Only VIP sections (i.e. those within sight of the ceremony) need tickets, and last time it was a fiasco anyway-ticket check points way too slow. Wife and I went down to the public areas where they had jumbotrons set up. It was worth it.

That weekend much of downtown will be closed to private vehicles from about 22nd street all the way to beyond Capitol, south of about I street. But you can still walk places. As it gets closer to the parade route, things will get tighter. As it gets closer to the parade time, tighter still and eventually they will block pedestrians from Penn Ave, so don't get caught on the wrong side or you may have a long walk around.

Most inaug balls are private, but there are always a few bones of events they toss to us locals. And people watching, or VIP hunting is always free.