Q: What can I expect at the 2025 Palmetto Presidential Inaugural Ball? 

A: Every four years, South Carolinians gather in Washington, DC to celebrate the presidential inauguration with a ball sponsored by the South Carolina State Society (SCSS). Inaugural balls are a fixture of Washington’s social calendar after presidential inaugurations, with the first ball dating back to James Madison’s inauguration in 1809. SCSS will celebrate the occasion with members of our state's congressional delegation and statewide elected officials, complete with a live band, catering, and an open bar. Our 2021 Ball was unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic, but you can see photos from our 2017 Ball here. 

Q: Where and when is the 2025 Palmetto Presidential Inaugural Ball? 

A: The ball will be on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 7:00pm-midnight in Washington, DC. The venue for this premier black-tie event is the same venue as our 2017 Ball, the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, home to the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The landmark Greek Revival building is one of the oldest federal structures in the city and is located at the heart of bustling downtown DC. 

Q: What is the attire for the event? 

A: Black tie. 

Q: Do I need to be from South Carolina to attend?

A: Absolutely not! We are delighted to extend our southern hospitality to anyone interested in joining us for the celebration. 

Q: Can I purchase individual tickets?

A: Our general admission tickets are sold out, but we are still offering tickets to our sponsors! For sponsorship options, please contact scinaugural@gmail.com. 

Q: What is included in my presale or general admission ticket?

A: Tickets will give you access to a fabulous live band, excellent catering, and a full open bar. 

Q: What is included in a VIP ticket? 

A: VIP ticket holders enjoy access to our separate VIP level and includes premium bars, upscale eats, and additional seating with our honorary host committee. VIP tickets are only available for Ball sponsors and members of our Honorary Host Committee. For information on how to partner with us as a Ball sponsor, please email scinaugural@gmail.com. 

Q: Can I buy a VIP ticket?

A: VIP tickets are a benefit for Ball sponsors and cannot be purchased individually. For information on how to partner with SCSS as a Ball sponsor, please email scinaugural@gmail.com. 

Q: When should I plan to book my hotel and flight?

A: We recommend you book your accommodations as soon as possible - inauguration is one of the most popular times to visit DC! 

Q: If I'm no longer able to attend, are my tickets refundable? 

A: All tickets are nonrefundable, but you are able to reassign your ticket to someone else if you are no longer able to attend. Please contact scinaugural@gmail.com for more information. 

Additional questions? Please contact scinaugural@gmail.com!