PrintHow to Celebrate the Inauguration in New York City
Inauguration posters from Hudson Terrace, Dekalb Avenue, and S.O.B.'s.
The day many of us have been looking forward to has finally come—the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. On and around Tuesday, January 20, parties and celebrations for this historic event will be held across the country. Here are some options for those in New York City.
Celebrate the Inauguration on Dekalb
Friday, January 16 through Tuesday, January 20
Up and down Dekalb Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, restaurants and merchants will offer Obama-themed specials and discounts. From Yes-We-Can-ohitos at Chez Oskar, to free Obama Mama Cocktails at Madiba, to 15 percent off everything at Tillie's of Brooklyn coffee shop, there is a little Obama fun for everyone. Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn NY (map); event website
I Have a Beat: Obama Presidential Inauguration Celebration and MLK Jr. National Monument Fund-Raiser
Sunday, January 18, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Glasslands, the Indie rocker venue turned hip night spot, is hosting a dance party with DJ Mannes and Steve Lurkel. The best part? If you RSVP you get in for $7 (instead of $12) and not only do you feel good because it's a fundraiser, but if you show up before 11 p.m. you get free Colt 45. 289 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11211 (b/n South 1st and 2nd Streets; map); event website
Village Pourhouse Inauguration
Tuesday, January 20, 11 a.m.
Get your party started the moment Obama is sworn in. The Village Pourhouse is offering free shots like the Obama Mamma and Barack-a-Bombs after he gives his speech. 64 3rd Avenue, New York NY 10003 (at 11th Street; map); event website
Live Screening of Presidential Inauguration
Tuesday, January 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In Foley Square and Duffy Square, watch the inauguration live for free, courtesy of New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Just make sure to bring a cup of tea or coffee to keep your body warm since the screenings are outside. Foley Square (on Pearl Street and Center Street, Financial District; map); Duffy Square, Midtown West, (b/n 45th and 47th Streets, and Broadway and Seventh Avenues; map) event website.
Party For Change
Tuesday, January 20, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Tapas served all day, champagne toasts, live coverage of the event—S.O.B.'s is the place to be. They are even offering a "presidential lunch and dinner menu." 204 Varick Street, New York NY 10014 (at West Houston Street; map); event website
Goodbye Bush Bash
Tuesday, January 20, 6 p.m.
While it's time to celebrate the incoming president, it sure doesn't hurt to rejoice the leaving of the current one. The Latitude Bar & Grill in Hell's Kitchen will serve up some Bush-themed cocktails and a wall of memorable Bush quotes. 783 8th Avenue, New York NY 10036 (b/n 47th and 48th Streets; map); event website
Inaugural Ball at Hudson Terrace
Tuesday, January 20 at 6 p.m.
So you can't make it to Washington for the real deal, but you can put on your gown or tuxedo and go out in our fair city. Hudson Terrace is hosting a fancy event complete with champagne reception and hours d'oeuvres for the $20 general admission, or a table and open bar for the VIPs at $75. 621 West 46th Street, New York NY 10036 (b/n 11th and 12th Avenues; map); event website
Inaugural Ball in DUMBO
Tuesday, January 20, 7 p.m. to midnight.
Stuff your face with food from the Red Hook ball field vendors while shaking your booty to DJ $mall ¢hange and shmoozing among the artist crowd at Smack Mellon Studios. 92 Plymouth Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 (at Washington Street; map); event website
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8 Comments:
This wouldn't have been nearly as obnoxious as it is had the author managed to write an introductory sentence without immediately falling under the breathless spell of Obamania. The insulting dig at the sitting president was also gratuitous.
Ought I to expect food bloggers to write a little more inclusively and a little less politically after the Inauguration? Because after a year of this nonsense, I don't need to wake up to ads for Obama commemorative plates, open my paper to see Obama commemorative coins, walk past vendors hawking Obama t-shirts only to sit at my desk to tune into a food blog touting all things Obama as well.
JungMan at 1:01PM on 01/16/09
Why would a blogger mask her political opinion when reporting on politically themed events?
marylaura at 1:49PM on 01/16/09
The second coming! $200 million Presidential Inauguration…how completely absurd. Can someone tell me why is Queen Latifa a speaker? Seriously…this is a joke. They are turning what should be a formal affair into the Superball half time show.
davey at 1:49PM on 01/16/09
JungMan, why would you read a postabout Obama Inauguration parties if you don't want to hear about Obama?
I think you have way too much time on your hands.....
Lucky for those of us with brains and good spirits get to celebrate Obama for at least the next 4 years! Get used to it buddy, nobody likes a party pooper.
I love this post! Power to the people! We're gonna party like this Dubya-free country has never seen!
veginbk at 1:56PM on 01/16/09
This article gives me the stuff I want to know, which is where to eat and celebrate Obama's presidency at the same time! All I have to say to JungMan is - get your foot out of your mouth and get a new sense of taste. Your post sounds like you made your whine with sour grapes. Huzzah all!!!!
jaywarner at 2:47PM on 01/16/09
Those of you w/ brains? $600 million from this ridiculous bail out going to rebates needed for digital tv converters for the February switch. Money well spent! Libs love to spend wisely. Brace yourself for the next 4 years. Hand outs hand outs and more hand outs.
Power to the people? Dude…look past the hype and the propaganda and get your head out of your ass.
davey at 3:40PM on 01/16/09
I'm still laughing at the free Colt .45 promo at the Obama/MLK event. What better way to celebrate than a fowdy? Except maybe some chicken, grape drink, menthols & an Apple Jolly Rancher?
f650gsd at 11:16PM on 01/16/09
Nice to see the 3 people in NYC who voted for McCain comment on this post.
:-p Yes We Can!
winkyj at 1:33AM on 01/17/09