigmeisters and Idle Americans. Ticket price: $20. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by sending a check for $20 a person to WMADI, 9609 Pinkney Ct., Potomac, Maryland, 20854. Include the names of all attendees and an e-mail address (for confirmations).
Google Inaugural Event Date: January 20. Location:Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Time: 9 PM. Host: Google/YouTube and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. Size: 2,000. Program: Google will match donations to designated charities. This event is by invitation only.
Green Inaugural Ball Date: January 17. Location:Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Time: 8 PM. Host: Event Emissary, an ecofriendly event planning firm. Size: 1,000. Program: To-be-determined live entertainment and dancing. Five-percent of the ticket price will be donated to charity. Food and drink: 100-percent organic heavy hors d'oeuvres and a four-hour premium open bar. Ticket price: $500. Tickets are available here. (*For the event chaired by Al Gore, please see 2009 Green Inaugural Ball above.)
Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Mandarin Oriental hotel. Size: 750 people. Host: Hawaii State Society. Theme: Hawaii, of course. Decoration ideas run the gamut from Hawaiian floral arrangements to volcanoes. There has also been talk of a waterfall. Food and drink: Asian-Pacific fare, open bar. Entertainment: Performances from six acts, including five flying in from Hawaii. Ticket price: $200. Sold out.
HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball Date: January 19. Location:Sequoia. Time: 8 PM. Host: Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Program: The evening will include live music, food, drinks, and dancing. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to HBCU Scholarship charities. Ticket price: $300. Tickets are available here.
HBC – New Leaf Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Trinity University. Time: 8 PM. Host: New Leaf Beverage Company, Boomj.com, and Fifth Column Entertainment. Size: 1,200. Theme: “Turning over a New Leaf.” Program: Guests who attend the ball will be invited to try New Leaf's new products and give a video testimony and and short personal New Years resolution, which will be posted of the New Leaf web site. They will be invited to the site next year to update their progress. Live entertainment will be provided, and the performances will be posted on New Leaf's Web site. Web visitors will be asked to vote for the best performance of the night. Food and drink: Cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. Ticket price: $350 through December 31 and $500 after. Tickets are on sale here.
Health for All Blue Diamond Ball Date: January 20. Location:National Museum of Natural History. Time: 8 PM. Hosts: Event Emissary, the Vineeta Foundation, and the National Museum of Natural History. Program: Live entertainment, featuring Jackson Browne and Graham Nash. This is an eco-event, designed to have a minimal environmental impact. Green features include the event location, vendors, organic and local food and drinks, and more. Food and drink: Organic and local heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar. Ticket price: $500. Tickets are available here.
Heroes Red, White & Blue Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Warner Theatre. Time: 6 PM. Host: Citizens Helping Heroes, Inc. Size: 1,500. Theme: Rebirth of Freedom. The event is a benefit for the USO of Metropolitan Washington and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors that honors America's military heroes and injured service members. Program: The event will include a cocktail reception and a three-hour concert featuring 15 acts. Nile Rodgers is the musical director. An after-hours party for VIP ticket holders will follow. Food and drink: Open bar for the reception, and a light buffet for the VIP party. Ticket price: Tickets for military personnel and survivor families will comped. Ticket prices for the general public, announced in the next few weeks, will range from $500 to $1,500. Tickets will be on sale soon and available here.
The Hill Ball Date: January 20. Location:Atlas Performing Arts Center. Time: 8:30 PM. Host: Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Program: Expect to swing dance. Food and drink: Cash bar. Ticket price: $85. Tickets are available here.
Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Harman Center for the Arts. Time: 9 PM. Hosts: Heineken and Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. Program: Music by DJ D Nice, award presentation, and concert. Food and drink: Open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts. Ticket price: $500 for limited presale tickets; $1,000 for general admission. Tickets are available here.
Historic Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Historical Society of Washington, DC. Time: 8 PM. Host: Changeworks, LLC. Size: 800. Theme: Celebrating Barack Obama's historic inauguration and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Program: There will be live entertainment, interactive attractions, and multiple dance areas. There will also be a statement marking the historical significance by the historian and lecturer Mr. Anthony Browder. Food and drink: Passed hors d'oeuvres and serving stations with open-bar stations. Ticket price: $200. Tickets, on sale now, are available here.
History in the Making: "A Dream & A Change" Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Sheraton Crystal City Hotel. Time: 7 PM. Host: The Babyboomer Professionals. Program: The theme is "On the shoulders of heroes," celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President-elect Barack Obama. The evening will include live entertainment, dinner, and dancing. Ticket price: $199. Tickets are available here and must be purchased by December 15.
HOPE Inaugural Youth Ball Date: January 17. Location:Trinity University. Time: 6 PM. Host: Actor Jermaine Crawford with his production company, J Star Productions, Inc., and his advocacy group, Code Blue. Program: The event includes a live entertainment by the off-Broadway dance and percussion performers the Street Beats Group. People of all ages are welcome, but attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Proceeds from this family-friendly event benefit National Network for Youth. Food and drink: Food stations that will range from hot dogs to sushi, along with desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Ticket price: $102.50. Tickets are available here.
The Illinois Inaugural Gala Date: January 19. Location:Renaissance Washington, DC. Time: 5:30 PM. Host: Illinois State Society. Theme: Illinois and Illinois Heroes. Food and drink: Open-bar reception and a three-course dinner with wine pairing. Program: The ball comes in two-parts: first, a reception and dinner, and second, a gala ball. During the first portion, organizers will highlight sponsors and honor the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation. The second part, for which tickets can be purchased separately, gets underway at 8 PM. The entire banquet facilities of the hotel—including four ballrooms, three foyers, and all the private meeting rooms—will be transformed to highlight the cities, towns, riverfronts, and sites of Illinois. Tickets price: $500 for the full evening; $300 for the gala ball only until December 15 and $400 after that date. Sold out.
CANCELED: Inaugural DC Ball Date: January 20. Location:Old Post Office Pavilion. Time: 8 PM. Host: DC Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors include NBC4, Safeway, and others. Size: 1,200. Program: Chuck Brown will perform with the band Clones of Funk. The event benefits the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubhouses. Food and drink: Wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages, and hors d'oeuvres. Ticket price: $150, plus an $8.40 fee. Price includes free admission to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The event has been canceled due to extended street-closing hours. Those who purchased tickets will be fully refunded.
Inaugural Eve Ball Date: January 19. Location:Anderson House. Time: 8 PM. Host: Anderson House Museum and the Society of Cincinnati. Program: This event celebrates the 100th Anniversary of President Taft’s Inaugural Ball, which was held at Anderson House. Music will be provided by the Glenn Pearson Orchestra. Tickets: $200. Tickets are available by e-mailing events@societyofthecincinnati.org or by calling 202-785-2040.
Inaugural Luau Date: January 20. Location:Hotel Monaco. Time: 6 PM. Host: From the press release about the event, "the planning committee is a group of friends who know each other through Hawaii's film industry and Japanese American World War II Veteran organizations." Size: 300. Program: Hoku Award Winning Group of the Year, Maunalua, are scheduled to perform and chef Les Tomita of Da Kitchen on Maui will cook in an Inaugural Luau featuring Hawaiian food and music. Ticket price: $250 through January 9; $300 after that. Tickets are available here.
Inaugural Peace Ball Date: January 20. Location:Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Time: 7 PM. Hosts: Busboys and Poets and the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Program: This event is a gathering for peace activists. Harry Belafonte will host. Confirmed speakers include Howard Zinn, Alice Walker; Eve Ensler, Barbara Ehrenreich, Dick Gregory, Laura Flanders, Amy Goodman, and more. Ticket price: $165. Sold out.
Inaugural Purple Ball Date: January 20. Location:Fairmont Washington, DC. Time: 8 PM. Host: Louis Gossett Jr. and Asal Masomi are co-chairs. Other host-committee members include Patricia Arquette, Amy Brenneman, Ed Harris, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Amy Madigan, Brad Silberling, and Kate Walsh. Size: 350. Program: The gala will honor veterans and servicemen and women. It benefits the Eracism Foundation. Food and drink: Champagne dinner. Ticket price: $500, $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000. Tickets are on sale now. To order, email tickets@inauguralpurpleball.com.
Inaugurate the Change Date: January 19. Location:Corcoran Gallery of Art. Time: 8 PM. Host: Jamie Raskin, Maryland state senator. Program: Music by Dar Williams, the Ark of Gospel Choir, and Marcus Raskin. Food and drink: Maryland wines, food, and desserts. Ticket price: $75 to $4,000. Tickets are available here.
Indiana Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Omni Shoreham Hotel. Time: 6 PM. Host: Indiana Society of Washington, DC. Size: 1,200. Program: Entertainment by the Singing Hoosiers from Indiana University and the Donati Orchestra. Food and drink: Cocktail hour with an open bar followed by a seated dinner. Ticket price: $295 before December 19; $350 after that date. To order tickets, you'll need to download the invitation here, fill it out, and return it with a check made payable to the Indiana State Society of Washington. Tickets will be held at the door, and guests must provide photo identification to redeem them.
International Conservation Caucus Foundation Inauguration Gala Date: January 19. Location:Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Washington, DC. Time: 6:30 PM. Host: International Conservation Caucus Foundation. Size: 500. Program: The evening will highlight conservation achievements by the international corporate, NGO, and government communities, and award leaders from these communities for their international conservation efforts. Ticket price: $2,500. Tickets are available here.
International Inaugural Ball Date: January 17. Location:L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Time: 7:30 PM. Host: Inner Caucus and WHUR 96.3 FM. Program: The ball features Project Runway finalist Korto Momolu with her Yes We Can Inaugural Collection and a performance by recording artist Kindred. Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. Ticket price: $150 through midnight on January 13. Tickets are available here.
