jim hanley gives us a preview. >> reporter: 26,000 seats, 260 tables. almost 1,200 requests have been turned away. at $3,000 a table, it is an expensive room and could be a rough room too especially if you're on the receiving end of a barb or if you're dishing out a roast. are you going to take the gloves off? are you worried about offending anybody? >> i don't want to be too harsh, i don't think. but i will get a little tough here and there. >> reporter: president's going to be there right beside you and the first lady. >> he has to be there. yeah. we both have to be there. >> reporter: and he brings the funny too. >> i know. that's tough too. he's a tough one to follow. >> reporter: we're getting early word on some of the big names to attend. donald trump, jane fonda, "walking dead" cast members, and washington themed shows stars like kerry washington of "scandal." if you'd like to see what's the latest on what's happening, we'll be updating and posting on the nbc washington app. >> so what's your tip? you want to get a picture with somebody? >> you n

up next jim hanley tells us what to expect in town over the weekend, and he talked to host cecily strong. >>> tonight, the wizards did something they have never done in franchise history. i'll have that for you coming up in sports. >>> only the first day on the market and the apple watch has already been put to the test. i'm erica gonzalez and >>> it's the eve of the big night and celebrities and journalists have been pouring into town. hollywood on the potomac. some call it the nerd prom. officially it's known as the white house correspondents' dinner. it's now become a three-day affair. ten parties tonight. the dinner seven parties before and after that tomorrow night. then several brunches to decompress on sunday. singer and no stranger to town john legend arrived tonight for a big bash held by politico. he arrived on the red carpet at the longview gallery to kick off the weekend with a live performance and a panel discussion on civil rights. the toughest ticket of course is the dinner itself. 26,000 seats, 260 tables. already 1,200 requests have been turned away. at $3,000 a table, i

jim hanley tells us who else you'll see at the main event. >> reporter: the toughest ticket of course is the dinner itself. 26,000 seats. 260 tables. already 1200 requests have been turned away. at $3,000 a table, it is an expensive room and it can be a rough room too. especially if you're on the receiving end of a barb or if you're dishing out a roast. are you going to take the gloves off or are you worried about offending anybody? >> i don't want to be too harsh, i don't think. but i will get a little tough heefr and there. >> reporter: president will be right beside you. >> turns out he has to be there. he and i both now have to be there. we signed a contract. that's tough. he's a tough one to follow. >> reporter: we're getting early word on some of the big names expected to attend. donald trump, jane fonda, "walking dead" cast members, and stars like kerry washington of "scandal." if you'd like to follow along and see the latest on what's happening and who's here in town we'll be updating and posting on the nbc washington app. >> going to be a big weekend. >> i'd keep an eye on an