2009 Inauguration Survival Guide » Events: Balls and Galas

Events: Balls and Galas

Posted by admin On December - 26 - 2008

There are already countless numbers of inauguration event lists online, and I’m not in the market for competing for the most “complete.” However, I keep getting this nagging feeling that this site is incomplete without even a partial event list… so here it is. I’ll try to add more events as we progress further into January.

By the way, I think these events are essentially grossly-overpriced affairs that people attend to be seen and mingle among “high society.” However, if you have the economic wherewithal and you look good in black tie, you’d better get a ticket soon because many are already sold out.

Official Balls — There are ten official inaugural balls.
(attendees must be legal residents of the US and submit to police check and be approved by secret service)

Commander-in-Chief’s Ball (20 Jan): First held in 2005, this ball was created for military personnel who have served, or are about to serve, in Iraq and Afghanistan (NPR). Held at the National Building Museum.
Biden Home States Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): Delaware and Pennsylvania invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Eastern Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, PR, and USVI invited guests; Union Station
Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): MD, VA, DC, NY, NJ, WV, Dems Abroad, and invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Midwest Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): KS, IN, IA, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI, and MO invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Neighborhood Ball (20 Jan): DC Convention Center. DC residents, additional guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Obama Home States Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): Illinois and Hawaii invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Southern Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and TX invited guests; National Guard Armory
Western Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, OK, GUAM/AS invited guests; Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Youth Ball (20 Jan): The Youth ball is intended for young Americans aged 18-35 and will celebrate the inauguration of the new president and the role young Americans can play to serve their communities. Tickets will be available to invited guests at a reduced price of $75.

Unofficial Balls/Galas

A Celebration of Change Inaugural Ball (17 Jan): 7pm-1am. Hyatt Regency, 400 New Jersey Ave. Sponsored by the Babyboomer Professionals, this black tie gala includes food, an R&B band, dancing and an open bar for the first hour. Tickets: $175 (must be purchased by Dec 15).
A Historical Affair (16 Jan): “A Salute to Black Women For Obama” by the National Congress of Black Women. Celebrates the black women who contributed to the Obama campaign with an evening of dinner, desserts and awards. United States Chamber of Congress, 1615 H St., NW. Tickets: $135 Dessert Reception, $285 Dinner
AAPI Grassroots Gala and Bollywood Afterparty (20 Jan): 8pm-closing. Perry’s Restaurant, 1811 Columbia Road for sushi and champagne follorwed by bollywood after-party Ashu Rai and DJ Bobby. VIP cocktail reception celebrating the Asian American Civic Project from 5-7:30pm. Formal/semi-formal cocktail attire. Hosted by the Asian Pacific Americans for Progress PAC. Tickets: $250 for entire night, $150 for cocktail reception, $125/$75 for gala, $50/25 for after party.
African American Church Inaugural Ball (18 Jan): 6pm. The Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Ballroom, 1000 H Street NW. Reception and dinner. Tickets: $250, $500 for VIP.
Africa Aspire Inauguration Night - A Celebration of Change for the World (20 Jan): 8pm-midnight. Smithsonian Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. NW. The celebration will include African cuisine, music and cultural presentations. Black Tie or traditional attire. Tickets: $500.
African Diaspora Inaugural Ball (18 Jan): 7pm-midnight. Harman Center for the Arts, 6th and F Streets NW. Hosted by the African Diaspora for Change, in partnership with Africa Aspire and The National Peace Corps Association. Live entertainment, open bar. Tickets: $150-500.
African Inaugural Ball (18 Jan): 7pm-midnight. Hilton Silver Spring, 8727 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD. Hosted by the Africa Foundation. African cultural dances, live musical performances, African and formal attire. Tickets: $150 for one or $200 for two.
All American Ball (20 Jan): Westin Washington, 1400 M St. NW. Hosted by MetroMix, a website for “socially active young professionals looking for the latest in local trends and hotspots.” Tickets: $250.
