Many people are gearing up for a historic inauguration, but not everyone can head to Washington D.C. to see Barack Obama be sworn in, so now there's places Pioneer Valley residents can go to celebrate.

The curtains are drawn and the screen is down at The Academy of Music in Northampton. The first official show is on January 30, "I Have a Dream," but the theater will open ten days early for another man with a dream. The inauguration of President elect Barack Obama will be viewed by the hundreds.

"We are localizing it by offering a community gathering where we can share in this momentous occasion," says Debra J'Anthony, executive director of The Academy of Music

J'Anthony says it's a way to make a very public event, publicly accessible, to those who can't get down to DC.

"People are feeling unified and hopeful and want to come together to share this event," J'Anthony says.

Like a movie premiere, the seats will be filled and the theater will be packed.

"This is one that warrants such a spectacle," says Northampton resident Sam Cowling.

People are grabbing tickets as fast as they can. There's only 800 seats available and 100 are already taken.

"I believe you'll see a full house and an uplifted spirit, feeling good and hopeful of the future," J'Anthony says.

Residents agree. Everyone's looking forward to history being made on the the 20th.

"Very exciting, I'm really looking forward to it. I'm very excited that Obama got elected and it will be great to celebrate with other people," says Northampton resident Mary Chapin.

Around 700 tickets are currently available. They're free and you can get them by going to the Mayor's office in City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce on Pleasant Street starting Monday.