Your guide to the region's top events, mixed with some commentary about life, media, gossip and politics in Washington, DC.

Getting In: Where to Get Tickets to Inaugural Events

Share | Print

We’ve got the skinny on how to navigate, get tickets, and plan ahead for the biggest of the inaugural activities.

By Emily Leaman Published Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Swearing-In Ceremony
This is the main event of the inaugural season: The swearing-in of the new president and vice president of the United States. It takes place on the lawn of the Capitol.

There are 240,000 free tickets available for this event. Several groups, including members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and Medal of Honor winners, get tickets automatically. The remaining tickets are divided among lawmakers to distribute to constituents. Even though tickets have not yet been distributed—they make their way to lawmakers’ hands the week before the inauguration—many are already spoken for. DC’s congresswoman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, recently announced that she’s already cleaned out—but it’s worth a try to contact your senator or representative and adding your name to the wish list. Tickets must be picked up in person from your congressperson’s office.

With this year’s historic inauguration, demand for tickets is high, and there are already scammers looking to profit. A word to the wise: No Web site or ticket distributor has tickets to sell. “Any Web site or ticket broker claiming they have inaugural tickets is simply not telling the truth,” says Howard Gantman, staff director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, in a statement on the committee’s Web site. “We urge the public to view any offers of tickets for sale with great skepticism.”

Inaugural Parade
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the new president and vice president will make their way up Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House, in keeping with tradition. The president and vice president will be flanked by marching bands, marching units, mounted units, and other performers selected by the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. This event is free and open to the public, so no tickets are required. Be sure to get there early to snag a good place to stand. And dress warmly—January in Washington usually sees temperatures in the 30s.

Inaugural Balls and Other Parties
Lots of events happen around town to celebrate the change of power. On Inauguration Day, the president will attend eight official balls, organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. These events, which require tickets, happen at various hotels and event spaces throughout Washington. They always bring in packed houses and usually feature cash bars, finger food, and lots of waiting around for the president to make an appearance.

In the days prior to the inauguration, Washington also hosts dozens of nonofficial balls and galas. These black-tie soirees are organized by private donors, state societies, celebrities, and others, and they typically feature open bars, multicourse dinners, and live entertainment. Tickets to these events can cost several hundred dollars and can be purchased directly from the organizers. Be ready to pounce when tickets go on sale because these events sell out fast.

Check out our list of inaugural balls and how to get tickets!

Other Web Resources
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
Armed Forces Inaugural Committee

More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Society Photos

Comments

Hi, i’m Carlo from Holland.
I’m so happy for you Washingtonians!
Have great party, and start CHANGE the next day...

Posted by: carlo, Jan 15, 2009 12:26:25 PM

My name is Mike Swann and I’m one owner of Global Concierge Services, DBA and Studio 10, LLC.

I’m writing you today to make you aware that I have 5,000 sq ft. of open Luxury New York Style Loft and Studio space for lease for any of your upcoming Inaugural events. This space will easy accommodate 1000 guess. With this space you also have the option of utilizing the 6 office spaces that are connected, so it will make a perfect venue for your events, parties, or media operations doing the 2009 historical events. As you know, property is going fast in the Washington D.C. area, I’m one of last exclusive venues within the city some 4 miles away from the Capitol building that have not been leased out! I recommend you contacting me ASAP @ (404)695-5187 or (240) 454-6391 if you feel the space will fit your needs for it is not guaranteed to be available next week.

Please email me at the address below for pictures.

Thank You,

MIKE SWANN
CEO/PRESIDENT
Global Concierge Services, DBA
(240)454-6391(Local)
(888)808-7615(Toll-free)
(404)695-5187(Cell)
Website: www.globalconcierges.com
Email: mikeswann@globalconcierges.com

Posted by: Global Concierge Services, Jan 02, 2009 09:59:22 AM

I am trying to find out who are the companies handling the food and beverage at the Inaugural Balls at either, the Pension Building, Armory or Union station. I want to call them and get a gig as a bartender during one of the Balls.
Thanks much

Posted by: Rich C, Dec 30, 2008 02:24:27 PM

I would like information on the tickets for the parade. I am unable to stand for the entire period and would like to get tickets for a seat.

Posted by: Barbara M. Thompson, Dec 23, 2008 07:42:47 PM

I am a NYC Obama Supporter and single mother who wants her 15 year old son to be a part of history and do a lil party’n...any info and/or tickets will be appreciated I’ll already be in washington from the saturday before Inauguration...favoredcee@yahoo

Posted by: Celeste , Nov 18, 2008 06:24:26 PM

PLEASE CALL ME ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF 2 TICKETS. IWORKED IN NORTH CAROLINA AS A VOLUNTEER FIELD ORGANIZER, AND SIGNED UP 500 NEW VOTERS, AND MADE OVER 1000 PHONE CALLS, AND WAS ONE OF THE ESCORTS WHEN MRS. OBAMA VISTED THE GREAT STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. MY HUSBAND NOW DECEASED WAS THE FIRST BLACK PHYSICIAN IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA, AND I WAS ONE OF 2 TO ATTEND AN ALL WHITE SCHOOL IN THE DEEP SOUTH. I PRESENTLY SIT ON THE BOARD OF THE LARGEST AFRICIAN AMERICAN NATIONAL MEDICAL GROUPS AS ONE OF THEIR OFFICERS, I MADE NUMEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS, AND WILL REMAIN STEADFAST TO THE PARTY. PLEASE EMAIL WITH A RESPONSE.
THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER,
GLORIA B. GOODWIN

Posted by: GLORIA GOODWIN, Nov 12, 2008 10:01:57 PM

A Night Out: Knock Out Abuse Gala

Hundreds of women and a ’60s theme? This year’s Knock Out gala was the place for sequins, bouffants, and lots of Dolman sleeves. more

Three Quarterbacks Walk Into a Bar. . .

Sonny Jurgensen, Joe Theismann, and Jason Campbell spend an awkward evening together analyzing the Redskins season. more

Getting In: Where to Get Tickets to Inaugural Events

Comments

Post a comment

A Night Out: Knock Out Abuse Gala

Three Quarterbacks Walk Into a Bar. . .