Ivy Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Four Points by Sheraton. Time: 8 PM. Host: Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Iota Gamma Omega Chapter. Size: 500. Theme: "Change Has Come! We Did It!" Program: Admission includes buffet, Champagne toast, commemorative gift, one complimentary drink, cash bar, music, and dancing. This event benefits the Ivy Youth and Family Center, which serves the citizens of Prince George’s County, Maryland, through various community programs and services. More information about Ivy Charities can be found here. Ticket price: $155 Tickets are available here. To purchase offline, contact Rochelle Andrews at roshav72@hotmail.com.
Junior Statesmen Foundation Inaugural Reception Date: January 18. Location:Hotel Monaco Washington. Time: 6 PM. Hosts: The Junior Statesmen Foundation/Junior State of America, Facebook, and Politico. Program: Live music provided by the Sharon Clark Quartet. Brief speakers program will be held at 7:30 to announce the kickoff to the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Junior Statesmen Foundation, a non-partisan civic education organization that encourages political awareness among high school students. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Ticket price: $75. Tickets are available here.
Kentucky Society Bluegrass Ball Date: January 19. Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Time: 6:30 PM. Size: 1,400. Host: Kentucky State Society. Theme: All-things Kentucky. Organizers will be honoring the state's bourbon and agricultural heritage, and they'll be celebrating the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln, who was born in Kentucky. Food and drink: An open-bar reception with passed hors d'oeuvres and a sit-down dinner. Chef Michael Paley of the Louisville restaurant Proof on Main will be carted in to cook up regional Kentucky fare. Most of the food will be brought in with him. Though the menu isn't finalized yet, Paley will most likely be cooking up Kentucky-raised bison, one of his specialties. Ticket price: $250, plus membership to Kentucky society for $30. Sold out. *Due to an overwhelming demand for tickets, a new batch of 400 general admission tickets—for $350, plus a $3.50 fee—will go on sale at 8 AM on Thursday, January 8. At that time, you'll be able to purchase tickets through the KSS Web site here.
*Kids’ Inaugural: We Are The Future Concert Date: January 19. Location:Verizon Center. Time: Doors open at 5 PM; event begins at 7 PM. Program: Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and their families will be attending the concert honoring military families. The concert will be broadcast live on the Disney Channel. The Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus are rumored to perform. Ticket price: Free.
Land of Enchantment Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Time: 7 PM. Host: New Mexico State Society. Program: Live music and dancing. Food and drink: An open bar with heavy hors d'oeuvres being served throughout the night. Ticket price: $125 for members; $174 for nonmembers. Sold out.
Latino Inaugural Celebration Date: January 19. Location:Hall of the Americas. Time: 7:30 PM. Program: Invited special guests include senators Hilda Solis and Ken Salazar and governor Bill Richardson. Mistress of ceremonies will be Teresa Rodriguez, Univision correspondent. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres, beer, and wine. Ticket price: $125. Tickets are available here.
Latino Inaugural Gala Date: January 18. Location:Union Station. Time: 7:30 PM. Hosts: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus (DNC), National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and Voto Latino. Size: 3,500. Program: The event will feature performances and entertainment by Marc Anthony, Alejandro Sanz, Lila Downs, Angelica Vale, and others. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and limited open bar with beer, wine, Champagne and a signature cocktail. Ticket price: $200. Tickets are available here.
Lincoln Inaugural 2.0 Ball Date: January 18. Location:Smithsonian American Art Museum. Time: 8 PM. Host: Washington.org. Size: 1,500. Theme: Victorian times and Abraham Lincoln. Program: The event is being held in the same building where President Lincoln hosted his inaugural ball in 1865. The museum’s Lincoln Gallery will be open, and a special exhibition entitled, The Honor of Your Company is Requested: Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball, will be on display with rarely seen engravings and artifacts. Bands and dance ensembles, including the Victorian Dance Ensemble, Susquehanna Travelers, Round Midnight and Eric Felton Band, will perform throughout the evening. A Lincoln impersonator will also be at the event. Proceeds to benefit the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the American Experience Foundation. Food and drink: Open bar and festive food. Ticket price: $375. Tickets are available here.
Mambo for Obama Date: January 18. Location:Zanzibar on the Waterfront. Time: 10 PM. Host: LatinVIP. Size: 1,000. Program: The event features a red carpet to welcome celebrities and politicians. Inside, two floors with continuous entertainment will highlight the beauty of the Latino culture with music, dance, food and beverage. Ticket price: $75. Tickets are available here.
Minnesota State Society Inaugural Open House Date: January 20. Location:Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2167. Time: 9 AM to 4 PM. Host: Minnesota State Society of Washington, DC. Program: This is a free hospitality reception for Minnesotans visiting Washington for the inauguration. Food and drink: Coffee and light snacks will be served. Ticket price: Free. Entrance to the Rayburn House Office Building will be through the main entrance at the horseshoe drive off South Capitol Street.
Muslim Inaugural Celebration & Reception Date: January 19. Location:Thurgood Marshall Center. Time: 7 PM. Host: The Muslim Social Network, the Washington Academic Leadership Institute, and the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association of Capitol Hill. Program: Networking, entertainment, and reflections and commentary by several of the Washington area's prominent Muslim political and religious leaders. Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres. Ticket price: $100. Tickets are available here.
National Inaugural Jewish Ball Date: January 18. Location:Ohev Sholom National Synagogue. Time: 8 PM. Host: Ohev Sholom National Synagogue. Program: Live music by Paul Shapiro's Ribs and Brisket Revue. Food and drink: Dessert and cash bar. Ticket price: $40 in advance; $50 at the door; $20 for students with ID. Tickets are available here.
National Obama Peoples Ball Of Prince George's County Date: January 19. Location:La Fontaine Bleu. Time: 8 PM. Program: Entertainment by the Obama Girls of Comedy and Janine Gilbert-Carter and her contemporary jazz ensemble. Special invited guests include Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Prince George's County NAACP Vice President, Earl Adams, Jr., Redskins Antwan Randle-El, and more. A portion of the gala's proceeds will benefit The Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School Art Department, Thomas G. Pullen Creative and Performing Arts School, and the American Diabetes Association of Washington, DC. Food and drink: Dinner. Ticket price: $100; there is a special advance ticket rate of $75 that will be offered through Saturday. Tickets are available here.
*Neighborhood Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location: Washington Convention Center. Program: This event, hosted by Barack Obama, will be the first-ever inaugural ball to be broadcast over the Web. In an effort to make his inauguration the most accessible in history, Obama will also leverage text-messaging during the event. Tickets: A portion of tickets will be set aside for DC residents, while the rest will be available for free or "at an affordable price." Details on how to get tickets will be released soon.
Netroots Nation Yes We Can Party Date: January 19. Location:Clarendon Ballroom. Time: 7 PM. Hosts: Netroots Nation, AmericaBlog, Blue Commonwealth, Congress Matters, Firedoglake, Fivethirtyeight.com, Frameshop, Jack & Jill Politics, Living Liberally and myDD. Program: Live entertainment by Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and four drink tickets. Ticket price: $90; for $290, you get access to the party and a discounted pass to the Netroots Nation Convention in August. Tickets are available here.
New Hampshire State Society Inaugural Reception Date: January 19. Location:Willard InterContinental. Time: 5 PM. Host: New Hampshire State Society of Washington, DC. Size: 200. Program: Proceeds support the New Hampshire State Society's Educational Opportunity Fund, which provides stipends for New Hampshire students who've obtained internships in Washington. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and open bar. Ticket price: Free to members of the society. To renew membership or become a member, it's $25 for the year, payable at the door. RSVP to the event is required. RSVP at nhstatesociety@hotmail.com or call Chip Kennett at 603-387-4207.
New York State Society Inaugural Parade Brunch Date: January 20. Location:Willard InterContinental. Time: 11 AM. Host: New York State Society. Program: The society will arrange some street-side viewing of the parade, as well as TV broadcasts. Food and drink: Omelet station and other brunch fare. Ticket prices: $320 for society members; $370 for nonmembers. Sold out.
Next America Inaugural Ball Date: January 18. Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies. Time: 8 PM. Host: CSIS Next America Project. Size: 300. Program: The event is for rising foreign policy stars, ages 18 to 35. Dancing and special guests. Food and drink: Wine, beer, cocktails, and hors d’oeurvres. Ticket price: $75. Tickets are available here.
North Carolina Society Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Time: 8 PM. Host: North Carolina Society of Washington, DC. Size: 1,200. Program: The evening will include food, drink, and entertainment provided by North Carolina's own Liquid Pleasure. Food and drink: Open bar and light fare. Ticket price: $150. Sold out.
Obama 44/44 Grassroots Inaugural Ball Date: January 17. Location:Crystal Gateway Marriott. Time: 6:30 PM. Hosts: Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia and the Virginia Association of Democratic Chairs. Program: Live music and dancing. Food and drink: Four-course dinner buffet and cash bar. Ticket price: $150. Tickets are available here.
Obama Pajama Party Date: January 18. Location:Ronald Reagan Center for International Trade. Time: 8 PM. Host: Pajama Program, a non-profit organization that delivers warm sleepwear and nurturing books to children in need, many of whom are waiting to be adopted. Program: The event is hosted and chaired by actress Carrie Fisher, and benefits the Pajama Program. The Tonight Show's Mo Rocca will interview guests for a segment on the January 20 broadcast. Other expected guests include Marisa Tomei, Keisha Knightly, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, MTV VJ Lala and Fonzworth Bentley. Guests are invited to wear pajamas or black tie, nightgown or ball gown. Ticket price: $300. Tickets are available here.
