Key Topics

Accessibility

See the Accessibility page.

Cameras

Cameras are permitted on the U.S. Capitol grounds.  Tripods and camera bags, however, are prohibited.

Cell Phones

Cellular phones are permitted on the U.S. Capitol grounds.  Turn phones off or set to vibrate before the program begins.

Children

There are no childcare facilities provided to 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 202-512-1226.

The Swearing-in Ceremony is a outdoor event held on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  Inauguration day is typically cold—normally 37° F at noon—and occasionally wet. 

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.  A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.

Elderly

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 occasionally wet. 

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.  A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.

Food and Drink

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 prohibited.

Inside the Event

Movement will be difficult inside the security perimeter.  Please be prepared to stay within the perimeter and within your ticketed section for the duration of the festivities.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Emergency Medical Teams are on-hand in the event of any medical emergencies.  For additional information about permitted items for medical purposes (e.g. insulin), contact the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-512-1226.

Parking

No parking will be available on Capitol Hill.  Public parking in Washington, D.C. will be extremely limited.  If you are traveling by car from outside the city, park in a lot near a Metro station and take Metro into Washington.  Expect heavy traffic and road closures.

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
• Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
• Mace and/or pepper spray
• Sticks or poles
• Pockets or hand tools, such as “Leatherman”
• Packages
• Backpacks
• Large bags
• Duffel bags
• Suitcases
• Thermoses
• Coolers
• Strollers
• Umbrellas
• Laser pointers
• Signs
• Posters
• Animals (other than service animals)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners

Restrooms

Outdoor, portable restrooms are located throughout the U.S. Capitol grounds.

Security

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

Tickets

Every person wishing admittance to the Inaugural Ceremony, including children, must have a ticket.  Individuals without valid tickets will not be admitted.

Tickets are color-coded to facilitate entrance to the ceremony. Entrance will be granted only at the gate indicated on your ticket.  Ticket holders should use Metro.

Traffic

Large crowds are expected for the Swearing-in ceremonies, the Inaugural parade, and other festivities.  Expect heavy traffic and road closings.  Use the Metro.

Visiting D.C.

The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is full of culture, architecture, history and heritage.  For information about and ideas for places not to miss, use the Visiting D.C. section of the U.S. Senate website.

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 occasionally wet. 

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.  A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.

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.

Discover more about Inauguration Day weather at the National Weather Service’s Presidential Inaugural Weather website.

What to Wear

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

It is typically cold on Inauguration Day—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.  Dress in layers and wear a winter coat. Consider wearing comfortable shoes, gloves, a hat and a scarf, and bringing a blanket.

In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos or rain coats.

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

When to Arrive

Arrive early for required security screening and anticipate large crowds.  Gates to the Inaugural Ceremony open at 9 a.m. and the musical prelude begins at 10 a.m.  Be prepared to pass through several security screenings before reaching the section indicated on your ticket.  There will be no check room for prohibited items.