Celebration for the president of the United States
United States presidential inaugural balls are large social gatherings, both white tie and black tie, held to celebrate the commencement of a new term of the president of the United States. Planned and sanctioned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the official inaugural balls occur throughout the evening of Inauguration Day in the Washington D.C. area and are invitation-only, attended by guests who are issued pre-paid tickets. The president, first lady, vice president, and second lady or gentleman all make personal appearances at each of the inaugural balls held in their honor. Catered food, beverages, and live entertainment performed by national and globally acclaimed musicians are provided at the inaugural balls.
Other inaugural balls, unofficial and often less formal, also occur before and on Inauguration Day, being given by state societies, businesses, and private organizations.
Between 1885 and 1909, inaugural balls were held at the National Museum Building (now the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building) and the Pension Building (now the National Building Museum).
Three presidents have cancelled inaugural balls for various reasons: Franklin Pierce did so in 1853 as he was mourning the recent death of his son, while Woodrow Wilson in 1913 felt that inaugural balls were too expensive; after Warren G. Harding, who wanted to set an example of simplicity, cancelled his in 1921, he temporarily ended the custom of inaugural balls.
Reflecting the mood of previous presidents in the early 20th century, Jimmy Carter stripped his 1977 inaugural balls of their frivolity and glamor, and charged no more than $25 per ticket.
First Lady Bess Truman, Perle Mesta, President Harry S. Truman, Margaret Truman, Edgar Morris, and Arthur Bergman at an inaugural ball held at the National Guard Armory on January 20, 1949.
Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper Gore, dancing during a Clinton inaugural ball held on January 15, 1997.
President George W. Bush points out members of the audience to First Lady Laura Bush during the "Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball" in Washington, D.C held on January 19, 2005.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are serenaded by Beyoncé at their first inaugural dance at the "Neighborhood Ball" on January 20, 2009.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at their inaugural dance at the "Liberty Ball" on January 20, 2017.