All Souls Inaugural Ball: A Celebration for Religious Progressives and Friends (18 Jan): 7pm. All Souls Unitarian Church, 1500 Harvard St. NW. An opportunity for religious progressives and friends to celebrate the inauguration. Tickets $100 for reception and ball, $50 for ball only, sold after Sunday services.
Aloha Inaugural Ball (18 Jan): 7:30pm-1am. Marriott Wardman Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, NW. Black tie, aloha attire, or a combination of both. Tickets $300 or $550 for balcony VIP.
American Dream Inaugural Ball (16 Jan): DJ Jay-Z comes to town to celebrate the inauguration at Love, a popular four-level nightclub located at 1350 Okie St. NE.
American Indian Inaugural Ball (19-21 Jan): Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA. Three events celebrate Native American leaders, organizations, artists and musicians. American Indian Inaugural Ball Pow Wow is on 19 Jan, the 11th American Indian Inaugural Ball is on 20 Jan, and the Inaugural Brunch is on 21 Jan. Tickets: $110-150.
American Music Inaugural Balls (20 Jan): Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd. NW. Hosted by Dionne Warwick. Two events featuring a variety of entertainment legends and music icons. The Legends Ball will feature entertainment legends and music icons who have thrilled audiences over time.
Ancestors Dream Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 8pm-2am. Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, MD. Hosted by the Prince George’s County Presidential Inaugural Committee. Black tie.
Arab American 2009 Inaugural Celebration (19 Jan): 7-11pm. Fairmont Hotel Ballroom, 2401 M Street, NW. Hosted by the Arab American Institute and Foundation. Featuring buffet reception, music, and guest performances by Dean Obeidallah and Aron Kader. Tickets: $100.
Arizona State Society Inaugural Gala (20 Jan): 8pm-midnight. Historical Society of Washington DC, 801 K St. NW. Dancing, open bar, and heavy hors d’Oeuvres. Tickets: $175 per person / $300 per couple. Sold out.
The Urban Ball will feature some of entertainment’s most popular and successful contemporary Artists. The former is evening wear; the latter is “dress to impress.” Tickets: $350-450.
Arkansas State Society Ball (19 Jan): 8pm-1am, doors open at 7:30pm. National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW. Tickets: $125 ($200 after 31 Dec).
Asia Society Inaugural Reception (17 Jan): 5:30-7:30pm. St. Regis Hotel, 923 16th St. NW. Asia Society celebrates the contributions that Asian Americans have made to the presidential election. Tickets: $100-250.
Baltimore Washington Black McDonald’s Operators Association’s Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 8pm-midnight. The City Club at Franklin Square, 1300 I St. NW. To benefit Develop Young Minds, an organization that provides financial support to children with limited resources. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live music and dancing, black tie. Tickets: $200.
Be the Change Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Sponsored by MTV and ServiceNation, the event will feature celebrities and will be televised live on MTV. The event will celebrate the massive youth-voter turnout in this month’s presidential election and an active commitment from America’s youth to impart positive social change through volunteer service.
BET Honors: 8pm. Warner Theatre, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Filmmaker Tyler Perry and R&B superstar Mary J. Blige are among the luminaries to be saluted at the second annual “BET Honors.” The ceremony will double as a kickoff to the network’s festivities surrounding the inauguration.
Big Shoulders Inauguration Ball (19 Jan): 7pm. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. It’s a Chicago takeover of the Black Cat on the night before the Inauguration. Featuring Andrew Bird, Tortoise, Waco Brothers and more. $50.
Bytes and Books Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 7pm. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, SE. Sponsored by The National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training (NCTET).
California Bash (18 Jan): 8pm-midnight. California Democratic Party inaugural celebration. Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, National Mall. Tickets: $150 ($200 after 12/29).
California State Society Inaugural Fashion Show and Lunch (18 Jan): 11:30 am. Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 1150 22nd St. NW.
