How to Celebrate the Inauguration in New York City

Posted by Linnea Covington, January 16, 2009 at 12:00 PM

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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Tags: Brooklyn, Dumbo, East Village, events, Financial District, Fort Green, Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, Midtown, Soho, Williamsburg