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TUESDAY, JAN. 20
The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States is a historic event, with the rise of the first African American president coinciding with the end of perhaps the worst presidency in US history. So it’s time to celebrate, and here’s where you can do so on Jan. 20.
Sock it to me
NextArts has reserved the space outside City Hall for a simulcast of the inaugural proceedings and what it’s calling a Sock It To Me Concert. In the spirit of grassroots, progressive change, the price of admission is new socks and underwear with tags still attached for donation to the homeless.
7 a.m.–noon, free with donation
Civic Center Plaza
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Plaza, SF
The dream lives
The College of Alameda will broadcast Obama’s 9 a.m. swearing-in and offer open mike commentary during commercial breaks. The event also features several speakers on the civil rights movement and what Obama’s presidency means for Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
8 a.m. –1:30 p.m., free
F Building student lounge, College of Alameda
555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda
(510) 748-2213
Quiet time is over
The African American Interest Committee is sponsoring a public viewing of the inauguration ceremony at the San Francisco Public Library. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and refreshments will be available in the Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room.
9 a.m.–noon, free
Koret Auditorium, SF Public Library
100 Larkin, SF
mjeffers@sfpl.org
Party for grid alternatives
Come try the signature Obama cocktail at the Swedish American Music Hall’s inauguration event. Watch a 9 p.m. rebroadcast of the inauguration on the big screen and dance and enjoy catering by Radio Africa and Kitchen. Proceeds benefit Grid Alternatives, an Oakland-based organization promoting renewable energy.
7 p.m., $22 advance, $25 at the door
2170 Market, SF
Obama mambo
Boogie down to support Amnesty International during its fundraising event, "Dance for Change." Music from hip-hop to house to rock will be spinning all night long, so prepare to shake it for Barack to the wee hours.
9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m., $10
Le Colonial
20 Cosmo Place, SF
Pray for change
After a week of shared prayer in mosques, temples, churches, and synagogues, the inauguration celebration will be the final stop for "Unity for the Sake of Change," a prayer event open to all religions.
7 a.m., $5
Oracle Arena
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakl.
(510) 272-6695
obamacelebration.org
Inaugural Ball
Electric Works gallery is hosting an Inaugural Ball featuring a rebroadcast of the inauguration followed by dancing. Formal dress is suggested but not required (changing rooms and borrowed finery will be available for those coming directly from work). Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided and proceeds benefit the San Francisco Food Bank.
6–10 p.m., $10 donation requested
130 Eighth St., SF
Women, Democrats, and democratic women
The San Francisco Democratic Party and local women’s political groups — including Emerge California, Good Ol’ Girls, and the San Francisco Women’s Political Caucus — are throwing an Inauguration Night party in the swanky Green Room of the War Memorial Opera House, featuring hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and entertainment.
5:30–8:30 p.m., $25
301 Van Ness, SF
www.actblue.com/page/inaugurationsf
(415) 626-1161
info@sfdemocrats.org
Inauguration Skaters’ Ball
The California Outdoor Rollersports Association hosts a political roller disco featuring Sarah Palins and Barack Obamas on wheels. There’s even a chance that a live feed from the party will be broadcast at the Presidential Gala in Washington. Dress up as your favorite politician and resist the urge to knock out your rivals.
7–11 p.m., $10 adults, kids free. $5 for skates
Funkytown SF
1720 19th St., SF
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