Abigail Spanberger is set to be sworn in as Virginia’s first female governor next week at an inauguration bookended by other events and festivities in Richmond.
The Democrat is scheduled to take the oath of office at noon on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Virginia State Capitol Building, in the centerpiece of an inauguration weekend with the theme “United for Virginia’s Future.”
A parade will follow through Capitol Square — featuring several groups from Northern Virginia — while smaller events later in the weekend include an inaugural ball and, for the first time, a First Gentleman’s Breakfast.
While many events require tickets, a “Made in Virginia” market on Friday, Jan. 16, is open to all. Additionally, an open house at the Executive Mansion is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 18.
“The upcoming inauguration will reflect the values that unite us as Virginians — a shared desire to build a stronger future for our children, the triumphs of generations of Virginians who carried us to this moment, and the rich cultures that are woven into the fabric of our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said. “My family looks forward to welcoming Virginians to our capital city as we chart our path forward together.”
Spanberger, who plans to launch her governorship with an “Affordable Virginia Agenda” focused on legislation to address housing, health-care and energy costs, held a ticket lottery for her inauguration ceremony due to limited seating. Visitors with tickets will be required to go through security at Capitol Square beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 17.
The square will be closed to the rest of the public from 9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11 until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17. The Virginia State Capitol will remain open to visitors on weekdays before Inauguration Day through the 1000 Bank Street entrance.
A schedule of events planned for the inauguration weekend is below.
Made in Virginia Market
Friday, Jan. 16, 3-8 p.m.
Businesses from around Virginia will sell their products and services at this public event that kicks off the inauguration weekend. Vendors from Northern Virginia include Alexandria’s Ella Bella Creative and Occoquan’s Hello Jackson Home Fragrance Co.
17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th Street, Richmond
Welcome Reception
Friday, Jan. 16
Spanberger and soon-to-be First Gentleman Adam Spanberger will host a welcome reception at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Tickets are required.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond
Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, Jan. 17
Spanberger and her husband will host an interfaith prayer breakfast at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Admission is by invitation only.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 815 E. Grace Street, Richmond
Inauguration Ceremony
Saturday, Jan. 17, at noon
Spanberger’s inauguration will take place at the South Portico of the Virginia State Capitol Building. This will also be streamed online.
Virginia State Capitol, 1000 Bank Street, Richmond
Inaugural Parade
Saturday, Jan. 17, after the inauguration
The inaugural parade through Capitol Square will immediately follow the inauguration ceremony. More than 25 groups and organizations from across the state will participate, including Hasang Korean School Dance Team and ADAMS Center Scouts from Northern Virginia.
Other participants will include Northern Virginia representatives from the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, Alexandria and Fairfax County officers representing the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, Virginia Education Association’s local associations, and local Girl Scout troops.
The parade is open only to the ticketed attendees of the inauguration ceremony. Andrew Freiden, a meteorologist for NBC12 in Richmond, will announce the parade.
Capitol Square, Richmond
Inaugural Ball
Saturday, Jan. 17
The newly inaugurated governor and her husband will host this event inside Richmond’s historic train station. Only ticketed guests can attend and will be treated to live performances, food and drinks from around Virginia.
Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street, Richmond
First Gentleman’s Breakfast
Sunday, Jan. 18
First Gentleman Adam Spanberger will introduce himself to the community with a pancake breakfast at the Science Museum of Virginia. Tickets are required.
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street, Richmond
Executive Mansion Open House
Sunday, Jan. 18, from 2-4 p.m.
The 75th governor of Virginia and her family will become the latest occupants of the Executive Mansion. They will welcome guests for an open house. This is open to the public, but it will be first-come, first-served.
Virginia Executive Mansion, Capitol Square, Richmond
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
