You’ve seen the news. You know the date. But if you’re planning to stand on Pennsylvania Avenue to catch a glimpse of the motorcade, you might be in for a surprise.
The 60th Presidential Inauguration Parade is scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025. It's a massive deal. Honestly, it’s one of the few times DC feels like a small town and a global stage at the exact same time. But here's the kicker: the weather is looking brutal. Freezing temps and high winds have already forced organizers to move the main swearing-in ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
Kinda changes things, right?
When is the Inauguration Parade officially starting?
Normally, the parade kicks off after the President has a formal lunch with Congress. If everything stays on track, the Inauguration Parade is expected to begin around 3:00 p.m. ET. Wait. There's a big "but" here.
Because of the extreme cold, Donald Trump’s team made a last-minute audible. Instead of the traditional long haul down Pennsylvania Avenue, the primary parade festivities are being moved to the Capital One Arena.
It’s not every day you see a presidential parade inside a basketball stadium. But when it's below freezing and the wind is whipping off the Potomac, you do what you have to do.
The schedule looks roughly like this:
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- 12:00 p.m. ET: The official Swearing-In Ceremony.
- 1:30 p.m. ET: The Inaugural Luncheon at Statuary Hall (this is where they eat fancy food and give toasts).
- 2:30 p.m. ET: The "Pass in Review" at Emancipation Hall.
- 3:00 p.m. ET: The actual parade kicks off at Capital One Arena.
Why the route is different this year
Usually, the President and Vice President travel from the Capitol to the White House. It’s a 1.5-mile stretch. Thousands of people line the streets. Jimmy Carter started a tradition in 1977 of actually walking the route, which was pretty cool until the Secret Service likely had a collective heart attack.
Since then, presidents usually walk a block or two and then jump back into "The Beast"—the armored limo.
But 2025 is weird. The indoor move to Capital One Arena means the "public" part of the parade is basically a ticketed event or a TV-only experience for most. The goal is to keep the marching bands, the horses, and the performers from literally freezing.
If you don't have a ticket for the arena, your best bet is watching the live stream. Networks like CBS, FOX, and even YouTube channels like RSBN are going to be all over it.
Who actually gets to be in this thing?
It’s not just military tanks and fancy cars. The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) helps organize the whole mess. They get thousands of applications from high school marching bands, equestrian groups, and even police motorcycle units.
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For the 2025 parade, expect to see:
- The "President’s Own" United States Marine Band.
- Representative groups from all branches of the military.
- Performers like Kid Rock and the Village People (who have basically become the unofficial soundtrack for the Trump campaign).
- Civilian floats representing different states.
It’s a mix of somber military tradition and high-energy rally vibes.
The logistics of getting there (or not)
If you are determined to be in DC, Godspeed. Most hotels are 95% booked. Security is everywhere.
The Secret Service sets up a "Red Zone" and a "Blue Zone." Basically, if you don't have a pass, you aren't getting anywhere near the Capitol or the White House.
Pro tip: Use the Metro. Don't even think about driving. Most streets in downtown DC will be closed by 7:00 a.m.
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What to bring if you're brave enough for the cold:
- Hand warmers. Lots of them.
- Clear bags. Security is tighter than an airport.
- Patience. You will be standing for hours.
A bit of history for the nerds
Parades weren't always this organized. George Washington had a "parade" in 1789, but it was basically just a bunch of people following his carriage in New York.
In 1829, Andrew Jackson’s parade ended with a bunch of people trashing the White House because they were so excited. They had to put tubs of spiked punch on the lawn just to lure the crowd out of the building so it wouldn't get destroyed.
We’ve come a long way since then.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re trying to catch the parade today, here is your checklist:
- Check the official JCCIC website for any last-minute timing shifts due to the weather.
- Download the DC Metro app. Bus routes are useless today because of the road closures.
- Tune into the live stream by 2:45 p.m. ET so you don't miss the start of the procession to the arena.
- Watch for the "Pass in Review." It’s a quick but significant military tradition where the new Commander-in-Chief first looks over the troops.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the show. It only happens once every four years.