President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are being sworn in at the Nation’s Capital on Wednesday, January 20. Here’s what you need to know about everything that’s going on around the city.
The day has finally arrived and Inauguration is upon us. Festivities in the Capital started earlier this week with the installment of a Field of Flags on the National Mall and the emotive memorial for COVID-19 victims. But while the celebrations may be looking a bit different this year, you can still expect plenty of things going on around the District. From road closures to Inauguration Day specials and virtual events, here’s everything you need to know about the Biden-Harris Inauguration ceremony.
Restrictions and road closures
The DC government and the Inaugural Committee are both asking Americans to please celebrate from the safety of their own homes. As you may have already noticed the city has already taken many precautions to keep the District as safe as possible for the Inaugural festivities. Mayor Muriel Bowser has also issued an order that paused all museum and indoor dining activities for the time until Friday, January 22.
In addition, many Downtown roads, bridges and metro stations have also been closed and will remain so until Thursday, January 21. For more information on all the street, bridge and metro closures check our guide here.
Inauguration Day specials
A lot of restaurants in the DC metro area are offering special Inauguration Day deals. Get your hands on these and toast to the incoming president with some of DC’s best culinary offers! If you need some inspo, make sure to check these 10 spots offering Inauguration Day specials here!
Inauguration Ceremony and other virtual festivities
The official proceedings of Inauguration are expected to start on Wednesday around noon. Biden and Harris will be taking the Oaths of Office on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol followed by the Inaugural address. Meanwhile, the swearing-in ceremony will be taking place on the West Front of the Capitol with attendance limited only to Congress due to health & safety concerns. The official events will be livestreamed on the Presidential Inaugural Committee YouTube page.
This year, the traditional inaugural parade has been replaced with a “virtual parade” showcasing communities across the country and the Bidens will be accompanied to the White House by a presidential escort consisting of representatives from every branch of the military. The virtual parade will be starting at 3 p.m.
In addition to all the official events, actor Tom Hanks will also host a primetime TV special, “Celebrating America,” at 8:30 p.m. which will feature performances by Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake and more. Hanks special will also be livestreamed on the Inaugural Committee’s official YouTube page.
See also: 200,000 Flags Have Been Installed On The National Mall To Represent All Inauguration Attendees
[Featured image: Unsplash]