Presidential Inauguration 2013: Official and Unofficial Balls

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to attend just two official inaugural balls—the Commander-In-Chief’s Ball for members of the U.S. military and the Inaugural Ball.

Both official balls are at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The ticketing period for both events has closed.

But, if you still want to get dressed up and dance the night away, there are a number of “unofficial” Inaugural Balls—ones that are sponsored by state parties or societies, non-profit organizations or other groups. While there won’t be a presidential visit, they can be a lot of fun.

The Virginia Inaugural Ball is sponsored by the Democratic Party of Virginia and the Arlington County Democratic Committee. It will from 7 – 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel. Tickets are $250 per person. Ticket information for the Virginia Inaugural Ball is available here.

The Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia is hosting a “47 Percent Inaugural Ball” on Saturday, Jan. 19.  Ticket information for this ball is available here.

The Fairfax County Democrats will once again host their Blue Jeans Inaugural Ball to celebrate the inauguration of the president. 

The ball is Saturday, Jan. 19, from 7 pm to midnight at the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center at Northern VA Community College,
8333 Little River Turnpike, in Annandale. Click here to purchase tickets at $75 each. The price includes admission and two drink tickets. Click here for the flyer and mail-in registration form.

Looking for the official ball from your home state? Huffington Post has a guide to the inaugural balls here. You may also check out this inaugural ball guide from about.com.