George and Amal Clooney, Paul McCartney, and Meryl Streep have headed the celebrities who trekked to Washington for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's farewell celebration at the White House.

They were among those spotted arriving at the White House for the late-evening event, along with Gloria Estefan, Magic Johnson, Anna Wintour, Nick Jonas, Bradley Cooper, Harvey Weinstein, Lorne Michaels, John Legend, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Kelly Rowland, David Letterman, Tyler Perry, Robert De Niro, Jon Hamm, Stevie Wonder, Al Roker, Chris Rock and others.

Photos of the arrivals were posted on social media by reporters staked out near the White House entrance.

Many of the Obamas' friends who attended were donors and supporters throughout their White House years and two presidential campaigns.

The party went on until 4 in the morning with chicken and waffles served to the early morning attendees.

Sir Elton John and Garth Brooks turned down their invitations.