"Obama: THAT ONE!" Pre-Inaugural Gala Date: January 18. Location:Newseum. Time: 9 PM. Program: Awards will be given to Hill Harper, founder of Manifest Your Destiny, and Beverly Bond, founder of Black Girls Rock. Music by celebrity deejay Beverly Bond. Food and drink: Open bar and hor d'oeuvres by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Ticket price: $500. Tickets are available here.
Pearl Presidential Inaugural Gala Date: January 19. Location:Mandarin Oriental hotel. Time: 7 PM. Hosts: Francey Lim Youngberg and Gloria T. Caoile, organizers of the first ever Asian Pacific American Inaugural Ball in 1996; honorary co-chairs are Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and DNC Vice Chair Congressman Mike Honda. Size: 1,200. Theme: Asian. Program: The program will include a reception, dancing, silent auction, and sales of limited edition Obama-inspired jewelry to benefit the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program. Food and drink: Food will be stations featuring cuisines from China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea. There will also be an open bar during dinner. Ticket price: $250. Sold out.
Pennsylvania State Society of Washington, DC Inaugural Gala Date: January 20. Location:Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC. Time: 7 PM. Host: Pennsylvania State Society of Washington, DC. Size: 1,800. Theme: A Night of Stars. Pennsylvania's congressional members, governor, and several prominent mayors are expected to attend. Program: Entertainment will be provided by Mark Rivera, who's played with Billy Joel, Ringo Starr, and others. Weatherman Tony Perkins will be the emcee. Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar. Ticket price: $150. Sold out.
The People's Inaugural Ball Date: January 17. Location:Historical Society of Washington. Time: 8 PM. Hosts: DC Statehood Fund in partnership with others. Theme: "Celebrating Grassroots: People on the Ground Electing a President." Proceeds benefit the DC Statehood Fund and participating host organizations. Ticket price: $125. Tickets are on sale now and available here.
The President's Ball Date: January 20. Location: Washington Times Building. Time: 7:30 PM. Host: Maryland Inaugural Special Committee. Program: The evening will include live entertainment, such as pianist Charles Covington, R&B group the Softones, and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Maryland Beverage Development Corp (BCDC), a 501c3 organization and the Stop Underage Drinking & Smoking Campaign. Food and drink: Open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and dessert. Items like beef wellington, teriyaki chicken, salmon balls, and bruschetta appear on the menu. Ticket price: $250. Tickets are available here.
Presidential Inaugural Gala Date: January 20. Location:Corcoran Gallery of Art. Time: 7 PM. Hosts: Link Americas Foundation, the Alliance for Public Technology, the Children's Partnership, Education Development Center, and the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Food and drink: Buffet dinner and open bar. Ticket price: $1,000. Tickets are on sale now and available here.
Proof's Inaugural Ball After Party Date: January 20. Location:Proof. Time: 10:30 PM. Program: The event will feature the Verve recording artist Melody Gardot and her band. Food and drink: Passed hors d'oeuvres and up to three glasses of the Dom Perignon, Krug, and Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne. Ticket price: $250. To make reservations, call Karen Chan at 202-737-7663.
Proof's Inaugural Buffet Brunch Date: January 20. Location:Proof. Time: 10 AM. Program: Eat brunch while watching the inauguration and parade on four flat-screen TVs. Food and drink: A selection of brunch specialties from Chef Haidar Karoum with unlimited Champagne selected by Proof's wine director, Sebastian Zutant. Ticket price: $75. To make reservations, call Karen Chan at 202-737-7663.
Proof's Inaugural Eve Dinner Show Date: January 19. Location:Proof. Time: 9 PM. Program: Live performance by Verve recording artist Melody Gardot and her band. Food and drink: Four-course tasting menu. Ticket price: $120; $40 for seats at the bar with no dinner. To make reservations, call Karen Chan at 202-737-7663.
Recording Industry Association of America's Presidential Inauguration Charity Ball Date: January 20. Location: TBA. Time: TBA. Host: Recording Industry Association of America. Program: Grammy winner Rihanna will perform, and other celebrities, including David Arquette, will make an appearance. The event benefits the hunger-relief charity Feeding America. This event is by invitation only.
Red Goes Blue Inaugural Bash Date: January 18. Location:Old Ebbitt Grill. Time: 10 PM. Host: Young Lawyers for Obama. Program: Entertainment by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and Jackie Green. Food and drink: Open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Ticket price: $100. Tickets are available here.
*Regional Inaugural Balls Date: January 20. Location: Throughout the city. Host: Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Details: • The Eastern Inaugural Ball, for guests from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, will take place at Union Station. • The Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball, for guests from Maryland, Virginia, DC, New York, New Jersey, and West Virginia, will take place at the Washington Convention Center. • The Midwest Inaugural Ball, for guests from Kansas, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Missouri, will be held at the Washington Convention Center. • The Southern Inaugural Ball, for guests from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, will be held at the National Guard Armory. • The Western Inaugural Ball, for guests from Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Oklahoma, and Guam, will be held at the Washington Convention Center. Ticket price: $150. Tickets will be available to invited guests.
Route 44 to the White House Inaugural Brunch Date: January 18. Location:Four Seasons Washington. Time: 11 AM. Host: Global Management Consultants, Judith A.Thomas, Emmanuel Bobga Ayaba, and Patricia D. Murray. Size: 250. Program: Gospel singer and Grammy Award winner Albertina Walker will perform, and DC broadcaster Jacquie Gales Webb, host of WHUR-FM’s gospel music program, will be mistress of ceremonies. There will also be jazz, gospel, and international performances from Africa. The event will benefit the DC-based CB&JT Family Foundation, which provides youth mentoring and senior assistance programs for underserved families. Food and drink: African-style cuisine will be served. Ticket price: $250. Tickets are available here.
Shades of Blue Inaugural Gala Date: January 20. Location:Embassy Suites Convention Center. Time: 8 PM. Host: Create the Vision Source, LLC. Program: Live entertainment, dancing, and celebrity appearances. Food and drink: Open bar and hors d'oeuvres. Ticket price: $300. Tickets are available here. Call 301-656-6660 or e-mail info@cre8visionsource.com for more information.
Sikh Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Ascot Restaurant. Time: 7 PM. Host: Sikh Community Center. Size: 300. Food and drink: A general admission ticket gets you a buffet dinner and two drink. A VIP ticket gets you passage to a sit-down reception, open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and buffet. Ticket price: General admission is $150 and VIP is $250. Tickets are on sale here.
Spike Mendelsohn's Burger Ball Date: January 20. Location:Good Stuff Eatery. Time: 8 PM. Host:Top Chef season four contestant Spike Mendelsohn. Size: 200. Food and drink: A selection of mini burgers, hand-cut fries, mini milkshakes, and salads. Beer and wine are included. Ticket price: $99. For tickets, call Micheline at 202-543-8222 or e-mail info@goodstuffeatery.com.
State Society of Arizona Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Historical Society of Washington, DC. Time: 8 PM. Host: State Society of Arizona. Size: 1,200. Food and drink: There will be an open bar with two signature drinks for the evening, including an Arizona pickled cactus martini. The Southwest-inspired menu of heavy hors d'oeuvres will feature items such as empanadas and queso. More than a dozen desserts, including flan, will be served. Ticket price: $175; $300 for a couple; $500 for VIP (which gets you front-of-the-line access upon arrival and entry to the VIP room with a private bar, seating, and passed hors d'oeuvres). General admission tickets are sold out and there are less than 50 VIP tickets left, available here.
Sunshine and Stars Florida Inaugural Ball Date: January 19. Location:Corcoran Gallery of Art. Time: 9:30 PM. Host: Florida State Society. Program: The evening will include dessert, dancing, live music by Big Ray and the Kool Kats, and an open bar. Sold out.
Tennessee State Society Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:City Tavern Club. Time: 8:30 PM. Host: Tennessee State Society of Washington, DC and Volkswagen. Program: Music by BS&M. Food and drink: Open bar and dessert. Ticket price: $130 a person, $250 a couple. Tickets are available here.
Unity in Service Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location: *Venue changed to Top of the Art, event space of WVSA Arts connection. Time: 8 PM. Program: Proceeds benefit the Armed Forces Relief Trust and Trinity University's scholarship fund. Food and drink: Light fare, beer, and wine. Ticket price: $110 through January 15; $130 after. Tickets are available here.
Vermont State Society Inaugural Reception Date: January 18th Location: Rooftop of the 101 Constitution Avenue building. Time: 8 PM. Host: Vermont State Society. Food and drink: Beer, wine, cheese, cider, chocolate, ham, apple pie, and more. Open bar. Tickets: $100. Tickets are available here.
Virginia's Inaugural Black Tie and Blue Dominion Ball Date: January 19. Location:National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Time: 7 PM. Host: Executive Committee of the Black Tie and Blue Dominion Ball. Size: The Udvar-Hazy center holds 7,700 people. Program: Fifty tickets will be given free-of-charge to wounded soldiers and their spouses living in Virginia. The evening will include the first-ever presentation of the Virginia Valor Award, given to a solider who best exemplifies the values of the Blue Dominion; major general Roger Nadeau will be on hand to present it. The event will be broadcast live to soldiers stationed in the Washington area, and possibly to those in Iraq. Entertainment will be provided by the Commodores and the Chicago group the Gentlemen of Leisure. Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and open bar. Ticket price: $250 a person or $400 a couple; $1,000 for VIP, which includes a reception, dinner, and preferred seating. $150 for military. Tickets are available here.
