The three-day celebration of North Carolina benefits communities across our state. Honoring the newly elected Governor and Council of State, the 2025 series of events will occur at various cultural venues in Raleigh on January 9-11, 2025.

2025 Inaugural Ball Events

Celebrate NC (Young Professionals Event) – Celebrate North Carolina, a special event for young professionals across North Carolina, kicks off the Inaugural Ball celebration at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the contemporary art museum, CAM Raleigh. This event includes live entertainment, food and beverages. Smart casual attire is suggested.

Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
CAM Raleigh
409 W. Martin Street

Council of State Reception – The Council of State event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This cocktail reception honors the 10 elected executive offices of the Council of State. Cocktail attire is suggested. Beer, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres are included in the ticket price.

Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W Jones Street

Gala Presentation – The Gala Presentation, a grand and formal affair, is an hour-long celebration that formally presents the newly elected Governor and Council of State. This black-tie event starts at 7:45 p.m. and will be held in Venture Hall at the Marbles Kids Museum on Saturday, Jan. 11, immediately preceding the Inaugural Ball.

Inaugural Ball—The Ball will begin at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, in Marbles Kids Museum, as the Gala Presentation concludes. Guests attending this black-tie affair must have a valid photo ID to enter. The ticket price includes beer, wine and food.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 
Time: 7:45 p.m. (Gala Presentation)
Time: 9:00 p.m. to midnight (Inaugural Ball)
Marbles Kids Museum
201 E Hargett Street

COST: Prices vary based on event