Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th president of the United States will take place on January 20, 2021.
In the midst of the ongoing pandemic and after the US Capitol insurrection, this year’s celebrations will be totally different from previous inaugurations.
Officials announced that both the National Mall and the Washington Monument will be closed to the public on the day, amid security concerns. Americans are being encouraged to participate in the celebrations virtually.
In turn, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced a flood of events scheduled to be broadcast over the five days that cover the inauguration to welcome the start of a new presidency.
America United: a welcoming event for the inauguration – live broadcast from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Eastern Time)
On Saturday, PIC is hosting an inaugural welcoming event with the aim of celebrating America’s agents of change reflecting on the official theme of Biden’s tenure.
The committee said the broadcast will “reflect and honor our history and highlight the nation’s incredible diversity.”
The event will feature musical performances, celebrity performances and comments from some of the most popular leaders across the country.
Whoopi Goldberg, actor Nik Dodani, comedian and actress Cristela Alonzo, musician Darren Criss, representative Grace Meng, mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Resistance Revival Choir will participate. There will also be a special performance of Black Pumas nominated for a Grammy.
Broadcast live on bideninaugural.org and on the social media pages of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
We The People Concert – 8pm
A first such inaugural virtual show will take place on Sunday and will be hosted by Keegan-Michael Key and Debra Messing.
It will feature Ben Harper, Carole King, will.i.am, Fall Out Boy, James Taylor, AJR, Michael Bivens, Connie Britton, Sophia Bush, Jaimie Camil and Cal Penn.
United We Serve: a celebration of MLK’s National Day of Service – all day
Throughout Monday, there will be a National Day of Service and a celebration of the day of service.
On the day, the inaugural committee is encouraging Americans across the country to volunteer to serve their communities in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
An hour-long celebration of the day will be held at 8 pm, featuring “a wide variety of artists, inspiring speakers and stories that celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr” and the Biden administration.
Artists and speakers include Aloe Blacc, Rev Dr Bernice King, Martin Luther King III, Chesca, Rep Sharice Davids, Rosario Dawson, Andra Day, Yo-Yo Ma, Rev Al Sharpton, Sean Patrick Thomas, Diane Warren, Lynn Whitfield and Bebe Winans .
Broadcast live on bideninaugural.org and the inaugural committee’s social media pages.
National memorial and tribute to remember and honor the lives lost to Covid-19 at 5:30 pm ET
A lighting ceremony will take place the night before the Opening Day at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, marking the first lighting around the pool.
The ceremony will honor the thousands of lives lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic and cities and towns across the country are being encouraged to join the memorial by lighting buildings and ringing church bells.
Inauguration ceremony – moment not yet disclosed
President-elect, Mr. Biden, and vice-president-elect, Ms. Harris, are expected to take the oath of office at 12 pm ET (5 pm GMT) at the US Capitol in Washington DC.
Mr. Biden will then deliver an inaugural speech to state his vision for his term as president.
Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem and Jennifer Lopez will make a musical performance.
Review approval – time not yet disclosed
The Review Pass will take place on the eastern front with members of the army.
The proceedings are a long-standing military tradition that reflects the peaceful transfer of power to a new president.
Ceremony of laying the wreath at Arlington National Cemetery – moment not yet disclosed
Mr. Biden and Mrs. Harris will deposit a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in honor of the military who gave their lives in the name of the service.
Former Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton will join the newly installed president and vice president for the ceremony.
Virtual Parade Across America – moment not yet disclosed
Mr. Biden will receive a presidential escort to the White House on a historic journey to the White House without attracting large crowds and meetings.
Following the escort, PIC announced a virtual parade through America that will be televised.
“The parade will celebrate America’s heroes, highlight Americans from all walks of life in different states and regions and reflect on the country’s diversity, heritage and resilience as we begin a new American era,” said PIC.
An art exhibition at the National Mall will also include approximately 191,500 US flags of varying sizes, including flags representing all states and territories, and 56 pillars of light to celebrate those who are unable to attend.
Celebrating the television special in America – 8:30 pm
A special 90-minute prime-time program entitled “Celebrating America” will be presented by Tom Hanks from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm the night after the inauguration.
The program will feature comments from Biden and Ms. Harris, performances and images of American heroes working to fight crises across the country.
Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington will present segments throughout the night, ranging from stories of young people making a difference in their communities to musical performances.
Foo Fighters, John Legend, and Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons and Jon Bon Jovi are scheduled to perform.
Additional presentations must also be announced before January 20.
Where can I watch everything?
The event schedule will be broadcast on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC and will also be broadcast live on PIC’s social media channels: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.
Find out more about where to attend all Induction Day celebrations on here.