The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

SPECIAL EVENT
Obama Inauguration

Today the US of A turns over a new leaf with the inauguration of Barack Obama. Will change really come? Will the economy be saved? Will the earth shatter? We don't claim to know, but we do know where you can go to check out today's festivities! The Twin Cities will be celebrating all day long (Think a non-Irish-exclusive St. Patrick's Day, minus the green beer). There are many places around town where you can watch the inauguration ceremony live, such as the Riverview Theater, The Walker Art Center Cinema, The Minneapolis Central Library and more. Our pals at Metroblogging have compiled a list HERE and The Twin Cities Daily Planet has more HERE. Or, just tune into pretty much any network station to watch from the comfort of your own home.

Network coverage begins at 9 a.m., swearing in 11 a.m. Twin Cities time, broadcast on all major news networks.

SPECIAL EVENT
Here's to the Chief

One of our favorite joints in town, The Bulldog Northeast, is hosting an all day party of Obama-tastic proportions. From 11 a.m. to close, the Bulldog will serve Obama's favorite dish, cheesy grits and shrimp, along with their regular menu. Inauguration coverage, door prizes, drink and food specials round things out. Yes We Can (drink beer)!

11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Bulldog NE, 401 East Hennepin Avenue, Northeast Minneapolis

SPECIAL EVENT
Inauguration Bash 2009

There's nothing more American than ringing in the political new year with booze. Head to Clubhouse Jager tonight and toast the new prez with tasty Obama shots, 2-4-1 drink specials, gourmet pizza, and pretty people. Watch a live broadcast of the Inaugural Ball projected on the big screen and indulge in some lively political chatter with the colorful patrons of this cozy Warehouse District spot.

8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Clubhouse Jager, 923 Washington Avenue. N, North Loop Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Inaugural Ball for President #44

The Bedlam Theater pulls out all the stops tonight in honor of the 44th President of the United States. Come at 6 p.m. (reservations required) for a scrumptious $15 prix fixe dinner featuring your choice of Presidential Pierogi, pineapple pork, or Chicago-style catfish; then stick around for music, dancing, and live coverage of the Inaugural Ball.

Prix Fixe Dinner 6 p.m., Party 8 p.m., Bedlam Theater, 1501 S. 6th Street, West Bank Minneapolis, Dinner package $15 (includes dinner and admission to party), party only $5

Extra: Lee's Liquor Lounge, Azia, Seven Sushi Ultra Lounge, and Triple Rock Social Club will all host inauguration parties this evening as well!

FOOD
Inaugural Cookies & Cakes

Having an Inauguration party of your own but not sure what to serve? Franklin Street Bakery has just the thing to sweeten the deal, no matter what your political view. Festive Obama-inspired cakes and cookies are the order of the day at this popular Minneapolis bakery! Depending on which way you voted, you may get satisfaction in biting his head off, or you might just want to nibble in homage. One thing's for sure -- the 44th President of the U.S.A. tastes as good as he looks! Stop in, or call to pre-order at 612-879-5730.

7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Franklin Street Bakery, 1020 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis