Presidential Inauguration 2013: Official and Unofficial Balls

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to attend just two official inaugural balls—the Commander-In-Chief’s Ball for members of the U.S. military and the Inaugural Ball, both at the Washington Convention Center.

The ticketing period for both official events has closed, but if you still want to get dressed up and dance the night away, there are a number of “unofficial” Inaugural Balls—ones that are sponsored by state parties or societies, non-profit organizations or other groups.

While there won’t be a presidential visit, they can be a lot of fun.

Here are some of the balls taking place here in Arlington: 

The Virginia Inaugural Ball is sponsored by the Democratic Party of Virginia and the Arlington County Democratic Committee. It will from 7 – 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel. Tickets are $250 per person. Ticket information for the Virginia Inaugural Ball is available here.

The American Indian Inaugural Ball is also Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Crystal Gateway Marriot. Tickets are $140.

You may see people wearing leies with their ballgowns around the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel for the Hawai'i State Society Inaugural Ball on Sunday, Jan. 20.

The Servant Forge Inaugural Ball, a charitable ball, is taking place in the Terminal A lobby at Reagan National Airport on Sunday, Jan. 20. 

Looking for the official ball from your home state? Huffington Post has a guide to the inaugural balls here. You may also check out this inaugural ball guide from about.com.