Yes We Did! Celebration Date: January 19. Location:Washington Plaza Hotel. Time: 8 PM. Host: Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Ticket price: $150. Seniors (over 64) and students (with valid student ID) can get tickets for $75. Tickets are available here.
Young & Powerful Black Tie Gala & Awards Ceremony Date: January 19. Location:L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Time: 8 PM. Host: Young & Powerful for Obama and coalition partners. Size: 900. Program: Keynote address, Obama history presentation, Young & Powerful Change award, live entertainment, deejay, and dancing. Food and drink: Open bar from 8 to 9, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Ticket price: $125, plus a $3.12 online service fee. Tickets are available here. You can also find more information about the gala and the Young & Powerful's other inaugural events on their Facebook page.
*Youth Inaugural Ball Date: January 20. Location:Washington Hilton. Host: Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Program: The event is geared toward those ages 18 to 35. Ticket price: $75. Tickets will be available to invited guests.
Inauguration: Where the Parties Are
Here’s our list of galas, balls, and parties happening around town during the inauguration. We’ll be updating this on a rolling basis as events are confirmed. Don’t see one listed? Send an e-mail to [email protected] and we’ll get the information
>>All Washingtonian.com Inauguration 2009 coverage
If you're having trouble printing this list, click here. Or to view these events by date, click here.
NOTE: Balls with an asterisk (*) next to them are official balls, sanctioned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. These are the only events that the president-elect, vice president-elect, or their families are guaranteed to attend.
51st State Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: John A. Wilson Building.
Time: 8 PM.
Hosts: Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr., council chair Vincent C. Gray, and Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry.
Program: Chuck Brown and local bands have been asked to perform.
Ticket price: $51.
2009 Green Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: National Portrait Gallery.
Time: 8 PM.
Hosts: 2009 Green Inaugural Ball Host Committee, composed of 25 environmental organizations.
Program: Former Vice President Al Gore as the event’s honorary chair.
This event is by invitation only.
2009 Inaugural Celebrity Basketball Game
Date: January 17.
Location: Calvin Coolidge Senior High School.
Time: 4 PM.
Hosts: SeeMeBall.com and Lonnie Harrell of the And 1 Mixtape Tour.
Program: Confirmed celebrity participants include the Redskins' Clinton Portis and Santana Moss, the Baltimore Ravens' Willis McGahee, the 49ers' Vernon Davis, and lots more. The event benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington.
Ticket price: $15; $100 for VIP tickets, which includes floor seats and free food and drinks.
Tickets are available here.
A Celebration of Change Inaugural Gala
Date: January 17.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: The Babyboomer Professionals.
Program: Live R&B band and dancing.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
Ticket price: $175
Sold out.
"A Formal Affair for Change" Presidential Inaugural Gala
Date: January 20.
Location: Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: Cleveland Spears of 89.3 WPFW.
Program: Jazz vocalist Kellylee Evans will perform.
Food and drink: Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $195.
Tickets are available here.
“A New Birth of Citizenship” Inauguration Kick-Off
Date: January 18.
Location: Renaissance Washington.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Declare Yourself, the nonpartisan youth voter initiative.
Program: The event will be hosted by Jessica Alba and will feature special musical guests including Maroon 5, spoken word artists Steve Connell, Sekou (Tha Misfit), Nuttin’ But Strings, celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson, and surprise guests. Proceeds from the evening will go towards Declare Yourself and the “Born Again American” campaign.
Ticket price: $250.
Tickets are available by e-mailing Rachel@hirschbergstrateies.com or calling 202-547-5797.
African-American Church Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Grand Hyatt Washington.
Time: 6 PM.
Host: Leaders of African-American churches.
Size: 2,000.
Theme: "We Have Come This Far By Faith." The event honors the history and accomplishments of African-Americans in the US. "Keeper of the Flame" awards will be given to individuals who have been a part of the advancement of African-Americans in the country.
Food and drink: Sit-down dinner, red and white wine.
Ticket price: $250; $500 for VIP.
The $250 tickets are sold out, but some VIP tickets are still available here.
African Diaspora Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Harman Center for the Arts.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: African Diaspora for Change in partnership with Africa Aspire.
Program: Live entertainment by some of the Diaspora’s brightest stars including an all women’s Brazilian drumming group, an energetic East African Dance troupe and a live South African band. Confirmed artists include Grammy-award nominated group Les Nubians, and a special guest appearance by Grammy Award winner and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Angelique Kidjo. One hundred-percent of proceeds will go to Batonga Foundation and First Book.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and open bar.
Ticket price: Start at $150.
Tickets are available here.
African Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Hilton Silver Spring.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: African Foundation.
Program: Entertainment by African music groups, a comedian, and celebrities; deejay music and dancing.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres, carving stations, and a cheese station, plus cash bar.
Ticket price: $150.
Tickets are available here.
All American Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Westin Washington.
Program: There will be six entertainment areas, featuring bands, DJs, dance floors, and interactive attractions.
Food and drink: Several open bars from 9 PM to 1 AM, and serving stations from 9 to 10:30; nonalcoholic beverages served until 2 AM.
Ticket price: Tickets will start at $175 on November 25, when they go on sale, and will go up in price after that. The highest they'll go is $350.
Tickets can be purchased here.
All Souls Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: All Souls Unitarian Church.
Time: 6 PM reception, 7 PM ball.
Host: All Souls Unitarian Church.
Program: The event honors Reverend William Sinkford, the first African American President of the Unitarian Universalist Association. All proceeds support All Souls' social justice mission.
Ticket price: $100 for the reception and ball; $50 ball only.
Tickets are available here.
Aloha Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Marriott Wardman Park.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Ticket price: $350 for regular admission and $650 for VIP, which includes access to a private balcony and a special gift.
Tickets are available here.
American Indian Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Hyatt Regency Crystal City.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Host: American Indian Society of Washington DC.
Program: The ball celebrates Native American leaders, organizations, artists, and musicians. It features a silent auction, award presentation, and dancing.
Ticket price: $110 advance purchase; $150 at the door.
Tickets are on sale now and are available here.
CANCELED: American Music Inaugural Balls
Date: January 20.
Location: Marriott Wardman Park.
Time: 8 PM.
Size: 4,000 to 6,000.
Host: Dionne Warwick.
Program: The event is composed of two parts: the Legends Ball, which Warwick will host, and the Urban Ball, which will see rapper Ludacris at the helm. It will be the first ever two-ball event in inaugural history. Performers include Rodney Atkins, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, Marvin Sapp, the Temptations (with Dennis Edwards), Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Kirk Franklin, the H.B. Barnum Orchestra, The Caravans, Smokie Norful, T-Pain, David Banner, Athena Cage, Cedric the Entertainer, the Cheetah Girls, Fantasia, Lil Jon, Monica, Bella Steez, and Bobby Valentino.
Ticket price: $450 for the Legends Ball and $350 for the Urban Ball. A combo ticket, which gets you entrance into both events, is $675.
Tickets are on sale here.
Ancestors Dream Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Gaylord National Resort Hotel and Conference Center.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Prince George's County Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Program: Live bands and televised Inauguration Day coverage.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts.
Ticket price: $200 through January 10; $250 after.
Tickets are available here.
Arkansas State Society Inaugural Gala
Date: January 19.
Location: National Press Club.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Arkansas State Society.
Size: 800 to 1000.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar.
Ticket price: $200.
Tickets are available here. To purchase offline, e-mail C.Glenn.Mahone@aerojet.com.
*Barack Obama's Illinois and Hawaii Inaugural Balls
Date: January 20.
Location: Washington Convention Center.
Ticket price: $150.
This event is for Obama's invited guests from his home states, Illinois and Hawaii.
Barack Obama Pre-Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration
Date: January 17.
Location: Tuscana West.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: National Association of Minority Government Contractors.
Program: Open bar from 8 to 9, then dinner and dancing.
Ticket price: $135. VIP tickets are $200 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar from 8 to 10, dinner, and complimentary Champagne.
Tickets are available here. VIP is sold out.
CANCELED: Be the Change Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Host: MTV and ServiceNation.
Program: The event will feature several leading artists, celebrities, and government officials, and it will be televised live on MTV.
No word yet on ticket price and how to get them. We'll update as details of the event unfold.
Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: Texas State Society.
Size: 13,000.
Theme: All-things Texas. The centerpiece of the event: A Texas State Fair with vendors from the state on hand selling everything from boots to belt buckles to Texas wines.
Program: Texan performers, including Tracy Byrd, Jack Ingram, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Kevin Fowler, Dale Watson, and more, will put on a country-music extravaganza.
Food and drink: An open bar and Texas-inspired hors d'oeuvres will be available all night long.
Ticket price: $225 for TSS members; $300 for nonmembers.
Tickets are available here.
Black McDonald's Operator's Association Inauguration Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: City Club of Washington at Franklin Square.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Baltimore/Washington chapter of the National Black McDonald’s Operator's Association.
Size: 350.
Program: Live music and dancing.
Food and drink: Hors d’oeurvres and open bar.
Ticket Price: $200, plus a $10 online service fee.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Folger Shakespeare Library.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training.
Size: 500.
Program: Entertainment by pop singer Ferras. Awards will be given to Senator Edward Kennedy, filmmaker George Lucas, and others.
Ticket price: $2,500 a couple.
Sold out.
Change Has Come Inaugural Gala
Date: January 20.
Location: Hilton Washington Embassy Row.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: The Babyboomer Professionals.
Program: Live jazz and dancing.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and open bar for the first hour.
Ticket price: $150.
Tickets available here.
Change the Game Inaugural Gala
Date: January 17.
Location: Sports Club/LA.
Time: 9 PM.
