On Tuesday January 20th, 2009 at 12:00 EDT Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.
Wondering where Amsterdammers who want to watch the event should head on Tuesday at 6pm? Here are a few options.
My plan is to follow the inauguration festivities at cultural center Felix Meritis on Keizersgracht. Doors will open at 4pm for a “Yes, We Watch” party. The event will be shown live on a big screen and there are no reservations necessary. I would expect an interesting mix of people from the culturally literate regulars to canal belt expats looking for a venue last minute.
Then there is an inauguration special party and show at improvisation theater Boom Chicago on Leidseplein. It’s a much bigger event starting with a live screening from 5:30 pm, then dinner, a re-run of the “Bye-Bye Bush” comedy and finally a big band playing from 10pm onwards.
Association Democrats Abroad is organizing another big inauguration event in the Hard Rock Cafe on Max Euwe Plein. This event requires tickets and might be sold out.
If you would rather stay home and watch CNN, here is a minute-by-minute schedule with all details of Obama’s inauguration.
UPDATE: Just found out about another live screening event. The American Book Center’s Treehouse organizes a celebration with give-aways, live music and bubbles.