“Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics”
Newseum and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have partnered to create this unique display that will showcase the power of rock and how it can influence politics and equality. Artists like Bob Dylan, U2 and Rage Against the Machine will be highlighted, indicating how artists can effect change through exercising their First Amendment rights. Complete with stunning artifacts and photographs, this Newseum exhibit promises to be one of the year’s most discussed.
Hours & Admission
Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
@h.i.o
The 2017 Peace Ball: Voices of Hope and Resistance
Busboys and Poets presents this special event at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The star-studded event will feature food, an open bar, live music and dancing, and museum exhibits will be open. Distinguished guests include Chef José Andrés, Danny Glover, Alice Walker, Angela Davis, Esperanza Spalding and Naomi Klein. The event is for ages 21 and over only.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Friday
Anthony Quintano
Inauguration Day
From the swearing-in ceremony to the parade route, the inauguration is always a historic and unforgettable occasion. We have detailed info for all the things you need to know on the day of, special hotel deals and plenty of other ways for you to enjoy the District when in town for the special event.
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Digital Blue / Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Native Nations Inaugural Ball
The National Museum of the American Indian holds this celebration on the day of the inauguration to honor Native American Veterans. Proceeds will go towards building the National Native American Veterans Memorial on the museum’s grounds. During the ball, expect live music, dancing and a buffet featuring Native cuisine. Discounted tickets are offered for those in active duty.
7 p.m. | Tickets
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street SW & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
“To Haiti Let Us Go”
The impressive work of American artist Jacob Lawrence will again be on display at The Phillips Collection. This exhibition focuses on a series of 15 silkscreen prints created by Lawrence to tell the story of the life of Toussaint L’Ouverture, a former slave who led the fight for the liberation of Haiti during the French Revolution. Lawrence is an expert at depicting the quest for freedom, as evidenced by his Migration Series, so you won’t want to miss your chance to view these rarely seen prints.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Grab a special inauguration cocktail at Bar Dupont
Bar Dupont in Dupont Circle offers up A District Welcome through Feb. 6, a special cocktail concocted in honor of the 58th U.S. Presidential Inauguration. The $12 drink consists of District Distilling Co. Checkerbank Gin, Capitoline Rosè Vermouth, Don Ciccio & Figli Nocino, Amaro Montenegro and lemon. The bar opens at 11 a.m. daily, with happy hour running from 4 – 7 p.m.
Bar Dupont at The Dupont Circle Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Saturday
Women’s March on Washington
Thousands will gather at Independence Avenue and 3rd Street SW (near the U.S. Capitol) at 10 a.m. on the day after inauguration to march in solidarity, celebrating the spirit of democracy. The Women’s March on Washington aims to shine a light on the importance of women’s rights and human rights across all communities.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Register
Meet at Independence Avenue SW & 3rd Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts for free
In honor of the Women’s March on Washington, the National Museum of Women in the Arts will offer free admission on Saturday and Sunday. This is the perfect chance for you to view the museum’s newly reinstalled collection, partake in a “Nasty Women” tour on Sunday and experience a Simone de Beauvoir exhibit. Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the museum opens Sunday from 12 – 5 p.m.
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
‘The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One Family’
This three-play cycle is a riveting way to spend the Saturday after inauguration. Tony Award winner Richard Nelson crafted the production around the Gabriel family, a fascinating dive into how one family deals with a particularly tense and historic election year. Prepare for an in-depth examination of how American politics affects the American family across the cycle – each art lasts roughly one hour, 45 minutes.
1:30 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers is considered the godfather of neo-soul, an icon whose career has now spanned more than four decades. Ayers has had an immense influence on hip-hop and R&B as both a jazz vibraphonist in the 1960s and as a band leader in the 1970s-80s, crafting classics like “We Live In Brooklyn Baby” and “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”. Ayers will be at the renowned Blues Alley throughout the weekend, with two performances each night.
8 p.m. & 10 p.m. | Tickets
Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
Ford's Theatre
Edward Albee’s ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’
An American classic of both the stage and the big screen, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? deals with a two-couple party that takes on a life of its own. George and Martha invite Nick and Honey over to their home after a faculty party for drinks and socialization. The event turns into a verbal sparring match that exposes the fears and dysfunctions of both couples. Filled with moments both hilarious and heart-wrenching, this Ford’s Theatre production will leave you breathless. You can also enter to win free tickets to this performance through TodayTix.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
Tokyo Police Club
Round out inauguration weekend at the Black Cat, one of DC’s spectacular music venues. Sunday night features Tokyo Police Club, a Canadian indie rock group that has been building on its pop-punk sound since its acclaimed A Lesson in Crime EP dropped in 2006. Fusing punk guitars with pop melodies is nothing new, but the group has been perfecting such a combination for over a decade, and their chops will be on full display during this performance.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Rineke Dijkstra
Photographer Rineke Dijkstra is known for her large-scale photographs of young people, and this National Gallery of Art exhibition will showcase four such portraits, along with a self-portrait that inspired her later work. Dijkstra positions the youth as the focal point of her photos, using little to no background color, leading to earnest and intense images that let the viewer imbue their own sense of meaning.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Arena Stage
‘Roe’
One of the most monumental cases in the history of the United States comes to life at Arena Stage. The landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case legalized abortion, and this stage production details the courage of the lawyer and the plaintiff, examining their lives and struggles before, during and after the conflict. Featuring thought-provoking performances and dialogue, and even a dash of humor, Roe promises to be a highlight of the theatre season.
2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
For more things to do during inauguration weekend in Washington, DC, check out our guide to inauguration.