Inauguration Day is the day when the President-elect and Vice President-elect swear in and take office. It occurs every four years on January 20. This year, since January 20 is a Sunday, the public swearing-in ceremony will take place on Monday, January 21.

Here’s how you can be involved in this year’s inauguration:

Tickets for Swearing-in Ceremony


A limited amount of tickets for the inaugural swearing-in ceremonies are available free of charge from your senators and representatives. Tickets will be made available about a week before the event. Contact your senator or representative for more information.

The only place you can get these tickets is from your elected officials, and the tickets are free. Any other person or website trying to sell you tickets is likely a scam.

You can watch the inauguration without a ticket from the National Mall.

Presidential Inauguration Parade


After the swearing-in and inaugural luncheon, a Presidential Inauguration Parade occurs for the President and Vice President. The event includes a procession of military units, citizen groups, marching bands, and floats.

Parade participants are selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Marching bands, mounted units and other performers wishing to participate can find can apply online.

The inauguration parade is open to the public and is on television.

Inaugural Balls


Inaugural balls honor the President and Vice President. The Presidential Inaugural Committee organizes official balls, and some state societies also sponsor balls. Tickets are required to attend most official inaugural balls, but some organizations hold unofficial events that are open to the general public.

Learn more about the 2013 inauguration and how you can participate.