Program: Live entertainment and silent auction. Guests include current and former pro athletes and coaches, entertainers, and VIP guests.
Food and drink: Complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and passed hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $75, plus a $1.88 online service fee.
Tickets are available here.
Children's Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Historical Society of Washington, DC.
Time: 12 to 5 PM.
Host: Every Child Matters Education Fund in collaboration with national and local children's organizations.
Program: This kid-friendly event is not a glitzy, black-tie affair. It's designed for children of any age. The day will include live music, educational exhibits, story time, a puppet stage, crafts, games, and more. The event runs for five hours, but it is not expected that guests will stay the entire time. The large time window just allows more people to participate.
Food and drink: Kid-friendly food.
Ticket price: Free.
Invitation requests are no longer being accepted. But in case space opens up, you can put your name on a waiting list here.
*Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: National Building Museum.
Program: This event, hosted by Barack Obama, is for reserve and active duty military.
Ticket price: Free
This event is by invitation only.
Creative Coalition's Gala Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Harman Center for the Arts.
Time: 9 PM.
Host: The Creative Coalition.
Program: Elvis Costello, Sting, and R&B legend Sam Moore will perform. Confirmed attendees are Spike Lee, Susan Sarandon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kerry Washington, and more.
Ticket price: The $10,000, two-ticket package is sold out. Other packages are $25,000, $50,000, or $100,000.
Sold out.
DC Latino Inaugural Gala Celebration
Date: January 17.
Location: Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: The DC Latino Inaugural Gala Celebration Committee, which includes Franklin Garcia, Maria Corales, Roxana Olivas, Eddie Zavala, Lillian Perdomo, Oralia Puente, Ted Loza, Angel Luis Irene, Beatriz Perez-Gomez, Rita Camilo, Janet Lugo-Tafur, Maria Del Riego, Lucas Botello, Millie Ribeiro, Jose Dorse, Cecilia Domeyko.
Program: The evening starts with a wine reception, followed by dinner with a special awards ceremony and tribute to the honorees (Bill Richardson, governor of New Mexico; Janet Murguia, president of National Council of La Raza; Sonia Gutierrez, founder of Carlos Rosario International Charter School; Tom Perez, secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor; and Lillian Perdomo, president of Multicultural Community Services). The event concludes with all-night dancing with a live band.
Ticket price: $125 for table seating, $100 for balcony seating.
Tickets are available here. Balcony tickets are sold out.
Delaware State Society Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Willard InterContinental.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Delaware State Society.
Size: 650.
Program: Live entertainment and dancing.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar.
Ticket price: $300.
E-mail Nancy Aiken at Broomie53@aol.com or call 301-983-8182 for ticket reservations.
Disability Power & Pride Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: National Press Club.
Time: 7 PM.
Program: Live music, dancing, food, special guests, and commemorative memorabilia.
Ticket Price: $100.
Tickets are available here.
Dream Achieved Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Grand Hyatt Washington.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: African Business Roundtable.
Program: Live cultural performances, music, and dancing. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Africa Children in Need through "Africa Needs U."
Food and drink: A full course menu and an open bar.
Ticket price: $500.
Tickets are available here.
Dream Makers Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Bobby Van's Grill.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: C Four Marketing Solutions.
Size: 650.
Program: Awards ceremony and live performances by Bebe Winans, Soul Food Jazz, Suai, and Tony Rich of Hidden Beach Recordings.
Food and drink: Buffet of Southern-style cuisine and open bar.
Ticket price: $250.
Tickets are available here. Contact Mr. Smith at 443-562-4581 with questions.
"Dreams from My Father" American Scholars Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Four Seasons Washington.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: National Intellectual Property Law Institute, Dave & Ray Entertainment, and Hip Hop Caucus.
Size: 2,000.
Program: Syndicated celebrity radio talk show host, Russ Parr, TV political analyst and Democratic strategist, Jamal Simmons, and congressman Gregory Meeks will host. The event will include dancing and live entertainment.
Food and drink: Open bar and hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $350, plus a $12.48 nonrefundable service charge.
Tickets are available here.
Environmental and Clean Energy Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Sequoia Restaurant.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Members of several environmental groups.
Program: Hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
Ticket price: $200.
Sold out.
Fly Me to the Moon! Inaugural Celebration
Date: January 18.
Location: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: California Democratic Party.
Program: Dancing and live entertainment.
Food and drink: Hosted bar and hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $150.
Sold out.
The George Washington University Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Omni Shoreham Hotel.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: George Washington University president Steven Knapp.
Size: 4,000
Program: Live bands, talent from the GW performance community, and televised Inauguration Day coverage.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages; a cash bar will be provided for guests who are 21 years or older.
Ticket price: $100.
Sold out.
Georgia Inaugural Gala
Date: January 19.
Location: National Museum of Natural History.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Georgia State Society of Washington, DC.
Program: Live music and dancing.
Food and drink: Georgia-style buffet and open bar.
Ticket price: $200.
Tickets are available here.
Glen Echo Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Glen Echo Park's Spanish Ballroom.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Hosts: World Music & Dance Institute and the Folklore Society of Greater Washington.
Program: The dance night includes square dancing, waltzing, and swing dancing with music by the Gigmeisters and Idle Americans.
Ticket price: $20.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by sending a check for $20 a person to WMADI, 9609 Pinkney Ct., Potomac, Maryland, 20854. Include the names of all attendees and an e-mail address (for confirmations).
Google Inaugural Event
Date: January 20.
Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
Time: 9 PM.
Host: Google/YouTube and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.
Size: 2,000.
Program: Google will match donations to designated charities.
This event is by invitation only.
Green Inaugural Ball
Date: January 17.
Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Event Emissary, an ecofriendly event planning firm.
Size: 1,000.
Program: To-be-determined live entertainment and dancing. Five-percent of the ticket price will be donated to charity.
Food and drink: 100-percent organic heavy hors d'oeuvres and a four-hour premium open bar.
Ticket price: $500.
Tickets are available here. (*For the event chaired by Al Gore, please see 2009 Green Inaugural Ball above.)
Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Mandarin Oriental hotel.
Size: 750 people.
Host: Hawaii State Society.
Theme: Hawaii, of course. Decoration ideas run the gamut from Hawaiian floral arrangements to volcanoes. There has also been talk of a waterfall.
Food and drink: Asian-Pacific fare, open bar.
Entertainment: Performances from six acts, including five flying in from Hawaii.
Ticket price: $200.
Sold out.
HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Sequoia.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
Program: The evening will include live music, food, drinks, and dancing. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to HBCU Scholarship charities.
Ticket price: $300.
Tickets are available here.
HBC – New Leaf Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Trinity University.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: New Leaf Beverage Company, Boomj.com, and Fifth Column Entertainment.
Size: 1,200.
Theme: “Turning over a New Leaf.”
Program: Guests who attend the ball will be invited to try New Leaf's new products and give a video testimony and and short personal New Years resolution, which will be posted of the New Leaf web site. They will be invited to the site next year to update their progress. Live entertainment will be provided, and the performances will be posted on New Leaf's Web site. Web visitors will be asked to vote for the best performance of the night.
Food and drink: Cash bar and hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $350 through December 31 and $500 after.
Tickets are on sale here.
Health for All Blue Diamond Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: National Museum of Natural History.
Time: 8 PM.
Hosts: Event Emissary, the Vineeta Foundation, and the National Museum of Natural History.
Program: Live entertainment, featuring Jackson Browne and Graham Nash. This is an eco-event, designed to have a minimal environmental impact. Green features include the event location, vendors, organic and local food and drinks, and more.
Food and drink: Organic and local heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar.
Ticket price: $500.
Tickets are available here.
Heroes Red, White & Blue Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Warner Theatre.
Time: 6 PM.
Host: Citizens Helping Heroes, Inc.
Size: 1,500.
Theme: Rebirth of Freedom. The event is a benefit for the USO of Metropolitan Washington and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors that honors America's military heroes and injured service members.
Program: The event will include a cocktail reception and a three-hour concert featuring 15 acts. Nile Rodgers is the musical director. An after-hours party for VIP ticket holders will follow.
Food and drink: Open bar for the reception, and a light buffet for the VIP party.
Ticket price: Tickets for military personnel and survivor families will comped. Ticket prices for the general public, announced in the next few weeks, will range from $500 to $1,500.
Tickets will be on sale soon and available here.
The Hill Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Atlas Performing Arts Center.
Time: 8:30 PM.
Host: Capitol Hill Community Foundation.
Program: Expect to swing dance.
Food and drink: Cash bar.
Ticket price: $85.
Tickets are available here.
Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Harman Center for the Arts.
Time: 9 PM.
Hosts: Heineken and Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.
Program: Music by DJ D Nice, award presentation, and concert.
Food and drink: Open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts.
Ticket price: $500 for limited presale tickets; $1,000 for general admission.
Tickets are available here.
Historic Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Historical Society of Washington, DC.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Changeworks, LLC.
Size: 800.
Theme: Celebrating Barack Obama's historic inauguration and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
Program: There will be live entertainment, interactive attractions, and multiple dance areas. There will also be a statement marking the historical significance by the historian and lecturer Mr. Anthony Browder.
Food and drink: Passed hors d'oeuvres and serving stations with open-bar stations.
Ticket price: $200.
Tickets, on sale now, are available here.
History in the Making: "A Dream & A Change" Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Sheraton Crystal City Hotel.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: The Babyboomer Professionals.
Program: The theme is "On the shoulders of heroes," celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President-elect Barack Obama. The evening will include live entertainment, dinner, and dancing.
Ticket price: $199.
Tickets are available here and must be purchased by December 15.
HOPE Inaugural Youth Ball
Date: January 17.
