Inauguration Parade 2009

The Presidential Inauguration Parade is an American tradition honoring the newly sworn in President and Vice President. The event will include a procession of ceremonial military regiments, citizens' groups, marching bands, and floats. The inauguration parade is open to the public and will be televised so that millions of Americans can view this special event.

See pictures of all of the inaugural events

Date: January 20, 2009 – 2:30 p.m. - Tickets are not required. The public will not be allowed to lineup along the parade route before 7 a.m.

Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC
Viewing stands and bleachers will extend from 3rd to 17th Sts.
See a map of the inaugural parade route

The Presidential Inauguration Parade is expected to be the most attended event of the year. Security will be complex and many roads will be closed. Parking will be extremely limited. The best way to get to the parade will be by Metro. You should expect long lines and delays. Arrive early and be patient. You can purchase your Metro fare in advance to save time. Read more about getting around Washington, DC on Inauguration Day

The presidential inaugural parade is coordinated by the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC) which includes members from all branches of the armed forces of the United States. Since 1789, the U.S. armed forces have participated in this important American tradition honoring our commander in chief.

During the 10-day inaugural period from January 15 to January 24, 2009, armed forces personnel will provide ceremonial support with musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons.

Parade Route Entry Points

The following public entry points will open at 7:00 a.m. on January 20, 2009, and will remain open until the parade route can no longer accommodate additional people.

• 2nd St. NW and C St. NW
  
• 3rd St. NW and C St. NW
  
• Indiana Ave. NW between 6th St. NW and 7th St. NW
  
• 7th St. NW and D St. NW
  
• 10th St. NW and E St. NW
  
• 12th St. NW and E St. NW
  
• E St. NW just east of 13th St. NW
  
• 13th St. NW just North of E St. NW
  
• 14th St. NW just North of E St. NW
  
• 12th St. NW between Constitution and Pennsylvania Ave.
  
• 10th St. NW between Constitution and Pennsylvania Ave.
  
• 7th St. NW between Constitution and Pennsylvania Ave.
  
• Constitution Ave. between 6th St. NW and 7th St. NW

Access to the parade route from south of Pennsylvania Avenue, including the National Mall area, will only be available via 14th Street NW or 12th Street NW at Constitution Ave.

Individuals attending the Inaugural parade may enter at any of the designated entry points on the north or south side of Pennsylvania Avenue. Between 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the following intersections will be open to the general public as crossover points:

• 3rd Street between Constitution Ave and Pennsylvania Avenue
  
• Pennsylvania Ave between 6th Street NW and 7th Street NW
  
• Pennsylvania Ave between 11th Street NW and 12th Street NW

See the lineup of participants in the parade on page 2.

Read More About the Presidential Inauguration