There is no official dress code for the swearing-in ceremonies.

It is typically very cold on Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C., normally 37°F and often wet. Expect to be outside for more than three hours, to stand in line, and to walk for long periods of time.  Wear a winter coat; consider wearing comfortable shoes, gloves, a hat and a scarf, and bringing a blanket.  Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Weather

The Swearing-In ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  Inauguration day is typically cold, normally 37° F at noon and occassionally wet. Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Inauguration attendees should check the local weather forecast for Inauguration Day and plan accordingly.  In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos, or rain coats. 

There are no child care facilities provided to inauguration attendees. Due to increased security and space constraints strollers are not permitted on the Capitol grounds.  Direct questions regarding the admittance of items required for child care to the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-228-3555.

The Swearing-In ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  Inauguration day is typically cold, normally 37° F at noon and occassionally wet. Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

The Swearing-In ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  Inauguration day is typically cold, normally 37° F at noon and occassionally wet. Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Emergency Medical Teams are on hand in the event of any medical emergencies.  For additional information about permitted items for medical purposes (i.e. insulin), please contact the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-228-3555.

Outdoor, portable restrooms are located throughout the Capitol grounds.

All ticket holders are required to pass through security screening, including handbag inspection.

Food, beverages, and other amenities are not available within the ceremony perimeter.  Do not bring any food item larger than a small snack. Thermoses are amoung the list of prohibited items.

Cellular Phones are permitted on the Capitol Grounds. Turn off phones or set to vibrate before the program begins.

Cameras are permitted on the Capitol Grounds, however, tripods and camera bags are prohibited items.

Large crowds are expected for the Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremonies, the Inaugural Parade, and other festivities.  Expect heavy traffic and road closings.  Use the Metro if possible.

Public parking in Washington will be extremely limited.  If you are traveling by car from outside the city, park in a lot near a Metro station and take the Metro into Washington. Expect heavy traffic and road closures.

Items prohibited from the Inaugural events include, but are not limited to: