United States presidential inaugural balls

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.

Catered food, beverages, and live entertainment performed by national and globally acclaimed musicians are provided at the inaugural balls.

The tradition of presidential inaugural balls in the United States has evolved over time.

In 1809, Dolley Madison hosted a gala at Long's Hotel in Washington D.C. after the first inauguration of James Madison was held earlier in the day at the United States Capitol, where a total of 400 tickets were sold for $4 a piece.

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.

President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy , wearing a gown designed by Ethel Franken of Bergdorf Goodman , arrive at the D.C. Armory in Washington D.C. for an inaugural ball held on the evening of Inauguration Day , January 20, 1961
A stereoscopic view of a ballroom in Washington D.C. decorated for an inaugural ball held for the first inauguration of William McKinley on March 4, 1897