Calvert County Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 7-11pm. Calvert County Fairgrounds. Hosted by the Calvert County Democratic Club. Live music, dancing, food, and live, large screen video so that celebrants can watch inaugural activities from Washington. Semi-formal/after-five attire. A portion of proceeds after expenses will be donated to local area food banks. Tickets: $40, on sale at the Calvert County Democratic Party Headquarters, or call 410-414-3660 or email Calvertdems@gmail.com
Campus Progress Inauguration Kick-Off Party (16 Jan): 6-8:30pm. Center for American Progress, 1333 H St., NW 10th floor. Sponsored by Campus Progress. This reception is open to all young activists, organizers, advocates, journalists, bloggers and others. Refreshments will be served. Tickets: Free but RSVP required, space is limited.
Capitol Riverfront Gala “Saturday Night on the Hill” (18 Jan): 8:30pm-1:30am. The Jefferson, 70 I Street, SE. Ticket includes entertainment by DJ TFresh, open bar, buffet style hors d’oeuvres, and commemorative gift. Creative black tie. Tickets: $110.
Change the Game GALA: 9pm-1am. The Sports Club/LA, 22nd and M Street NW. “The worlds of entertainment, sports, and politics come together.” Features live entertainment, complementary beer, wine, and cocktails, appetizers, and silent auction. Tickets: $75.
Change Has Come Inaugural Gala (20 Jan): 7pm-midnight. Hilton Washington Embassy Row, 2015 Massachusetts Ave, NW. Sponsored by The Babyboomer Professionals. Live jazz entertainment, food, and dancing. Open Bar: 1st hour. Tickets: $150 Must be purchased by December 15.
Children’s Inaugural Ball (18 Jan): Free Daytime Event. Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K Street, NW. Free tickets are required. Sponsored by Every Child Matters Education Fund. Live music, arts and crafts, interactive exhibits, play areas, and a story-time stage. - WAITING LIST.
Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 9pm. Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F St., NW. Sold out.
Delaware State Society Inaugural Ball (19 Jan): 8pm-midnight. Grand Ballroom, Willard InterContinental Washington Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Cocktail attire. Tickets: $300.
Delta Sigma Theta Inaugural Gala (20 Jan): 9pm-1am. Bobby Van’s (Atrium Ballroom), 1201 New York Avenue, NW. Includes three open bars, heavy hors d’oeuvres (passed and stationed), live entertainment, and a special commemorative gift. Black Tie invited. Tickets: $175, becomes $200 after 9 Jan.
The Dream Realized Ball (17 Jan): Camelot by Martins, 13905 Central Ave. Upper Marlboro, MD. Formal dinner gala, Live entertainment, special guest soloist, video tribute and more. Hosted by volunteers from the Obama For America organization. Tickets: $75.
Dreams from My Father (18 Jan): American Scholars Inaugural Ball. 8pm-2am. Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. The black-tie event will bring together notable businesspersons, political figures and entertainers for an intergenerational celebration. Event mistress-of-ceremonies, singer-actress Macy Gray, and expected celebrity guests LL Cool J, Alicia Keys, Chrisette Michelle, Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson, Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore, and The Dream will honor some of the nation’s best and brightest minds in academia and education advocacy through performances and multimedia tributes. Tickets: $350-$550.
Environmental and Clean Energy Ball (20 Jan): 8pm-midnight. Sequoia Restaurant, 3000 K st, NW. Hosted by the Clean Fuels Foundation.
Florida Congressional Delegation Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): National Museum of the American Indian - Smithsonian Institution, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW. Live band, food and beverages overlooking the Capitol. Tickets: $200.
Foreign Diplomats Inaugural Ball (18 Jan): The James Monroe Mansion, 2017 I St., NW. Sponsored by Embassies of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Ghana. Tickets: $250. Available to the public after Dec. 29.
Garden State Inaugural Gala (20 Jan): 7:30-11:30pm. Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Ave., NW. Hosted by the New Jersey State Society. Sold out with waiting list.
