Election season was full of trending, tweetable moments this past year, making Inauguration Day one of the most anticipated events of the New Year. The week leading up to January 20th is full of organized events to celebrate the civil transition to a new Presidency, but also includes protests designed to advocate for the rights of all people.

During this transition, the city will host a week of festivities the public can join.  From college students to D.C. game-changers, everyone will be finding an event to help celebrate, object, or simple process the next four years.

The Garden State, South Carolina, and the black boots and ties of Texas will each hold their own celebration, but communities will rally at various locations throughout the city for a celebration. In particular, the Ball of Rights at Busboys and Poets in Mt. Vernon Square will be serving up cocktails as guests act as defenders of the First Amendment during this Inaugural procession.

At the Stay Woke and Fight event sponsored by The Youth & College division of the NAACP, civil rights organizers will work to fight for the rights of everyone as political influencers shake hands with Grammy nominated celebs Chance the Rapper and Jidenna.

The swearing-in ceremony will launch a new era of American traditions, so whether you lean left, right, or aren’t sure where you stand anymore, this list of Inauguration Day events offers something for everyone.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Sister Cities Inaugural Gala
200 17th St. Northwest | 8-11 PM | The Organization of American States
To kick-start Inauguration week, join the gathering of diplomats, members of congress, and many additional DC influencers at the Sister Cities Gala.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Bluegrass Ball
Website | 2500 Calvert St. Northwest | 6 PM-12 AM | Omni Shoreham Hotel
The Bluegrass Ball offers the best bourbon the state of Kentucky has to offer.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Inaugural Heartland Ball
Website | 901 Massachusetts Ave. Northwest | 5:30 PM | Marriott Marquis
The Illinois State Society Inaugural Heartland Ball is a non-partisan party, which includes the sights, sounds, and cuisine of the state.

The Ball of Rights
Website | 1025 5th St. Northwest | 6-9 PM | Busboys & Poets
Join the Student Press Law Center to celebrate and protect the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Asian Pacific American Presidential Inaugural Gala
Website | 1127 Connecticut Avenue Northwest | 6-11 PM | The Mayflower Hotel
This event at The Mayflower Hotel will be honoring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the role of individuals chosen to serve in the new administration.

Christian Inaugural Gala
Website | 1919 Connecticut Ave. Northwest | 6 PM-12 AM | Washington Hilton Hotel
This Black Tie Inaugural event includes a reception, dinner, dancing and a dessert buffet.

Black Tie & Boots Presidential Inaugural Ball
Website | 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD | 7 PM | The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
The Texas State Society of Washington is holding its 10th Black Tie & Boots event to celebrate Texas treasures so guests can tip their hats and kick up their boots.

Garden State Inaugural Gala
Website | 525 New Jersey Avenue Northwest | 7:30-11:30 PM | The Washington Court Hotel
Capture the fun of the Jersey Shore as this event celebrates the best of Jersey including a Springsteen tribute band, classic boardwalk games, and boardwalk “gourmet food.”

2017 South Carolina Presidential Inaugural Ball
Website | 8th and F St. Northwest | 7:30 PM | National Portrait Gallery
The South Carolina State Society is hosting a Black Tie Inaugural Ball at the National Portrait Gallery.

All American Inaugural Ball
Website | 400 New Jersey Ave. Northwest | 8 PM-12 AM | Hyatt Regency Washington, Capitol Hill
This Inaugural event will celebrate and honor the lives of all American heroes who sacrificed their lives to help others in various fields of civic service.

2017 Peace Ball: Voices of Hope and Resistance
Website | 1400 Constitution Ave. Northwest | Thursday, 8 PM-Friday, 1 AM | Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Gather to celebrate the achievements of the past four years and join together to make positive changes in the future.

Friday, January 20, 2017

POLITICO Inauguration Hub
Website | 515 15th St. Northwest | 8 AM | The W Hotel
Celebrate Inauguration Day with DC’s influencers and game changers at POLITICO’s all day event.

Inauguration Day at the Newseum
Website | 555 Pennsylvania Ave. Northwest | 9 AM-5 PM | Newseum
This all day event is a unique way to observe the Inauguration day events including the parade.

#DISRUPT J20
Website | 15th St. & K St. Northwest | 9 AM | McPherson Square
Inauguration Day offers opportunities to practice your First Amendment and protest. The #DISRUPT J20 organization rejects all forms of domination and oppression. 

Veterans Inaugural Ball Salute to Heros
Website | 999 9th St. Northwest | 5:30 PM | Renaissance Downtown Hotel
The American Legion and the Veterans Inaugural Committee will host a tribute to America’s Medal of Honor recipients in addition to all of America’s heroes.

Native Nations Inaugural Ball
Website | 4th St. & Independence Ave. Southwest | 7 PM | National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall
The event is dedicated to the celebration of Native American Veterans and will feature music, dancing, and Native cuisine 

NCTET Inaugural Ball
Website | 201 East Capitol St. Southeast | 7-11 PM | Folger Shakespeare Library
The National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training (NCTET) celebrates the new administration by promoting technology and education in the digital age.

The Great American Inaugural Ball
Website | 101 MGM National Ave. National Harbor, MD | 9 PM-2 AM | MGM National Harbor
Join the celebration at the MGM National Harbor to honor the Military and their charities.

Saturday, January 21, 2017

The People’s Inauguration at Howard University
Website | 2400 6th St. Northwest | 9 AM | Howard University
Guest speakers including Grammy Nominated Artists Jidenna and Chance The Rapper along with additional influencers will speak at this event.

Women’s March on Washington
Website | Independence Ave, & 3rd St. Southwest | 10 AM-5 PM
The Women’s March on Washington is honoring the spirit of democracy by advocating for all genders and identities.

#WeRise Teach-In
Website | 1500 Harvard St. Northwest | 1:30-8:30 PM | All Souls Church
Participant in this all day event, which consists of panels, workshops, and campaigns that discuss the rights of women, immigrants, and people of color as well as advocating for democracy and equality. 

Best of the West Inaugural Ball
Website | 675 15th St. Northwest | 7-10 PM | Old Ebbitt Grill
Join Alaska, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, and Washington State Societies for a ball at the Old Ebbitt Grill Atrium.

Washingtonian Inaugural Ball
Website | 8th and G St. Northwest | 8 PM-12 AM | National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum
Join The Washingtonian for a non-partisan affair with cocktails and ample food samples.

Unity Ball
Website | 421 7th Street Northwest | 8 PM- 1 AM | District Architecture Center
After a tense election season, the Unity Ball welcomes everyone to an Inauguration Dance Party to celebrate all Americans.