Dawn breaks over the Capitol as America prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C. Trump becomes the 45th President of the United States. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump features a long list of official and semi-official events and celebrations.

There will be plenty of protests and counter-rallies as well, with a list of some available here.


The inauguration has been notable for the number of big-name performers who have turned down invitations to take part in official events, including Andrea Bocelli, Garth Brooks and Celine Dion. Just days from the inauguration citing a need to unite, 57-year-old singer Marie Osmond offered to perform. Confirmed performers for the main event are America's Got Talent contest winner Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the U.S. Marine Band and the Missouri State University Chorale.

Lots of balls are scheduled, most of them unofficial parties that Trump will not attend. The Inaugural Committee has confirmed Trump will attend two official balls – the "Liberty and Freedom: The Official Presidential Inaugural Balls" and the "Salute to our Armed Services Ball." Tim Rushlow and his Big Band will perform for Donald and Melania Trump's first dance at the Liberty and Freedom Balls.

The Inaugural Committee has confirmed Sam Moore, The Rockettes, Silhouettes, Pelican 212, The Piano Guys, Circus 1903, Cache Olson, Lexi Walker and Erin Boheme will perform at the Liberty and Freedom Balls. Tony Orlando and Josh Weathers are scheduled to perform at the Armed Services Ball.


Trump's inauguration is estimated to cost $175-$200 million, in line with past inaugurations plus the cost of inflation. Corporate and private donors will supply $70 million, and taxpayers will pay the rest. The actual swearing-in ceremony will cost just over $1 million. Just over half of the entire cost will pay for inaugural security and cleanup.

Updated for Inauguration Day, here's the schedule for remaining events that will usher Trump to the White House:

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Inauguration ceremonies, Jan. 20

Trump and Pence will be sworn in on the west front of the Capitol building. Their families and members of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, diplomatic corps and other invited guests will be seated on the ceremony platform. The event will be televised and streamed live online, including here on UPI.com.

The detailed schedule for the Capitol ceremony (here's the official program): 8:30 a.m. — Trump and family leave Blair House for St. John's Church 9:30 — Trump departs St. John's for the White House 9:35 — Obamas welcome the Trumps at the North Portico, followed by a sit-down with coffee 10:03 — Announcements begin at the inauguration platform, including majority leaders (Dole, Frist and Lott), former speakers (Gingrich and Boehner, joint chiefs, former VPs Quayle and Cheney) 10:25 — House leadership arrives 10:30 — Trump and Obama depart the White House for Capitol Hill 10:32 — Senators head to platform 10:40 — Trump, Obama, Pence and Biden arrive at the Capitol 10:44 — Chief Justice Roberts announced 10:48 — Children of former presidents announced 10:54 — Pence kids come out 10:56 — Trump kids come out 10:59 — Michelle Obama and Jill Biden announced 11:01 — Melania Trump and Karen Pence announced 11:03 — Obama and Biden announced 11:09 — Pence announced 11:13 — Trump announced 11:15 — Inaugural program begins 11:35 — Justice Thomas administers the oath to Mike Pence 11:47 — Justice Roberts administers the oath to Trump 11:51 — Trump speaks. His speech is scheduled for 21 minutes 12:28 — Obama boards helicopter to Joint Base Andrews, where he'll fly to Palm Springs, Calif.


Security will be tight, with all viewing areas near the event requiring tickets – 250,000 of them – and a security screening beginning when gates open at 6 a.m. Here's what inauguration ticket-holders are prohibited from bringing: aerosols, alcohol, firearms, ammunition, animals (except service animals), backpacks, roller bags, suitcases, bags larger than 12"x14"x5", balloons, balls, banners, signs, placards, bicycles, non-ADA chairs, coolers, drones, explosives of any kind, glass, thermal and metal containers, knives or other sharp objects of any length including pocketknives, laser lights and laser pointers, mace or pepper spray, noisemakers like drums or bullhorns, packages, poles and selfie-sticks, spray containers, strollers, structures, supports for signs or placards, toy guns, tripods, umbrellas, weapons of any kind and "any other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners."

People who arrive without tickets – an estimated 500,000 are expected – will be able to view the event from the National Mall behind the ticketed areas.