George Washington University Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 8pm. Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St., NW. Live bands, talent from the GW performance community, and televised Inauguration Day coverage. Additional entertainment is being planned by a committee of GW students and staff. Cuisine includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages. Black tie invited. Tickets: $85 (sold out).
Georgetown Harbour Inaugural Gala (20 Jan): 8pm. Washington Harbour, 3050 K St. NW. Live entertainment, food, and top shelf open bar. Tickets: $150 until 1 January.
Georgetown Public Policy Institute’s 2009 Inaugural Reception (16 Jan): 5:30-8pm. K Street Lounge. GPPI’s Inaugural Reception brings together D.C.’s political establishment with the next generation of policy professionals. Refreshments will be provided along with a cash bar. Tickets: $30 for individuals, $50 for couples.
Georgia Inaugural Gala (19 Jan): 8pm-midnight. Sponsored by the Georgia State Society of Washington, DC. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th and Constitution Avenue NW. Black tie. Tickets: $200.
Glen Echo Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 7:30-11pm. Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. An alternative, nonpartisan event to benefit Glen Echo Park. Smoke-free and alcohol-free event. Tickets: $20.
Grassroots Inaugural Gala (18 Jan): 7:30-11:30pm. The State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA. Casual celebration benefiting the Arlington Food Assistance Center twith live music by Nobody’s Business, food, and a cash bar. Tickets: $50
Green Inaugural Ball (17 Jan): Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW. Environmentally-friendly pre-Inaugural celebration. Organic food and drink, LED lighting, entertainment audio-visual production will be tailored to minimize environmental impact. Open bar, black tie. Tickets: $500.
Hawai’i State Society Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 7pm. Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Hosted by the Hawai’i State Society of Washington, DC. Featuring Asian-Pacific food, drink, and entertainment. Black tie or formal ethnic attire. Tickets: $200 (sold out).
HBC-New Leaf Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 7:30pm-1am. Trinity College, 125 Michigan Avenue NE. Hosted by New Leaf Beverage Company to commemmorate Historically Black Colleges. Black tie, hor’douvres, cash bar. Tickets: $500.
HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball (19 Jan): 8pm-1am. Sequoia at Washington Harbour, 3000 K St. NW. Sponsored by Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Live performances by Jazz singer Alyson Williams and critically acclaimed soul singer Rahsaan Patterson, Special remarks by Dr. Leonard L. Haynes III Executive Director of the White House Inititiative on HBCUs, open bar, heavy hors d’oeurves, and dancing. Tickets: $300.
The Hill Ball (20 Jan): 8:30-11:30pm. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE. Presented by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. The Hill Ball is a non-partisan event celebrating the inauguration of the new president and the campaign victories of the members of Congress. Event includes a cash bar and swing dancing. Festive attire. Tickets: $85.
Historical Inaugural Ball (19 Jan): 8pm-1am. Historical Society of Washington, 801 K St. NW. The ball celebrates the inauguration of Barack Obama and the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Black tie, silent auction, live entertainment (dancing and jazz), hors d’oeuvres and full bar. Tickets: $200.
H.O.P.E. (Honoring Our President-Elect) Inaugural Youth Ball (17 Jan): Trinity University, 125 Michigan Ave. NE. The event will give youth the opportunity to share in the inaugural festivities. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to National Network for Youth. Tickets: $75 first 200 sold - $100 thereafter.
Hope Won Inaugural Gala (18 Jan): Westin Annapolis, 100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, MD. Sponsored by Therapeutic Wellness LLC to benefit the Diane Freeman Foundation. Black tie, four course dinner, live music, silent auction. Tickets: $150.
Illinois State Society of Inaugural Gala (19 Jan): Renaissance Washington Hotel, 999 9th St. NW. Reception 5:30-8:30pm, ball 8:30pm-1:30am. Sold out.