Location: Trinity University.
Time: 6 PM.
Host: Actor Jermaine Crawford with his production company, J Star Productions, Inc., and his advocacy group, Code Blue.
Program: The event includes a live entertainment by the off-Broadway dance and percussion performers the Street Beats Group. People of all ages are welcome, but attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Proceeds from this family-friendly event benefit National Network for Youth.
Food and drink: Food stations that will range from hot dogs to sushi, along with desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Ticket price: $102.50.
Tickets are available here.
Huffington Post Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Newseum.
Host: Huffington Post and ServiceNation.
Program: Will.i.am is slated to perform.
The Illinois Inaugural Gala
Date: January 19.
Location: Renaissance Washington, DC.
Time: 5:30 PM.
Host: Illinois State Society.
Theme: Illinois and Illinois Heroes.
Food and drink: Open-bar reception and a three-course dinner with wine pairing.
Program: The ball comes in two-parts: first, a reception and dinner, and second, a gala ball. During the first portion, organizers will highlight sponsors and honor the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation. The second part, for which tickets can be purchased separately, gets underway at 8 PM. The entire banquet facilities of the hotel—including four ballrooms, three foyers, and all the private meeting rooms—will be transformed to highlight the cities, towns, riverfronts, and sites of Illinois.
Tickets price: $500 for the full evening; $300 for the gala ball only until December 15 and $400 after that date.
Sold out.
CANCELED: Inaugural DC Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Old Post Office Pavilion.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: DC Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors include NBC4, Safeway, and others.
Size: 1,200.
Program: Chuck Brown will perform with the band Clones of Funk. The event benefits the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubhouses.
Food and drink: Wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages, and hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $150, plus an $8.40 fee. Price includes free admission to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
The event has been canceled due to extended street-closing hours. Those who purchased tickets will be fully refunded.
Inaugural Eve Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Anderson House.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Anderson House Museum and the Society of Cincinnati.
Program: This event celebrates the 100th Anniversary of President Taft’s Inaugural Ball, which was held at Anderson House. Music will be provided by the Glenn Pearson Orchestra.
Tickets: $200.
Tickets are available by e-mailing events@societyofthecincinnati.org or by calling 202-785-2040.
Inaugural Luau
Date: January 20.
Location: Hotel Monaco.
Time: 6 PM.
Host: From the press release about the event, "the planning committee is a group of friends who know each other through Hawaii's film industry and Japanese American World War II Veteran organizations."
Size: 300.
Program: Hoku Award Winning Group of the Year, Maunalua, are scheduled to perform and chef Les Tomita of Da Kitchen on Maui will cook in an Inaugural Luau featuring Hawaiian food and music.
Ticket price: $250 through January 9; $300 after that.
Tickets are available here.
Inaugural Peace Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Time: 7 PM.
Hosts: Busboys and Poets and the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Program: This event is a gathering for peace activists. Harry Belafonte will host. Confirmed speakers include Howard Zinn, Alice Walker; Eve Ensler, Barbara Ehrenreich, Dick Gregory, Laura Flanders, Amy Goodman, and more.
Ticket price: $165.
Sold out.
Inaugural Purple Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Fairmont Washington, DC.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Louis Gossett Jr. and Asal Masomi are co-chairs. Other host-committee members include Patricia Arquette, Amy Brenneman, Ed Harris, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Amy Madigan, Brad Silberling, and Kate Walsh.
Size: 350.
Program: The gala will honor veterans and servicemen and women. It benefits the Eracism Foundation.
Food and drink: Champagne dinner.
Ticket price: $500, $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000.
Tickets are on sale now. To order, email tickets@inauguralpurpleball.com.
Inaugurate the Change
Date: January 19.
Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Jamie Raskin, Maryland state senator.
Program: Music by Dar Williams, the Ark of Gospel Choir, and Marcus Raskin.
Food and drink: Maryland wines, food, and desserts.
Ticket price: $75 to $4,000.
Tickets are available here.
Indiana Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Omni Shoreham Hotel.
Time: 6 PM.
Host: Indiana Society of Washington, DC.
Size: 1,200.
Program: Entertainment by the Singing Hoosiers from Indiana University and the Donati Orchestra.
Food and drink: Cocktail hour with an open bar followed by a seated dinner.
Ticket price: $295 before December 19; $350 after that date.
To order tickets, you'll need to download the invitation here, fill it out, and return it with a check made payable to the Indiana State Society of Washington. Tickets will be held at the door, and guests must provide photo identification to redeem them.
International Conservation Caucus Foundation Inauguration Gala
Date: January 19.
Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Washington, DC.
Time: 6:30 PM.
Host: International Conservation Caucus Foundation.
Size: 500.
Program: The evening will highlight conservation achievements by the international corporate, NGO, and government communities, and award leaders from these communities for their international conservation efforts.
Ticket price: $2,500.
Tickets are available here.
International Inaugural Ball
Date: January 17.
Location: L'Enfant Plaza Hotel.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Host: Inner Caucus and WHUR 96.3 FM.
Program: The ball features Project Runway finalist Korto Momolu with her Yes We Can Inaugural Collection and a performance by recording artist Kindred.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.
Ticket price: $150 through midnight on January 13.
Tickets are available here.
Ivy Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Four Points by Sheraton.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Iota Gamma Omega Chapter.
Size: 500.
Theme: "Change Has Come! We Did It!"
Program: Admission includes buffet, Champagne toast, commemorative gift, one complimentary drink, cash bar, music, and dancing. This event benefits the Ivy Youth and Family Center, which serves the citizens of Prince George’s County, Maryland, through various community programs and services. More information about Ivy Charities can be found here.
Ticket price: $155
Tickets are available here. To purchase offline, contact Rochelle Andrews at roshav72@hotmail.com.
*Joe Biden's Pennsylvania and Delaware Inaugural Balls
Date: January 20.
Location: Washington Convention Center.
Ticket price: $150.
This event is for Biden's invited guests from his home states, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Junior Statesmen Foundation Inaugural Reception
Date: January 18.
Location: Hotel Monaco Washington.
Time: 6 PM.
Hosts: The Junior Statesmen Foundation/Junior State of America, Facebook, and Politico.
Program: Live music provided by the Sharon Clark Quartet. Brief speakers program will be held at 7:30 to announce the kickoff to the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Junior Statesmen Foundation, a non-partisan civic education organization that encourages political awareness among high school students.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and beverages.
Ticket price: $75.
Tickets are available here.
Kentucky Society Bluegrass Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
Time: 6:30 PM.
Size: 1,400.
Host: Kentucky State Society.
Theme: All-things Kentucky. Organizers will be honoring the state's bourbon and agricultural heritage, and they'll be celebrating the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln, who was born in Kentucky.
Food and drink: An open-bar reception with passed hors d'oeuvres and a sit-down dinner. Chef Michael Paley of the Louisville restaurant Proof on Main will be carted in to cook up regional Kentucky fare. Most of the food will be brought in with him. Though the menu isn't finalized yet, Paley will most likely be cooking up Kentucky-raised bison, one of his specialties.
Ticket price: $250, plus membership to Kentucky society for $30.
Sold out. *Due to an overwhelming demand for tickets, a new batch of 400 general admission tickets—for $350, plus a $3.50 fee—will go on sale at 8 AM on Thursday, January 8. At that time, you'll be able to purchase tickets through the KSS Web site here.
*Kids’ Inaugural: We Are The Future Concert
Date: January 19.
Location: Verizon Center.
Time: Doors open at 5 PM; event begins at 7 PM.
Program: Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and their families will be attending the concert honoring military families. The concert will be broadcast live on the Disney Channel. The Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus are rumored to perform.
Ticket price: Free.
Land of Enchantment Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: New Mexico State Society.
Program: Live music and dancing.
Food and drink: An open bar with heavy hors d'oeuvres being served throughout the night.
Ticket price: $125 for members; $174 for nonmembers.
Sold out.
Latino Inaugural Celebration
Date: January 19.
Location: Hall of the Americas.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Program: Invited special guests include senators Hilda Solis and Ken Salazar and governor Bill Richardson. Mistress of ceremonies will be Teresa Rodriguez, Univision correspondent.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres, beer, and wine.
Ticket price: $125.
Tickets are available here.
Latino Inaugural Gala
Date: January 18.
Location: Union Station.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Hosts: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus (DNC), National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and Voto Latino.
Size: 3,500.
Program: The event will feature performances and entertainment by Marc Anthony, Alejandro Sanz, Lila Downs, Angelica Vale, and others.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and limited open bar with beer, wine, Champagne and a signature cocktail.
Ticket price: $200.
Tickets are available here.
Lincoln Inaugural 2.0 Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Washington.org.
Size: 1,500.
Theme: Victorian times and Abraham Lincoln.
Program: The event is being held in the same building where President Lincoln hosted his inaugural ball in 1865. The museum’s Lincoln Gallery will be open, and a special exhibition entitled, The Honor of Your Company is Requested: Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball, will be on display with rarely seen engravings and artifacts. Bands and dance ensembles, including the Victorian Dance Ensemble, Susquehanna Travelers, Round Midnight and Eric Felton Band, will perform throughout the evening. A Lincoln impersonator will also be at the event. Proceeds to benefit the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the American Experience Foundation.
Food and drink: Open bar and festive food.
Ticket price: $375.
Tickets are available here.
Mambo for Obama
Date: January 18.
Location: Zanzibar on the Waterfront.
Time: 10 PM.
Host: LatinVIP.
Size: 1,000.
Program: The event features a red carpet to welcome celebrities and politicians. Inside, two floors with continuous entertainment will highlight the beauty of the Latino culture with music, dance, food and beverage.
