Skip to content

Inauguration Schedule of Events

Planning for the 57th quadrennial presidential inauguration has been under way for months. George Washington’s first inauguration was held in New York City in 1789. But since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has been responsible for the planning and execution of the swearing-in ceremonies and luncheon that follows.

Saturday, Jan. 19

National Day of Service Summit on the National Mall, 9:30 a.m.

Kids’ Inaugural Concert, Washington Convention Center, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 20

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Official Swearing-In, Naval Observatory, 8:15 a.m.

President Barack Obama’s Official Swearing-In, White House — Blue Room, 11:55 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 21

Ceremonial Swearing-In Ceremony, Capitol West Front, 11:30 a.m.

Musical Selections: U.S. Marine Band, PS 22, Staten Island, N.Y., and Lee University Festival Choir, Cleveland, Tenn.

Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks: Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y.

Invocation: Myrlie Evers-Williams

Musical Selection: Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Oath of Office Administered to Biden: Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Musical Selection: James Taylor

Oath of Office Administered to Obama: Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.

Inaugural Address: President Barack Obama

Musical Selection: Kelly Clarkson

Poem: Richard Blanco

Benediction: To Be Announced

The National Anthem: Beyoncé

Inaugural Luncheon, Statuary Hall, immediately following swearing-in ceremony

Inaugural Parade, Viewing stands and bleachers are along Pennsylvania Avenue; estimated start time: 2:35 p.m.

The Commander in Chief’s Inaugural Ball, Washington Convention Center; doors open at 6 p.m.

The Inaugural Ball, Washington Convention Center; Halls A, B and C — doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Halls D and E — doors open at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

National Prayer Service, Washington National Cathedral, 10:30 a.m.

Recent Stories

Capitol Lens | Pipes of peace

Former House members reflect on 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks

‘Tired of politics’: By GOP convention’s end, even Trump had tapped out

‘He’s not going away’: GOP loyalists not ready for Trump to leave political stage

Roll Call on the Road: Day Two in Dallas

Taxpayers spent more than $500,000 on House sexual harassment payouts