Inaugural DC Ball (20 Jan): Old Post Office Pavilion, 1110 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Event to benefit Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Clubs. Entertainment features Washington DC’s legendary Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown, DJ, and dancing. Tickets: $150-250.
Inaugural Luau (20 Jan): 6pm. Hotel Monaco, 700 F St., NW. Hawaiian food. Dress is “aloha formal.” Tickets: $250, $500 for premium.
Inaugural Peace Ball (20 Jan): 7pm-midnight. Smithsonian National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE (next to Union Station) Sponsored by Busyboy and Poets and the National Postal Museum. Confirmed speakers and performers include Historian Howard Zinn, Comedian Dick Gregory, Mayor Adrian Fenty, Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Katrina Vanden Heuvel of The Nation Magazine, Laura Flanders, Barbara Ehrenreich, Anthony Arnove, and many more. Tickets: $165. Sold out.
The Inaugural Purple Ball (20 Jan): 7pm. Fairmont Hotel. A portion of the proceeds from The Inaugural Purple Ball will benefit the “Eracism Foundation.” Cocktail reception, champagne dinner, live music. Tickets: $500.
The Inaugural Soiree (18 Jan): 6pm-1am. Hudson, 2030 M St. NW. Dress to impress for this gala at the Hudson restaurant, black tie optional. Inaugural gala meets networking event. Some proceeds go to the Prince George’s County Childrens Resource Center. Tickets: $100.
Indiana Society Inaugural Gala (19 Jan): Omni-Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. NW. Black tie formal sit-down dinner and dance. Tickets: $295 before Dec. 19, $350 after.
International Conservation Caucus Foundation Inauguration Gala (19 Jan): 7:30pm. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium 1301 Constitution Ave. NW. Will highlight conservation achievements by the international corporate, NGO, and government communities.
The Ivy Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 8pm-2am. Four Points by Sheraton, 8500 Annapolis Road, New Carrollton, MD. Presented by The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Inc. Admission includes buffet, champagne toast, commemorative gift, one complimentary drink, cash bar, music and dancing. Black tie. Tickets: $150.
Junior State of America Inaugural Event (18 Jan): Reception 6-9pm, program begins at 7:30pm. Hotel Monaco, 700 F Street NW. Hosted by the Junior State of America and The Junior Statesmen Foundation. Tickets: $75, or sponsorship levels available.
Kentucky Society Bluegrass Ball (19 Jan): From 6:30pm. Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Roads NW. Black tie. Tickets: $178.50.
Latino Inaugural Gala 2009 (18 Jan): 7:30pm-midnight. Hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and Voto Latino. Union Station. Tickets $200.
Lincoln 2.0 Ball (18 Jan): 8pm. Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Sts. NW. Produced by The American Experience Foundation, in partnership with Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation’s capital. Features food stations, live entertainment, a full-service open bar and open access to the art collections of the museum, including the Lincoln Gallery and special exhibitions mounted in honor of the Lincoln bicentennial. Tickets: $375 general admission; $500 VIP (includes access to The VIP Victorian Champagne Party in the museum’s Great Hall).
Mambo for Obama Ball (18 Jan): 8pm-midnight. Zanzibar on the Waterfront 700 Water St. SW. Light buffet and free wind and champagne. VIP reception 8-10pm with open bar and dinner buffet. Performers from North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Tickets: $75, $150 VIP.
Michigan Inaugural Dinner Dance (20 Jan): 7:30-midnight. National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Tickets: $200.
Mocha Moms Inauguration Gala (18 Jan): 7pm-midnight. Lake Presidential Golf Club, 3151 Presidential Golf Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. Live DJ and full cash bar. Tickets: $50/Mocha ticket - $75/Non-Mocha ticket
National Association of Manufacturers Gala Celebration (18 Jan): 7-10pm. Ronald Reagan International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, dancing, cocktail attire. Tickets: $200.
Nebraska Society Inaugural Brunch (19 Jan): 8:30-10:30am. The Columbus Club, Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Tickets: $45. Tickets available only to current members of the Nebraska Society through January 1st. After January 1st, tickets will be available on a first-come, first serve basis.
