Parties and Events
Where to hang out
Get ready to spend time celebrating the new president. Figure out what scene best matches your style. Look into party spots and places to eat, and find out what the locals typically wear. Take note the city has decided to allow bars to stay open until 4am.
Georgetown
The historic neighborhood of Georgetown has been hosting inauguration parties for over 200 years. Georgetown is as upscale as D.C. gets, and the cobblestone streets are lined with classy bars and restaurants. Georgetown University brings an energetic vibe to the area’s nightlife.
What to wear:
This is a ladies and gentlemen neighborhood. A buttoned up, put together look is well suited for the classy, traditional styling of the shopping, restaurant, bar, and University scene. For guys, we recommend trousers, button ups, and a wool sweater or blazer. For ladies, a festive top, with nice jeans, a pea coat, and fun accessories works here.
Georgetown Look for Him
Georgetown Look for Her
Suggested Itinerary:
Grab a Pint at:
The Tombs 1226 36th Street, NW, Situated near the entrance of Georgetown University campus, The Tombs doubles as a sporting saloon and a neighborhood restaurant. Vintage crew and sporting prints, colorful sweeps, high-backed booths, and leaded glass set the tone. This bar will let anyone embrace their inner blue-blood.
Try the Ribs at:
Old Glory
3139 M St NW, Join Old Glory’s Bourbon Club & drink your way through 80 of the best bourbons out there — not at one sitting, mind you. Also known to visit this establishment is gigantic DEM Ben Affleck. Old Glory serves up some of the finest BBQ in the district.
Bar Hop at:
Smith Point, 1338 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., allowing you to pop your collar on your golf-shirt this bar offers a uniquely Georgetown experience.
Third Edition, 1218 Wisconsin, Not only was its main bar feature in the filming of St. Elmo’s Fire , but it is rumored to have the best cocktails in town.
Modern, 3287 M Street, Extraordinarily swanky lounge bar, with décor that is reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey and surprisingly unpretentious too.
Dupont Circle
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Dupont Circle is a cosmopolitan neighborhood with some of Washington, DC’s finest museums, historic homes and foreign embassies as well as a variety of ethnic restaurants, bookstores, and private art galleries. The Dupont Circle community is home to many recent college graduates.
What to wear:
This area is definitely about the going out party scene. A striking, yet effortless look that keeps you warm between spots and gives you movement on the dance floor is best. Keep in mind that some clubs and lounges have dress policies. Be safe, don’t wear T’s, sneakers, or blue jeans if you can avoid them. For guys, we recommend slacks and a unique top paired with a funky jacket and hyper modern footwear. For ladies, grab a fun dress, eye-catching heels, and loads of jewelry. Why not?
Suggested Itinerary:
Sushi and Karaoke at:
Cafe Japone, 2032 P St NW, Great Sushi with an opportunity to meet fellow inaugural revelors, have a few Sake Bombs, and sing “Yes We Can”.
An opportunity to dance with members of the World Bank at:
Cafe Citron, 1343 Connecticut Ave NW, A sexy international scene, with Latin dancing and the best mojitos in town.
Lounge in style at:
18th Street Lounge, 1212 18th St. NW, The former mansion is now the ultra-hip club that birthed Thievery Corporation. There are impressive chandeliers and many couches on which to get your lounge on.
Adams Morgan & U-Street Corridor
Adams Morgan: a culturally diverse community with lot of restaurants, nightclubs, coffee houses, bars, bookstores, art galleries and unique specialty shops. Adams Morgan is the center of Washington, DC’s liveliest nightlife and is popular with young professionals.
U Street Corridor: A few blocks to the south east of Adams Morgan, is known as the home to jazz legend Duke Ellington. The U Street neighborhood was once the nation’s “Black Broadway” and home to the largest concentration of African American social clubs, religious organizations, theaters, and jazz clubs. In the 1990s, the opening of the U Street Metro station provided better access to the area and the neighborhood has experienced an ongoing revitalization.
What to wear:
This is the most diverse, come as you are type crowd in Washington. A hipster, bohemian, artistic, laid back, yet smart look would be perfect. For guys, we recommend jeans, an interesting T, sneakers and winter jacket. For ladies, the boots with dress and tights look is perfectly stylish and comfy.
Suggested Itinerary:
Look through the restaurants of the world:
Walking north on 18th Street from Florida, the culinary options are amazing. Ethiopian, Indian, Vietnamese are just a few of the options available to hungry travellers. The resturants are provide authentic fare, at very reasonable prices.
Live Music:
Madams Organ, 2461 18th Street, An excellent place to catch live music, shoot pool, and meet the locals. This tavern is three stories tall and has excellent decorations, and a friendly staff. Come to relax and be merry.
Find great music and drinks at:
Chi-Cha Lounge, 1624 U St NW, Hookah pipes for non-smokers. Spanglish spoken freely. Andean tapas, and Patagonian wines flow freely in this fun and stylish place.
Best late night grub around:
Ben’s Chilli Bowl, 1213 U St NW, Late night, or anytime, nothing beats this place. Opened in the early 1950’s, Ben’s has been providing excellent Burgers, shakes, and Chilli to the neighborhood. Pull up a seat at the same counter as countless celebrities and politicians have been doing for years, and enjoy.
Galas - Something to consider
MTV Be the Change Inaugural Ball - January 20th
Hundreds of young people will be chosen to celebrate the large youth voter turn out. It will also be televised live across MTV’s channels.
The Democratic Party of Knox County - January 20th, 7:30 p.m. – Midnight
At the Rothchild Center, 8807 Kingston Pike. Celebrate coming together for the inauguration of President Barack Obama With food, music, dancing and live links to the Inaugural Balls in Washington, D.C. Tickets: $50 each. Contact 865-540-4001. Deadline for reservations: January 7, 2009.
A Celebration of Change Inaugural Gala - January 20th, 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.
The Babyboomer Professionals present the “We welcome change” themed Gala Event featuring a live R & B band with more of a crowd from the baby boomer era. Celebrating the victory of our new leaders and first family. Come enjoy and evening of life entertainment, fine dining, hors d’Oeuvres and dancing.
Dress code: Black Tie
Admission : price update $175
Additional Information