In the lead-up to the passing of the keys to the White House, Washington, D.C., is giving entirely new meaning to the "party system." Most hotels have been sold out for months; Craigslist is overstocked with temporary rentals. Celebrities are beginning to arrive while some locals are debating how to escape. Popular bridges will be closed, but local bars will be pouring drinks until 4 a.m.

Inaugurations happen every four years, but there has never been one so filled with anticipation, parties, shows and other festivities as this one. Never mind that Aretha Franklin and Yo-Yo Ma are performing at President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony Tuesday. Washington's galleries, museums and clubs are playing host as well.

We've put together a diverse listing of some of the city's many cultural offerings for inauguration week and the rest of January. All events are open to the public, though some carry hefty ticket prices and some sold out almost immediately. All inconveniences aside, there's something going on for everyone to have a ball.