New Mexico State Society “Land of Enchantment” Inaugural Ball (19 Jan): 7-10pm. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St. and Independence Ave. SW. Sponsored by the New Mexico State Society. Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, open bar and entertainment, black tie optional. Ticket sales closed. Only gold sponsorships remaining.
New York State Society Pre-Inaugural Parade Brunch (20 Jan): 11am-4pm. Willard Intercontinental Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets: $100-175 (all reservations must be made and paid for by 9 Jan).
North Carolina State Society Ball (19 Jan): 8pm-midnight. Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Food, drink, fun, and entertainment provided by North Carolina’s own, Liquid Pleasure. Tickets $150 (Sold out with waiting list).
Obama 44/44 Grassroots Pre-Inaugural Ball (17 Jan): 6:30pm. Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Arlington, VA. Hosted by the Black Caucus of Virginia. Live music, dancing, and dinner. Tickets: $150.
Oklahoma Welcome Reception (18 Jan): 7-9pm. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St. and Independence Ave., SW. Hosted by the Oklahoma State Society. Cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, music and dancing, business attire. Free for members but RSVP required.
Out for Equality (20 Jan): 7pm. Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. Hosted by the Human Rights Campaign. “The LGBT community commemoration of Barack Obama & Joe Biden’s Inauguration.” Tickets: $350 before 16 Dec and $375 after.
Parish Gallery Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 8:30pm. Parish Gallery, 1054 31st Street, NW. Will feature music by The Lenny Thomas Trio, a cocktail hour, and buffet with open bar catered by Sea Catch restaurant. Tickets: $100, must be purchased by 10 January.
Pearl Presidential Inaugural Gala (19 Jan): 7pm-midnight. Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave SW. he Honorary Gala co-chairs are Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Daniel Akaka, Former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and Congressman Mike Honda, DNC Vice-chair and Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Tickets: $200 (sold out).
Pennsylvania Society Inaugural Gala (20 Jan): 7pm. Ritz Carlton, 1150 22nd St. NW. Hosted by the Pennsylvania State Society of Washington, DC. Heavy hors d’ oeuvres and a buffet dinner, open bar, entertainment, black tie. Tickets: Sold out but corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available.
People’s Inaugural Ball (17 Jan): 8pm-midnight. The Historical Society of Washington, DC at Mt. Vernon Square, 801 K St., NW. Hosted by the DC Statehood Fund, Prometheus Labor Communications, and Gertrude Stein Democratic Club. Tickets: $125 for general admission; $250 for host committee VIP pass.
People’s Inaugural LBGT Gayla (18 Jan): 8pm-2am. The Historical Society of Washington, DC at Mt. Vernon Square, 801 K St., NW. Join LGBT grassroots activists from around the country as we toast the election of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Tickets: $100 for general admission; $200 for host committee VIP pass.
People’s Inaugural Premier (16 Jan): 8pm-1am. Historical Society of Washington, DC at Mount Vernon Square. “Join grassroots organizations from across the country as we celebrate the role young voters played in electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden.” Tickets: $75 for general admission, $250 for host committee VIP pass.
The President’s Ball (20 Jan): 7:30pm-midnight. Sponsored by the Maryland Inaugural Special Committee. The Washington Times Building, Arbor Ballroom and Conference Center, 3600 New York Ave. NE. Black tie. Tickets: Before 12/31/08 - $200, After - $250 VIP Tickets: $300.
Route 44 to The White House Inaugural Brunch (18 Jan): 11am-3pm. Four Seasons Hotel 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Local broadcaster Jacquie Gales Webb hosts this brunch featuring jazz, gospel and international performances from Africa. Tickets: $250. CANCELLED
The Servant Forge Humanitarian Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 8pm-midnight. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 Union St., Alexandria, VA. The ball will benefit the Alexandria Mentoring Project and Youth Development and Employment Initiative, an art-based program serving pre-teen girls in Nairobi, Kenya. Black tie optional. Kelly Bell Band out of Baltimore, MD. Tickets: $150.
