Inauguration '09: Where to Go Tonight

Neighborhood Ball
Where: Washington Convention Center
Tickets: The Presidential Inaguural Committee is working with dozens of community organizations to make tickets available for their neighborhoods, volunteers and those they serve in the local community.
Information: Mariah Carey and Jay-Z are just two of the stars headlining the "Neighborhood Ball" concert. They will be joined by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Faith Hill, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder. Nick Cannon will DJ the event, which will be seen live on ABC from 8-10 p.m. More acts are expected to be added to the bill.

Youth Ball
Where: Washington Hilton
Tickets: $75.
Information: Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy headline the ball, from which MTV will anchor its Inauguration Night coverage beginning at 7 p.m. The PIC said the ball for people aged 18 to 35 would celebrate "the role young Americans can play to serve their communities."

Demand in DC: Applauding the Empowerment of People Thru Art, Film, and Music
Where: Black Cat
Tickets: $10, http://www.blackcatdc.com
Information: Anti-Flag are headlining Demand in DC in response to the historic and dramatic election of Barack Obama.

Dance for Equality
Where: Town
2009 8th Street, NW.
Tickets: $50.
Information: Featuring music by Manny Lehman (residencies at the legendary Twilo in New York City, Miamis Crobar, Factory and Here in Los Angeles, Nation in Washington, D.C. and New Yorks Avalon (fka Limelight) and Roxy). Speical appearance by Cyndi Lauper and Ross Matthews. Tickets for this event are available at www.boxofficetickets.com.

Inaugural Burger Ball
Where: Good Stuff Eatery
303Pennsylvania Ave SE
Tickets:  $99 gets you eight handcrafted mini burgers, mini hand-cut French fries, mini milkshakes, and salads. Beer and wine is included, and there will be vegetarian options. available.br />Information:  202-543-8222 or http://www.goodstuffeatery.com

Inaugural Parade Brunch (New York State Society)
Where: Willard Intercontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave.
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tickets: Member $155, Non-members: $180
Information: 301-330-6197; http://nyss-washdc.org/events.html

State Society of Arizona Inaugural Ball
Where: The Historical Society of Washington, DC
801 K St. NW
Time: 8 p.m.
Tickets: Single:$175, Couple: $300, Family of 4: $650
Information: 202-777-2612; www.azstatesociety.org

The 2009 Florida Inaugural Celebration
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
4th St. and Independence Avenue, SW
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $200 each. Sponsorships are also available.
Information: For more information, call 703-905-9838 or email FL_Inaugural@hayespr.com.

Garden State Inaugural Gala
Where: Washington Court Hotel
525 New Jersey Ave., NW
Time: 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Tickets: $100 single, $175 per couple; Non-members: $125 single, $200 per couple
Information: 202-333-5750; www.njss.org/events/detail.php?id=5; The gala features a performance by Bruce Springsteen tribute band, the B Street Band.

A Night of Stars (Pennsylvania State Society)
Where:Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
22nd and M Sts. NW
Tickets: $150 before Jan. 1, $200 on or after Jan. 1
Information: 703-415-0344; www.pastatesociety.com/events-pennsylvania-state-society.htm; Fox News' Tony Perkins will emcee the event, which features performing artists from Mark Rivera Entertainment.

The George Washington University Inaugural Ball
Where: Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert St. NW
Tickets: $100
Information: 202-994-1600; http://gwired.gwu.edu/inauguralball; The gala celebration features live bands, talent from the GW performance community, and televised Inauguration Day coverage.

Human Rights Campaign Equality Ball
Where: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
Information: http://www.hrc.org; Guests to include Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright and Cyndi Lauper

Bytes & Books Inaugural Ball
Where:National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training
Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol St. SE
Time: 7 p.m.
Information: http://www.nctet.org

11th American Indian Inaugural Ball
Who: American Indian Society (AIS) of Washington, D.C.
Where: Hyatt Regency Crystal City
2799 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA
Tickets: $140 before, $150 at the door
Information: www.aiibdc.org/index.htm

Unity in Service Inaugural Ball Unity in Service
Where:Trinity University
125 Michigan Ave. NE
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $90 standard, $120 preferred before Dec. 20, $110 and $150 after Dec. 20
Information: www.unityinservice.com/index_files/Page352.htm

Inaugural Purple Ball
Who: Eracism Foundation
Where: The Fairmont Washington, DC Hotel
2401 M St. NW
Time: 8 PM
Information: tickets@inauguralpurpleball.com. Guests will enjoy fine champagne and cuisine served in a purple velvet- draped ballroom; the host committee includes notable names like Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd , Brad Silberling, Josh Lucas, Kate Walsh and Patricia Arquette.

Change Has Come Inaugural Gala
Who:The Babyboomer Professionals
Where:Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel
1001 14th St. NW
Tickets: $125 before Dec. 5, $150 after Dec. 5
Information: boomerprofessionals@yahoo.com 

The Creative Coalition Gala Inaugural Ball
Where: Harman Center for the Arts
610 F St. NW
Time: 9 p.m.
Tickets: Bronze package (2 tickets): $10,000
Information: http://www.thecreativecoalition.org

Young and Powerful Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony
Where: L'Enfant Plaza Hotel
400 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Tickets: $125, includes open bar from 8 - 9 p.m., heavy Hors D'oeuvres and live music
Information: www.yp4obama.com; Dine, dance and toast President-elect Obama's victory with young professionals from across the nation.

All American Ball
Where: Westin Washington, DC City Center
Tickets:$250 Information: www.allamericanball.com/; The night promises to be all-encompassing and not over-crowded.

Be the Change Inaugural Ball
Where:Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Information: This event will be televised and is created to promote volunteerism in the younger generation; www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600241/20081125/story.jhtml


OFFICIAL INAUGURAL BALLS (Obama will attend)

Tuesday January 20

Youth Inaugural Ball: Young Americans aged 18-35; Washington Hilton; tickets $75

Obama Home States Inaugural Ball: Illinois and Hawaii invited guests; performers include Common, Jack Johnson, Don Cagen Orchestra; Walter E. Washington Convention Center; tickets $150

Biden Home States Inaugural Ball: Delaware and Pennsylvania invited guests; performers include Maroon 5,James Gerard Orchestra; Walter E. Washington Convention Center; tickets $150

Eastern Inaugural Ball: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, PR, and USVI invited guests; performers include: James Taylor, Liquid Pleasure with Kenny Mann; Union Station; tickets $150

Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball: MD, VA, DC, NY, NJ, and WV invited guests; performers include The Dead, DJ Cassidy; Walter E. Washington Convention Center; tickets $150

Midwest Inaugural Ball: KS, IN, IA, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI, and MO invited guests; performers include Sheryl Crow, Fabulous Motown Revue; Walter E. Washington Convention Center; tickets $150

Southern Inaugural Ball: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and TX invited guests; National Guard Armory; tickets $150

Western Inaugural Ball: AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, OK, GUAM/AS invited guests; performers include Marc Anthony, Party on the Moon; Walter E. Washington Convention Center; tickets $150

Neighborhood Inaugural Ball: D.C. residents, additional guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center; tickets $150

Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball: Enlisted active duty and reserve military; National Building Museum


More For Locals Only

  • Where to Dine During Inauguration: click here
  • Taking the Metro: click here
  • Get your Drink/Dance on: click here
  • Inauguration Happy Hour: click here
  • More Inauguration Events: click here
  • Contact Us