Obama's Inauguration: What To Expect At Washington's Woodstock

Hollywood celebrities, Web activists and jet-setters from around the world are preparing to turn the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20 into a mix of Woodstock and Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 speech on the National Mall.

While the plans of many top politicians and entertainment stars hang on pending details about the Commander-in-Chief Ball and other official events that Mr. Obama is likely to attend, dozens of other big-ticket parties are already taking shape. The Creative Coalition, an advocacy group, will host a ball at the Harman Center for the Arts. Spike Lee will be at the event, Susan Sarandon is likely to attend and the group is in discussions with such musicians as Elvis Costello to perform. Tickets to the fund-raiser, where director Barry Levinson will be shooting final scenes for a film called "Poliwood," a documentary about Hollywood's involvement in the presidential race, are still available -- a $10,000 "bronze" package admits two.

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Comments

[zitlight73]

A Washington Woodstock? Can Obama legalize marijuana by executive directive? Groovy.

[Bitsko]

I'll be there with my 14 year old nephew. With the huge crowds expected, don't think I'll see much except for millions of very happy people, which sounds just fine. Hope they invite Bob Dylan, one of President-Elect 0bama's favorites, like the Clinton's did.

[minty68]

Is there a website that shows what balls are happening and which are still open? I keep hearing that they haven't been set up yet, but then hear that several are sold out.

[darthdarcy]

"Don't do the brown blotter, it's a bad trip man..!"

[PAposter]

No word on tickets yet, but I'll be on the Mall. I can't wait, I'm so excited!

[TheJibreelaMonsters]

what rescission?

[conniedogs]

lol!!!!!!

[aftermath]

I would expect agent provocateurs and police state measures, but at least everyone will love it now.

[Puzes]

You have that right ... the District will be locked down tighter than a snare drum head. No ticket ... no entry. Period. From MLK Day through dawn on the 21st ... This will not be free and open like Woodstock ...

[minty68]

Nice 4-day weekend for local DC federal employees and contractors!

[kimleehan]

Not only will we be celebrating Obama becoming president, but more inportant than that is Bush will be leaving the the office.

Gotta good joke. The guy knocks on the door of the white and asks for president Bush, the person answering the door says, "Bush is'nt here anymore and is no longer president" so the guy leaves but comes back every day and asks the same question, After about a week the person ask why do you keep asking for Bush after I told you he's no longer president. The guy says "because it sounds so good when you say it"

[BlueOnBlue]

If you're going, I'd recommend not drinking much coffee or anything else that morning. With 4 million on the Mall, the lines at the portable toilets are going to be really long.

[Fez]

Allow me to rain on this parade. Why in the world does this infantile country hold a large expensive party, which is unavailable to 99.9% of us, when the wheels are coming off, businesses are falling like autumn leaves, the stock market has lost 45% of its value, and people are spending their life's savings on rent and food? What would be wrong with a simple Inauguration, with a parade and free food... and that's it. No glitzy balls, drunken bacchanals, or celebrity-filled events. It reminds me of modern weddings... the party is held up front when there is nothing to celebrate. Weddings should be celebrated with large parties after some milestone (25th or 50th anniversary), not before either party has had a chance to live up to his or her vows. Similarly, the party for Obama should be held after he has achieved something as President. The election of Barack Obama is a historic event that deserves to be celebrated, but if he really wants to change things, he can start by holding a simple, focussed Inauguration that will set the tone for the hard work and sacrifice ahead.

[vjthedj]

Because it's about hope?

[gorideabike]

I can't go. Sigh. But there is a stash of fireworks here and we are going to parrrrrttttttttttyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!

[mcantwell]

I wonder what the normal temps are in Washington in late January?

[Puzes]

VERY COLD!

[Chibikim]

I cant wait to go! I got my room and tickets way in advance! Ill stock up on plenty of sweaters and dress warm. Tickets or no tickets. Nothing is gonna stop me from seeing history!

[lissak]

I know this is frivilous, but I can't wait to see what Michelle will be wearing.

[minty68]

Not frivilous at all! Most of us are wondering the same thing.

[CintiBlue]

I am so ready for this. What a wonderful way to warm up January.

Obama/Biden/YES WE DID/CELEBRATE