Sunday, January 11, 2009

Official inaugural events:

Saturday: The Obama family makes a day-long "whistle-stop" train journey from Philadelphia to Washington, with public appearances in Wilmington, Del., -- where the Biden family will join them -- Baltimore and Washington.

Sunday: President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. attend a welcome celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. The free event will be televised by HBO and feature "some of the biggest acts in the world of entertainment," according to the Presidential Inauguration Committee.

Monday: Obama will participate in a national day of community service; dinners honoring Sen. John McCain, retired Gen. Colin Powell and Biden; and a free youth concert at Verizon Center.

Inauguration Day*:

4 a.m.: Metrorail service begins.

4 a.m.: Mall opens.

7 a.m.: Pennsylvania Avenue parade route opens.

9 a.m.: Gates at the west front of the Capitol open for the swearing-in.

After church: President-elect heads to the White House.

10 a.m.: Musical prelude at the Capitol.

11 a.m.: President Bush and Obama arrive on Capitol Hill from the White House.

11:30 a.m.: Program begins at west front of Capitol.

Noon: Obama is sworn in as 44th president, begins inaugural address.

12:30 p.m.: Obama, Bush, other dignitaries leave platform.

12:40 p.m.: Departure ceremony for Bush.

12:50-2:30 p.m.: Presidential lunch at Statuary Hall.

2:30-4:30 p.m.: Parade.

7 p.m.- midnight: 10 official balls.

9 p.m.: Metro's rush-hour service and fares end, although system will remain open until 2 a.m. the following day.

SOURCE: Inaugural committees

*Subject to change