What to Do in the District This Weekend

This weekend, it doesn't matter where you fall in the political junkie to willfully apathetic spectrum -- the biggest thing going in D.C. is the inauguration of President Obama for his second term.

I took this photo four years ago. Yes, that's Obama making his speech. I was SO CLOSE.

As such, there are a million and one awesome things to do to celebrate our nation's capital and the political undercurrent that's responsible for drawing us all in.



INAUGURAL EVENTS

We could have done a post on all of this stuff alone, but the Washington Post, far more accustomed to the hullabaloo that accompanies each and every part of this presidential pomp, has put together a quality, comprehensive guide to all this weekend's events -- the cheap ones, the expensive ones, how to dress and where to still get tickets.

If you're itching to put on your fancy fancies and go to a ball, check out one of the many state societies that are having events for much, much cheaper than the official inaugural balls. In 2009, I went to the New Jersey State Society Inaugural Ball for no reason other than we could still get tickets to it the week prior, and I had a great time!

An icy vodka machine at the 2009 New Jersey State Society Inaugural Ball

Oh, and lest we forget the tragedy that is commuting in this city, here is a handy map of road closures, Metro access and pedestrian routes.

Additionally, no weekend post is complete without a brunch recommendation, so check out the awesome-sounding inauguration deal from Gamma Girl favorite Dirty Martini:

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

It's also the MLK Day of Service on Saturday. If you feel like doing the city a solid, you can volunteer in a variety of ways:

• The National Day of Service Fair will take place on the Mall starting at 9:30 a.m. Click here to learn more.
• The Rock Creek Conservancy will meet on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon to remove English Ivy from trees in Rock Creek Park. Register here.
• Unite America in Service will be packing care kits for deployed service members starting at 9 a.m. Register here.

And of course, your favorite charity organization is bound to have something planned so call them up and get to work!

That's about it for us! Have a great weekend!