Ticket price: $75.
Tickets are available here.
Maryland Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Mayflower Hotel.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: Maryland Democratic Party.
Sold out.
Michigan State Society Inaugural Dinner Dance
Date: January 20.
Location: National Museum of American History.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Host: Michigan State Society of Washington, DC and the Michigan Delegation to Congress.
Program: Dancing to live music of entertainers from Michigan.
Ticket price: $200.
For tickets, call 703-288-8696 or send an email to michigan@hayespr.com.
Minnesota State Society Inaugural Open House
Date: January 20.
Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2167.
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM.
Host: Minnesota State Society of Washington, DC.
Program: This is a free hospitality reception for Minnesotans visiting Washington for the inauguration.
Food and drink: Coffee and light snacks will be served.
Ticket price: Free.
Entrance to the Rayburn House Office Building will be through the main entrance at the horseshoe drive off South Capitol Street.
Muslim Inaugural Celebration & Reception
Date: January 19.
Location: Thurgood Marshall Center.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: The Muslim Social Network, the Washington Academic Leadership Institute, and the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association of Capitol Hill.
Program: Networking, entertainment, and reflections and commentary by several of the Washington area's prominent Muslim political and religious leaders.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $100.
Tickets are available here.
National Bar Association 2009 Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: JW Marriott Hotel.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: National Bar Association.
Size: 700.
Program: Live band.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and a bar.
Ticket price: $300.
Sold out.
National Inaugural Jewish Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Ohev Sholom National Synagogue.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Ohev Sholom National Synagogue.
Program: Live music by Paul Shapiro's Ribs and Brisket Revue.
Food and drink: Dessert and cash bar.
Ticket price: $40 in advance; $50 at the door; $20 for students with ID.
Tickets are available here.
National Obama Peoples Ball Of Prince George's County
Date: January 19.
Location: La Fontaine Bleu.
Time: 8 PM.
Program: Entertainment by the Obama Girls of Comedy and Janine Gilbert-Carter and her contemporary jazz ensemble. Special invited guests include Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Prince George's County NAACP Vice President, Earl Adams, Jr., Redskins Antwan Randle-El, and more. A portion of the gala's proceeds will benefit The Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School Art Department, Thomas G. Pullen Creative and Performing Arts School, and the American Diabetes Association of Washington, DC.
Food and drink: Dinner.
Ticket price: $100; there is a special advance ticket rate of $75 that will be offered through Saturday.
Tickets are available here.
Nebraska State Society Inaugural Brunch
Date: January 19.
Location: Columbus Club.
Time: 8:30 to 10:30 AM.
Host: Nebraska Society of Washington, DC.
Ticket price: $45.
Tickets are available here.
*Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Washington Convention Center.
Program: This event, hosted by Barack Obama, will be the first-ever inaugural ball to be broadcast over the Web. In an effort to make his inauguration the most accessible in history, Obama will also leverage text-messaging during the event.
Tickets: A portion of tickets will be set aside for DC residents, while the rest will be available for free or "at an affordable price."
Details on how to get tickets will be released soon.
Netroots Nation Yes We Can Party
Date: January 19.
Location: Clarendon Ballroom.
Time: 7 PM.
Hosts: Netroots Nation, AmericaBlog, Blue Commonwealth, Congress Matters, Firedoglake, Fivethirtyeight.com, Frameshop, Jack & Jill Politics, Living Liberally and myDD.
Program: Live entertainment by Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and four drink tickets.
Ticket price: $90; for $290, you get access to the party and a discounted pass to the Netroots Nation Convention in August.
Tickets are available here.
New Hampshire State Society Inaugural Reception
Date: January 19.
Location: Willard InterContinental.
Time: 5 PM.
Host: New Hampshire State Society of Washington, DC.
Size: 200.
Program: Proceeds support the New Hampshire State Society's Educational Opportunity Fund, which provides stipends for New Hampshire students who've obtained internships in Washington.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and open bar.
Ticket price: Free to members of the society. To renew membership or become a member, it's $25 for the year, payable at the door. RSVP to the event is required.
RSVP at nhstatesociety@hotmail.com or call Chip Kennett at 603-387-4207.
New Jersey State Society Garden State Inaugural Gala
Date: January 20.
Location: Washington Court Hotel.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Host: New Jersey State Society.
Program: Live performance by the B Street Band, a Bruce Springsteen cover band.
Sold out.
New York State Society Inaugural Parade Brunch
Date: January 20.
Location: Willard InterContinental.
Time: 11 AM.
Host: New York State Society.
Program: The society will arrange some street-side viewing of the parade, as well as TV broadcasts.
Food and drink: Omelet station and other brunch fare.
Ticket prices: $320 for society members; $370 for nonmembers.
Sold out.
Next America Inaugural Ball
Date: January 18.
Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: CSIS Next America Project.
Size: 300.
Program: The event is for rising foreign policy stars, ages 18 to 35. Dancing and special guests.
Food and drink: Wine, beer, cocktails, and hors d’oeurvres.
Ticket price: $75.
Tickets are available here.
North Carolina Society Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: North Carolina Society of Washington, DC.
Size: 1,200.
Program: The evening will include food, drink, and entertainment provided by North Carolina's own Liquid Pleasure.
Food and drink: Open bar and light fare.
Ticket price: $150.
Sold out.
Obama 44/44 Grassroots Inaugural Ball
Date: January 17.
Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott.
Time: 6:30 PM.
Hosts: Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia and the Virginia Association of Democratic Chairs.
Program: Live music and dancing.
Food and drink: Four-course dinner buffet and cash bar.
Ticket price: $150.
Tickets are available here.
Obama Pajama Party
Date: January 18.
Location: Ronald Reagan Center for International Trade.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Pajama Program, a non-profit organization that delivers warm sleepwear and nurturing books to children in need, many of whom are waiting to be adopted.
Program: The event is hosted and chaired by actress Carrie Fisher, and benefits the Pajama Program. The Tonight Show's Mo Rocca will interview guests for a segment on the January 20 broadcast. Other expected guests include Marisa Tomei, Keisha Knightly, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, MTV VJ Lala and Fonzworth Bentley. Guests are invited to wear pajamas or black tie, nightgown or ball gown.
Ticket price: $300.
Tickets are available here.
"Obama: THAT ONE!" Pre-Inaugural Gala
Date: January 18.
Location: Newseum.
Time: 9 PM.
Program: Awards will be given to Hill Harper, founder of Manifest Your Destiny, and Beverly Bond, founder of Black Girls Rock. Music by celebrity deejay Beverly Bond.
Food and drink: Open bar and hor d'oeuvres by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Ticket price: $500.
Tickets are available here.
Oklahoma State Society Inaugural Reception
Date: January 18.
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: Oklahoma State Society.
Program: Music and dancing.
Food and drink: Cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: Free.
RSVP is required. Contact Jeremy Hendricks at 405-833-6462
or speakerjeremy@cox.net to RSVP.
Pearl Presidential Inaugural Gala
Date: January 19.
Location: Mandarin Oriental hotel.
Time: 7 PM.
Hosts: Francey Lim Youngberg and Gloria T. Caoile, organizers of the first ever Asian Pacific American Inaugural Ball in 1996; honorary co-chairs are Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and DNC Vice Chair Congressman Mike Honda.
Size: 1,200.
Theme: Asian.
Program: The program will include a reception, dancing, silent auction, and sales of limited edition Obama-inspired jewelry to benefit the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program.
Food and drink: Food will be stations featuring cuisines from China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea. There will also be an open bar during dinner.
Ticket price: $250.
Sold out.
Pennsylvania State Society of Washington, DC Inaugural Gala
Date: January 20.
Location: Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: Pennsylvania State Society of Washington, DC.
Size: 1,800.
Theme: A Night of Stars. Pennsylvania's congressional members, governor, and several prominent mayors are expected to attend.
Program: Entertainment will be provided by Mark Rivera, who's played with Billy Joel, Ringo Starr, and others. Weatherman Tony Perkins will be the emcee.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar.
Ticket price: $150.
Sold out.
The People's Inaugural Ball
Date: January 17.
Location: Historical Society of Washington.
Time: 8 PM.
Hosts: DC Statehood Fund in partnership with others.
Theme: "Celebrating Grassroots: People on the Ground Electing a President." Proceeds benefit the DC Statehood Fund and participating host organizations.
Ticket price: $125.
Tickets are on sale now and available here.
The People's Inaugural Premier
Date: January 16.
Location: Historical Society of Washington.
Time: 8 PM.
Ticket price: $75.
Tickets are on sale now and available here.
The People's Inaugural LGBT Gayla
Date: January 18.
Location: Historical Society of Washington.
Time: 9 PM.
Hosts: The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club and others.
Theme: "Celebrating Pride at Work."
Ticket price: $100.
Tickets are on sale now and available here.
Power to Change: A Celebration of the 2008 Election
Date: January 18.
Location: Hilton Washington.
Time: Noon.
Host: Emily's List.
Ticket price: $150.
Tickets are on sale here.
Pre-Ball Inaugural Black Tie Dinner
Date: January 20.
Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott.
Time: 6 PM.
Host: Black Women United for Action.
Ticket price: $115.
For tickets, RSVP to 703-922-5757 or e-mail events@bwufa.org.
Pre-Inaugural Youth Ball of Northern Virginia
Date: January 18.
Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott.
Time: 5:30 PM.
Host: Black Women United for Action.
Program: This event is for youth ages 7 to 18.
Ticket price: $50 per youth and $35 per adult chaperone.
For tickets, RSVP to 703-922-5757 or e-mail events@bwufa.org.
The President's Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Washington Times Building.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Host: Maryland Inaugural Special Committee.
