WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The 2009 presidential inauguration is looking to be historic and, frankly, headache-inducing for the throngs of people descending on the nation's capital to watch Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th president.



Workers are putting the finishing touches on the innaugural stage on the steps of U.S. Capitol.



CNN has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers.



Q: How crowded will Washington be, and how will I get around?



A: Think Times Square on New Year's Eve. Throw in tight security, then multiply that by 12. At least, that's how it will most likely feel.



Nearly 2 million people are expected to hit the streets of the nation's capital January 20. Police will be shutting bridges across the Potomac River into Washington, along with a huge chunk of the downtown area.



Two of the major routes coming into the city -- Interstates 395 and 66 -- will be closed to inbound traffic, at least for private vehicles.



And for those coming from Virginia, all of the bridges between the state and Washington are going to be shut. In order to get in: walk or take public transport, such as the metro area's subway system.



Amtrak says that it has increased the number -- and length -- of trains running to Washington on Inauguration Day and that tickets are still available but are going fast. iReport.com: Are you going to the inauguration?



Security officials also say charter buses, taxis and car services will be another option for those attending.



Q: What can't I bring?



A: There are several obvious items that are prohibited, according to the U.S. Secret Service, including:



"Firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons of any kind, aerosols, supports for signs and placards, packages, coolers, thermal or glass containers, backpacks, bags exceeding size restrictions, laser pointers, animals other than helper/guide dogs, structures, bicycles and any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard."



Items surrendered to security officials will not be returned.



Other items that are being banned include baby strollers and umbrellas. Read more about Secret Service traffic, security plans (PDF)



Q: When do the festivities start?



A: Saturday, January 17. Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will begin their whistlestop-like train tour, stopping in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware; and then making a stop for an event in Baltimore, Maryland, before pulling into Washington.



That evening, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and their families will hold a free "Kids' Inaugural" concert to honor military families.



Sunday, January 18



Obama will kick off the schedule of official inaugural activities in Washington, D.C., with a welcome event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The event will be free and open to the public.



HBO will exclusively broadcast the event from 7 to 9 p.m. ET. The event will be televised by HBO on an open signal accessible to all U.S. viewers with access to cable, telcos or satellite television.



It will also be a star-studded affair, with Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am and Stevie Wonder -- among many others.



The Rev. Gene Robinson, an openly gay Episcopal bishop, will deliver the invocation.



Monday, January 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)



Obama and Biden will honor King's legacy by urging supporters to participate in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across Washington, according to the Obama transition Web site, Change.gov.



On Monday night, Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Rockefeller Foundation will present "A Celebration of America" at the Kennedy Center in Washington. The event -- marking King's legacy and the 56th inauguration -- will be broadcast live on CNN.



Special guest stars will be announced shortly.



Tuesday, January 20: Inauguration Day
Where are several million expected to descend? Who will be in Washington? Who will be sworn is as president? when will Obama be sworn in as President? When do activities begin?
the nation's capital Barack Obama Barack Obama January 20. Saturday, January 17.
question: Where are several million expected to descend?, answer: the nation's capital | question: Who will be in Washington?, answer: Barack Obama | question: Who will be sworn is as president?, answer: Barack Obama | question: when will Obama be sworn in as President?, answer: January 20. | question: When do activities begin?, answer: Saturday, January 17.