Music begins at 9:30 a.m. Eastern. Performers scheduled so far are America's Got Talent winner and platinum-selling singer Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Radio City Rockettes (who also performed at George W. Bush's inauguration ceremonies) and the Missouri State University Chorale.

Opening remarks begin at 11:30 a.m. Eastern. Religious leaders who will give readings, benedictions and invocations include Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Pastor Paula White of New Destiny Christian Center, Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Rev. Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Bishop Wayne T. Jackson of Great Faith Ministries International.

Inaugural Parade, Jan. 20


Trump and Pence will make their way from the Capitol to the White House down Pennsylvania Avenue as part of a parade that includes high school and college bands; police posse, motorcycle and cavalry units; veterans and active members of the military; and the Boy Scouts of America, among others.

Inaugural Balls

Three official inaugural balls are planned featuring appearances by Trump at two mentioned above, with a third being dubbed the Big Apple Ball in Washington but with New York-themes dominating under Trump's personal direction, according to TMZ.

Here's a list of other, unofficial balls:

Deploraball, 7 p.m. Jan. 20 A $250 per plate event that takes eponymous pride in Trump nemesis Hillary Clinton's claim that half of his supporters are "deplorables" is no joke, though there's a lot of snark and sarcasm inherent in this event and its promotion. The reception begins at 7 p.m. at the Bolger Center in Bethesda, Md., just outside Washington, with a silent auction to benefit veterans and event host Gays for Trump, followed by dinner and dancing at 8 p.m. This event has publicly illuminated growing fractures among Trump's most fervent supporters among the so-called "alt-right" who helped create the ball via a social media group known as MAGA-3X. Organizers who hoped for an inclusive "big-tent" event have butted heads with event co-founder Tim Treadstone, who has posted homophobic and anti-semitic remarks via @BakedAlaska on Twitter. Milo Yiannopoulos, a Briton who works as an editor for Breitbart News known for acerbic commentary on and off Twitter where he was recently banned, reportedly is scheduled as a guest of honor.


Sister Cities International Inaugural Gala, Jan. 17: Showcasing citizen diplomats in peace across world peace efforts. $150-$250

Bluegrass Ball:, Jan. 18: Sponsored by the Kentucky Society of Washington with a focus on promoting Kentucky bourbons. $300-$350

Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball, Jan. 19: Sponsored by the Texas State Society of Washington, D.C. $275

Deplorables Inaugural Ball, Jan. 19: "The Deplorables Nation is invited to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence at the largest party of the Presidential Inaugural Season." General Admission, $500; VIP, $1,000; VIP Table of 10, $10,000.

All American Inaugural Ball, Jan. 19: A tribute to everyday American heroes. $150-350

Garden State Inaugural Gala, Jan. 19: Sponsored by the New Jersey State Society, it features a Bruce Springsteen tribute band called the B-Street Band.

2017 Inaugural Heartland Ball, Jan. 19: Highlights the sights, sounds, and cuisine of Illinois. $275

South Carolina Presidential Inaugural Ball, Jan. 19: South Carolina State Society hosts an event at the Smithsonian as part of its mission to link South Carolinians to the nation's capital.

The Vettys Inaugural Ball and Awards, Jan. 20: The Hay-Adams, 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC. The event is hosted by the Coalition to Salute American Heroes, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Disabled American Veterans with Paralyzed Veterans of America as a non-partisan celebration. $350-$1,250


Inauguration Day at the Newseum, Jan. 20: An all-inclusive "Presidential Inauguration Celebration Experience" from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Newseum, located on the inaugural parade route on historic Pennsylvania Avenue. $350-$500

Native Nations Inaugural Ball, Jan. 20: This event launches a campaign to build the National Native American Veterans Memorial.

Dardanella: The Great Gatsby Presidential Inaugural Ball, Jan. 20: National Portrait Gallery & Smithsonian American Art Museum hosts "a non-political political event!" offering a step back in history with an orchestra, vintage paper moon photo sets and more. $150-$450

Salute to Heroes/Veterans Inaugural Ball, Jan. 20: American Legion and Veterans Inaugural Committee host a tribute to America's Medal of Honor recipients and Trump. Drew Carey emcees with performances by Rascal Flatts' vocalist Gary LeVox, and songwriters Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley. $300

Washingtonian Inaugural Ball, Jan. 20: The Washingtonian hosts a nonpartisan dinner and ball. $275-$350