Program: The evening will include live entertainment, such as pianist Charles Covington, R&B group the Softones, and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Maryland Beverage Development Corp (BCDC), a 501c3 organization and the Stop Underage Drinking & Smoking Campaign.
Food and drink: Open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and dessert. Items like beef wellington, teriyaki chicken, salmon balls, and bruschetta appear on the menu.
Ticket price: $250.
Tickets are available here.
Presidential Inaugural Luncheon & Fashion Show
Date: January 18.
Location: Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC.
Time: 11 AM.
Host: California State Society.
Size: 800.
Food and drink: Cocktail reception and seated luncheon.
Ticket price: $200.
Sold out. Sponsorships, starting at $5,000, are also available here.
Presidential Inaugural Gala
Date: January 20.
Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Time: 7 PM.
Hosts: Link Americas Foundation, the Alliance for Public Technology, the Children's Partnership, Education Development Center, and the George Lucas Educational Foundation.
Food and drink: Buffet dinner and open bar.
Ticket price: $1,000.
Tickets are on sale now and available here.
Proof's Inaugural Ball After Party
Date: January 20.
Location: Proof.
Time: 10:30 PM.
Program: The event will feature the Verve recording artist Melody Gardot and her band.
Food and drink: Passed hors d'oeuvres and up to three glasses of the Dom Perignon, Krug, and Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne.
Ticket price: $250.
To make reservations, call Karen Chan at 202-737-7663.
Proof's Inaugural Buffet Brunch
Date: January 20.
Location: Proof.
Time: 10 AM.
Program: Eat brunch while watching the inauguration and parade on four flat-screen TVs.
Food and drink: A selection of brunch specialties from Chef Haidar Karoum with unlimited Champagne selected by Proof's wine director, Sebastian Zutant.
Ticket price: $75.
To make reservations, call Karen Chan at 202-737-7663.
Proof's Inaugural Eve Dinner Show
Date: January 19.
Location: Proof.
Time: 9 PM.
Program: Live performance by Verve recording artist Melody Gardot and her band.
Food and drink: Four-course tasting menu.
Ticket price: $120; $40 for seats at the bar with no dinner.
To make reservations, call Karen Chan at 202-737-7663.
Recording Industry Association of America's Presidential Inauguration Charity Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: TBA.
Time: TBA.
Host: Recording Industry Association of America.
Program: Grammy winner Rihanna will perform, and other celebrities, including David Arquette, will make an appearance. The event benefits the hunger-relief charity Feeding America.
This event is by invitation only.
Red Goes Blue Inaugural Bash
Date: January 18.
Location: Old Ebbitt Grill.
Time: 10 PM.
Host: Young Lawyers for Obama.
Program: Entertainment by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and Jackie Green.
Food and drink: Open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $100.
Tickets are available here.
*Regional Inaugural Balls
Date: January 20.
Location: Throughout the city.
Host: Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Details:
• The Eastern Inaugural Ball, for guests from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, will take place at Union Station.
• The Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball, for guests from Maryland, Virginia, DC, New York, New Jersey, and West Virginia, will take place at the Washington Convention Center.
• The Midwest Inaugural Ball, for guests from Kansas, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Missouri, will be held at the Washington Convention Center.
• The Southern Inaugural Ball, for guests from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, will be held at the National Guard Armory.
• The Western Inaugural Ball, for guests from Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Oklahoma, and Guam, will be held at the Washington Convention Center.
Ticket price: $150.
Tickets will be available to invited guests.
Route 44 to the White House Inaugural Brunch
Date: January 18.
Location: Four Seasons Washington.
Time: 11 AM.
Host: Global Management Consultants, Judith A.Thomas, Emmanuel Bobga Ayaba, and Patricia D. Murray.
Size: 250.
Program: Gospel singer and Grammy Award winner Albertina Walker will perform, and DC broadcaster Jacquie Gales Webb, host of WHUR-FM’s gospel music program, will be mistress of ceremonies. There will also be jazz, gospel, and international performances from Africa. The event will benefit the DC-based CB&JT Family Foundation, which provides youth mentoring and senior assistance programs for underserved families.
Food and drink: African-style cuisine will be served.
Ticket price: $250.
Tickets are available here.
Shades of Blue Inaugural Gala
Date: January 20.
Location: Embassy Suites Convention Center.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Create the Vision Source, LLC.
Program: Live entertainment, dancing, and celebrity appearances.
Food and drink: Open bar and hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $300.
Tickets are available here. Call 301-656-6660 or e-mail info@cre8visionsource.com for more information.
Sikh Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Ascot Restaurant.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: Sikh Community Center.
Size: 300.
Food and drink: A general admission ticket gets you a buffet dinner and two drink. A VIP ticket gets you passage to a sit-down reception, open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and buffet.
Ticket price: General admission is $150 and VIP is $250.
Tickets are on sale here.
South Carolina Presidential Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: South Carolina State Society.
Ticket price: $125.
Sold out.
South Dakota State Society Inaugural Reception
Date: January 19.
Location: James Monroe House.
Time: 6:30 PM.
Host: South Dakota State Society of Washington, DC.
Ticket price: $50.
RSVP to southdakotasociety@gmail.com or call 202-360-3739.
Spike Mendelsohn's Burger Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Good Stuff Eatery.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Top Chef season four contestant Spike Mendelsohn.
Size: 200.
Food and drink: A selection of mini burgers, hand-cut fries, mini milkshakes, and salads. Beer and wine are included.
Ticket price: $99.
For tickets, call Micheline at 202-543-8222 or e-mail info@goodstuffeatery.com.
State Society of Arizona Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Historical Society of Washington, DC.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: State Society of Arizona.
Size: 1,200.
Food and drink: There will be an open bar with two signature drinks for the evening, including an Arizona pickled cactus martini. The Southwest-inspired menu of heavy hors d'oeuvres will feature items such as empanadas and queso. More than a dozen desserts, including flan, will be served.
Ticket price: $175; $300 for a couple; $500 for VIP (which gets you front-of-the-line access upon arrival and entry to the VIP room with a private bar, seating, and passed hors d'oeuvres).
General admission tickets are sold out and there are less than 50 VIP tickets left, available here.
Sunshine and Stars Florida Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Time: 9:30 PM.
Host: Florida State Society.
Program: The evening will include dessert, dancing, live music by Big Ray and the Kool Kats, and an open bar.
Sold out.
Tennessee State Society Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: City Tavern Club.
Time: 8:30 PM.
Host: Tennessee State Society of Washington, DC and Volkswagen.
Program: Music by BS&M.
Food and drink: Open bar and dessert.
Ticket price: $130 a person, $250 a couple.
Tickets are available here.
Unity in Service Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: *Venue changed to Top of the Art, event space of WVSA Arts connection.
Time: 8 PM.
Program: Proceeds benefit the Armed Forces Relief Trust and Trinity University's scholarship fund.
Food and drink: Light fare, beer, and wine.
Ticket price: $110 through January 15; $130 after.
Tickets are available here.
Vermont State Society Inaugural Reception
Date: January 18th
Location: Rooftop of the 101 Constitution Avenue building.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Vermont State Society.
Food and drink: Beer, wine, cheese, cider, chocolate, ham, apple pie, and more. Open bar.
Tickets: $100.
Tickets are available here.
Virginia's Inaugural Black Tie and Blue Dominion Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: Executive Committee of the Black Tie and Blue Dominion Ball.
Size: The Udvar-Hazy center holds 7,700 people.
Program: Fifty tickets will be given free-of-charge to wounded soldiers and their spouses living in Virginia. The evening will include the first-ever presentation of the Virginia Valor Award, given to a solider who best exemplifies the values of the Blue Dominion; major general Roger Nadeau will be on hand to present it. The event will be broadcast live to soldiers stationed in the Washington area, and possibly to those in Iraq. Entertainment will be provided by the Commodores and the Chicago group the Gentlemen of Leisure.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and open bar.
Ticket price: $250 a person or $400 a couple; $1,000 for VIP, which includes a reception, dinner, and preferred seating. $150 for military.
Tickets are available here.
The Virginia Small, Women & Minority-Owned Businesses Presidential Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: Marriott Key Bridge.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Host: Virginia Small, Women & Minority-Owned Businesses Committee.
Food and drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $125.
Tickets are available here.
Washington State Society Inaugural Reception
Date: January 18.
Location: Sam & Harry's Dupont Circle.
Time: 6 PM.
Host: Washington State Society of Washington, DC.
Ticket price: $50 for society members; $75 for nonmembers.
Tickets can be purchased online here. Contact Josephine Eckert at events@washingtonstatesociety.org or 202-870-0076 with questions.
Yes We Did! Celebration
Date: January 19.
Location: Washington Plaza Hotel.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
Ticket price: $150. Seniors (over 64) and students (with valid student ID) can get tickets for $75.
Tickets are available here.
Young & Powerful Black Tie Gala & Awards Ceremony
Date: January 19.
Location: L'Enfant Plaza Hotel.
Time: 8 PM.
Host: Young & Powerful for Obama and coalition partners.
Size: 900.
Program: Keynote address, Obama history presentation, Young & Powerful Change award, live entertainment, deejay, and dancing.
Food and drink: Open bar from 8 to 9, and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Ticket price: $125, plus a $3.12 online service fee.
Tickets are available here. You can also find more information about the gala and the Young & Powerful's other inaugural events on their Facebook page.
*Youth Inaugural Ball
Date: January 20.
Location: Washington Hilton.
Host: Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Program: The event is geared toward those ages 18 to 35.
Ticket price: $75.
Tickets will be available to invited guests.
>>All Washingtonian.com Inauguration 2009 coverage
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