WASHINGTON — Donald J. Trump will take the oath of office outside the Capitol on Friday (Jan 20), officially becoming the 45th president of the United States. But the ceremony is only the centerpiece of the week’s inaugural festivities — and protests.

Here is a schedule of events that will occur in the next few days. Exact times are subject to change, of course, but much of it is guided by precedent.

JAN 19

The festivities officially kick off on Thursday afternoon (Friday morning, Singapore time), with a wreath-laying ceremony, a concert and an intimate dinner. Mr Trump will begin his public schedule at 3pm (4am, Singapore time) with an inaugural tradition: Laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery to honour America’s fallen soldiers.

4PM: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” WELCOME CELEBRATION. Back across the Potomac, Mr Trump will deliver brief remarks at a concert outside the Lincoln Memorial kicking off the inaugural events. A concert will be televised in the US and is free to the public in Washington. Performers include Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down and others.

7.30pm: CANDLELIGHT DINNER. Mr Trump, Vice President-elect Mike Pence and their families will make an appearance at a candlelight dinner at Washington’s Union Station to thank donors at the inauguration.

JAN 20

Inauguration Day begins with quiet prayer. It will end with the president dancing his way across the capital.

EARLY MORNING: PRIVATE FAMILY BREAKFAST. If tradition holds, the Trumps and their invited guests will share a private breakfast at Blair House, the president’s guesthouse. They are expected to stay the night there Thursday into Friday.

8.30AM: PRIVATE PRAYER SERVICE. The president-elect and his family will attend a religious service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, just a short walk from Blair House.

9.30AM: COFFEE DATE AT THE WHITE HOUSE. The incoming and departing presidents will meet at the White House with their wives. As is customary, Mr Trump and Mr Obama will then ride together down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol.

11.30AM: SWEARING-IN CEREMONY. With American officials and other dignitaries gathered on the West Front of the Capitol, the official inauguration ceremony will feature religious leaders with ties to Mr Trump, remarks from Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, the chairman of the congressional inaugural committee, and musical performances.

AROUND NOON: OATH OF OFFICE AND INAUGURAL ADDRESS. Chief Justice John G Roberts will administer the oath of office as Mr Trump rests his hand on two Bibles: one he’s owned since childhood and the Lincoln Bible. Mr Trump will then deliver his speech.

SOMETIME AFTER NOON: THE OBAMAS DEPART. With Mr Trump installed as president, the Obamas will bid farewell and depart from the East Front of the Capitol.

EARLY AFTERNOON: LUNCHEON. The luncheon, held for government leaders and friends in the Capitol Rotunda, will feature musical performances, an elaborate menu and remarks to honor the new president and vice president.

AFTER LUNCH | REVIEW OF ARMED FORCES. Mr Trump will review the American armed forces from the East Front of the Capitol after lunch.

LATE AFTERNOON: INAUGURAL PARADE. Mr Trump and Mr Pence will lead the parade from the Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue, with thousands of military personnel representing each branch. Once he has arrived at the White House, Mr Trump will watch the rest of the parade from a reviewing stand there.

7PM ONWARDS: INAUGURAL BALLS. There will be two official inaugural balls, held on separate floors of the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, as well as the Armed Services Ball, which will be held at the National Building Museum. Mr Trump is expected to make remarks and take to the dance floor at all three.

JAN 21

The inauguration schedule ends on Saturday morning, but tens of thousands of marchers have their say before the day is over.

10AM: NATIONAL PRAYER SERVICE. The Washington National Cathedral will host the traditional prayer service for Mr Trump and Mr Pence to begin their terms in prayer and reflection. The service marks the end of the official inaugural schedule.

10AM: THE WOMEN’S MARCH ON WASHINGTON. Expected to be the week’s largest protest action, the march begins with a rally at the base of Capitol Hill. The speaker schedule and the route for the marchers have yet to be announced. The march is set to begin moving at 1.15pm.