Sikh Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): Ascot, I-The Indian Experience, 1708 L St., NW. Hosted by the Sikh Community Center. Wear Sikh regalia or formal Indian attire. Tickets: $150, $250 for VIP.
Soccer Moms for Obama Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 7:30-11pm. Chevy Chase Women’s Club, 7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD. New Columbia Swing Ensemble, hord d’oeuvres and dessert, entertainment and speakers, cash bar, dress to impress. Tickets: $60.
South Dakota State Society Inaugural Reception (19 Jan): 6:30-9pm. James Monroe House, 2017 Eye St., NW. Semi-formal cocktail reception including hor d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets: $50 for members.
South Carolina State Society Inaugural Gala (19 Jan): 8pm. Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Independence Ave. at 7th St. SW. Black tie or military dress. Sold out.
Sunshine and Stars - 2009 Florida Inaugural Ball (19 Jan): 9:30pm-1am. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St., NW. Dancing and dessert. Sold out with waiting list.
Tennessee State Society Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 8:30-12:30pm. City Tavern Club, 3206 M St., NW (Georgetown). Black tie or military formal. Open bar, desserts, and music by BS&M. Tickets: $130 per person or $250 per couple.
Texas State Society Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball (19 Jan): Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, MD. Tickets: $200.
Unity in Service Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): Top of the ART Great Room/Starlit Terrace and WSV Art Gallery, 1100 16th Street, NW. The unofficial ball gives recognition to the men and women of our military with selected Service members serving as honorary co-hosts and a portion of each ticket benefits military families in need through the Armed Forces Relief Fund. Tickets: $90-175.
Veterans Inaugural Ball (20 Jan): 7pm-1am. St. Regis Hotel, 923 16th Street, NW. Live entertainment by the Kankouran West African dance company, Don Juan & Trey-Song. World famous artist Micheal Israel performs his high energy Art in Concert creating 6 ft portraits “live on stage” in minutes with paint and paintbrushes flying. Food and open bar. Black tie. Tickets: $500, $1000.
Virginia Inaugural Ball (19 Jan): 7-11pm. Westin Arlington Gateway, 801 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA. Appearances by Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. Jim Webb and Sen.-elect Mark Warner. Hosted by the Virginia Democratic Party and Arlington Democrats. (not the same as Virginia’s Inaugural Black Tie and Blue Dominion Ball to be held at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on the same Tickets: TBA.
Virginia’s Inaugural Black Tie and Blue Dominion Ball (19 Jan): 7pm-midnight. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Pkwy. Chantilly, VA. Black tie and blue. (not the same as the Virginia Inaugural Ball to be held at the Westin Arlington Gateway hotel on the same night). Tickets: $250 per person/ $400 per couple.
Washington Film Institute’s Pre-Inaugural Ball (17 Jan): 9pm. Warehouse Theatre, 1017 7th Street, NW. Open bar and dessert buffet, cocktail attire, black-tie optional. Tickets: $100.
We the People Inauguration Gala Ball (20 Jan): Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW. The ball is an initiative by a group of volunteers who worked as part of the “grass roots movement” supporting Senator Barack Obama’s campaign. Performances by BeBe Winans, Tony Rich, Suai, and Andrew Useche. Tickets: $295.
Yes We Did! Inaugural Celebration (19 Jan): 8-11:30pm. Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW. Live music by Tribeca Grand. Tickets: $150.
Young and Powerful Black Tie Gala (19 Jan): 8pm. L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW. Open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live band, black tie. Tickets $125.
Young and Powerful Presidential Brunch (18 Jan): 11am-2pm. City Club, 1300 I Street, NW. “Dine with young professionals, entrepreneurs, politicos,
elected officials and community leaders as we listen to an inspirational message about President Obama’s historic campaign.” Tickets: $44.