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The Best Unofficial Inaugural Ball Parties in D.C.

May we have this dance?

2013 unofficial inaugural parties!

No Ticketmaster snafu will stop you from putting on a fancy dress and celebrating the second inauguration of the 44th president. Take a spin on the dance floor at one of nine unofficial inaugural balls around town.

Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball
What: Two-step to the Texas State Society’s bash, where Stetsons are de rigueur. Expect prize-winning chili and barbecue in the State Fair area, plus bands on six stages.
When: Sat., 7 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor (301-965-2000). Tickets ($275) at blacktieandbootsball.com.

Illinois State Society Inaugural Gala
What: Get a little bit louder with encouragement from Sweet Home Chicago, a Blues Brothers tribute band, then refuel on Windy City bites like deep-dish pizza.
When: Sat., 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Where: Renaissance Hotel, 999 9th St. NW (202-898-9000). Tickets ($260) at illinoisstatesociety.org.

The Bluegrass Ball
What: Ease through a 90-minute tour down Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail before feasting on a multicourse dinner by Top Chef finalist Edward Lee and dancing to a Morehead State University faculty and alumni band.
When: Sat., 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd. NW (202-328-2000). Tickets ($250) at kentuckysociety.org.

OurTime.org Generation Now Party
What: Walk the red carpet and party with headliners John Legend and Common at the spirited affair aimed at young voters over the age of 21.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, 8th St. NW, at F St. NW. Tickets ($150) at missiontix.com.

Tilted Torch: Vaudeball
What: Malibu and Miss Joule rule a congress of ten performers, including three burlesquers, at the nicely priced romp. Think of it as Burning Man on the Potomac.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: 9th & Beats at Old Dominion Brewhouse, 1219 9th St. NW (202-289-8158). Tickets ($15) at hugefan.com.

Garden State Inaugural Gala
What: Try your luck at the Atlantic City Casino and lose your mind when the B Street Band takes the stage.
When: Sun., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Ave. NW, b/t E & F Sts. (202-628-2100). Tickets ($275) at njss.org.

Georgia State Society Inaugural Gala
What: Sop up the party — special guests include the first lady of The Pips, Gladys Knight, and the commander in chief of Braves fans, Hank Aaron — with a biscuit.
When: Sun., 7 p.m.-midnight.
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW (202-783-5000). Tickets ($200) at eventbrite.com.

Latino Inaugural
What: Eva Longoria hosts dozens of performers, including Broadway’s Raul Esparza, Rita Moreno, and Chita Rivera, at the showcase of Latino arts and culture in the opera house; stick around for the reception.
When: Sun. Concert, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, at 25th St. Tickets ($300 for the concert and reception, $150 for a simulcast and reception) at latinoinaugural2013.org.

ChurckKey’s Inaugural Brewers Ball
What: No fewer than ten craft brew from labels such as Allagash, Flying Dog, and Star Hill come together for the clinking of many, many, many glasses.
When: Mon., 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: 1337 14th St. NW (202-567-2576). Tickets ($150) at 202-567-2576.

Ale to the chief.

Photo: AFP / Getty Images

Location
Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
8th St NW
@ F St NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-633-6333
Washington Court Hotel
525 New Jersey Ave NW
bt E & F Sts
Washington, DC 20001
202-628-2100
Marriott Wardman Park
2660 Woodley Rd NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-328-2000
1219 9th St NW
bt M & N Sts
Washington, DC 20001
202-289-8158
1337 14th St NW
bt N St & Rhode Island Ave
Washington, DC 20005
202-567-2576
1250 New York Ave NW
@ 13th St
Washington, DC 20005
202-783-5000
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD 20745
301-965-2000
Renaissance Hotel
999 9th St NW
@ New York Ave
Washington, DC 20001
202-898-9000
2700 F St NW
@ Virginia Ave
Washington, DC 20037
202-467-4600
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