Trump Inauguration: Celebration, Balls, Protests and Rain in the Forecast

WASHINGTON, DC — Months after a surprise win in the general election — and years after he first publicly weighed running for the nation's highest office — businessman Donald Trump will take the oath and become the 45th U.S. president. The moment will bring a sharp end to eight years of progressive policies on taxes, healthcare, social issues and more. And it will bring America into an era of presidential leadership like none before.

The inauguration will be at noon on Friday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, followed by a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue — pomp and pageant that we've seen every four years, but with an incoming president who won on the promise that he'll build an administration on a lifetime in business, instead of politics.

Speaking to a large crowd of supporters at the Lincoln Memorial for a celebratory concert Thursday night, Trump said he would be everyone's president. "We're going to make America great again for all of our people," he said, before mentioning a Friday forecast of rain as the ceremony begins. "I don't care if its going to rain like crazy. I'll see you tomorrow and I'll be cheering you."

Watch Live Stream: Trump Presidential Inauguration 2017

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» More: Your Full Guide and Schedule to the Presidential Inauguration

It is not a moment that will be celebrated by all Americans. It was a victory in the electoral college, but Trump lost in the popular vote by nearly 3 million. Dozens of members of Congress will be skipping the event, many claiming it is in reaction to Trump's comments about his political opponents.

Tens of thousands of citizens are expected to fill Washington DC just a day after Trump is elected to challenge the new administration just hours after it begins. The Women's March on Washington will also involve hundreds of smaller protests across the country in solidarity.

Trump's supporters were already in D.C. on Thursday and the mood at the "Make America Great Again" concert was celebratory. "Some of it is the excitement and some of it is the hope," said Brian Johnson of Flat Rock, North Carolina. "Every four years, at least a good portion of the voters think something uplifting is coming. That's my perspective this time around."

Watch Replay: Make America Great Again Concert Celebrates Presidential Inauguration

Official events include the traditional inaugural parade following the swearing-in, as well as official and unofficial celebratory balls across the D.C. region.

Certainly unofficial: marches, protests and rallies in opposition to the new administration that began days before the president-elect had arrived in D.C. Thursday night, a crowd of hundreds filled the street in front of a planned pro-Trump event at the National Press Club, drawing a police response.

"Show me what democracy looks like?" a single protester asked to begin a chant. The crowd replied, "This is what democracy looks like!"

More on Patch:

• Watch Replay: Wreath-Laying Ceremony for Presidential Inauguration 2017
• Wax Figure of Donald Trump Unveiled at Madame Tussauds in DC
• Ohio Candy Shop Brings Back 'Trump Dumps' For Inauguration Day
• Springsteen Tribute Band Cancels Trump Inauguration Gig in DC
• 'Boston Women's March' Could Be Largest Post-Trump Rally Yet
• Trump Goes After Rep. John Lewis About Skipping Inauguration

Photos by Patrick Martin, Patch