68 Embassies Open Doors for Free Global Tour in Washington on May 2

Key facts

• The Around the World Embassy Tour takes place on May 2 from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
• 68 embassies will open their doors to the public for free.
• 14 embassies will be clustered at the UDC Student Center in Van Ness.
• Souvenir passports are available first-come, first-served at Dupont Circle, the Mexican Cultural Institute, and the UDC Student Center.
• Events DC organizes the tour and recommends downloading its app for real-time updates.
• Singapore, Azerbaijan, Thailand, Ethiopia, Oman, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Lebanon will feature America 250-themed experiences.
• Barbados will showcase Bajan cuisine and the 'Dine with a Bajan' program, with a live cooking demo previewed on Good Morning Washington.
• Egypt will display replicas of Pharaonic treasures and offer live music and traditional snacks.

A Day of Global Discovery Without a Passport

On Saturday, May 2, Washington DC will host the annual Around the World Embassy Tour, a free event that allows visitors to step inside 68 embassies and experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of countries across the globe. The tour, organized by Events DC, runs from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and offers a rare opportunity to explore buildings that are typically off-limits to the public. For those seeking to maximize their journey, 14 embassies will be clustered at the UDC Student Center in Van Ness, providing a concentrated cultural hub. Visitors can pick up souvenir passports on a first-come, first-served basis at Dupont Circle, the Mexican Cultural Institute, and the UDC Student Center, while the Events DC app offers real-time updates throughout the day.

Cuba, Egypt, and Ethiopia: First-Time Participants and Ancient Traditions

Cuba is participating in the tour for the first time, offering visitors at the UDC Student Center a taste of traditional delicacies such as ropa vieja and moros y cristianos, a rice and beans dish. Guests can also pose for photos with a backdrop of Havana’s iconic Capitolio building. Egypt will dive into its ancient history with replicas of Pharaonic treasures and live music, while children can enjoy arts and crafts and traditional Egyptian snacks. Ethiopia invites visitors to witness a traditional coffee ceremony, demonstrating the roasting and serving process, paired with live music, cultural dance performances, and food such as injera.

KPop, Henna, and Arabian Horses: Diverse Cultural Offerings

Fans of KPop Demon Hunters can enjoy movie-inspired performances, learn choreography, and participate in a sing-along at the Korean Cultural Center. Other activities include a station to make keychains inspired by gat hats, a traditional Korean hat. At the Omani embassy, a real Arabian horse will be in the parking lot, while inside visitors can find dancing and henna painting. The Maldives will highlight its island culture with traditional seafood snacks and Boduberu drum and dance performances, with QR codes available to take recipes home.

Art, Music, and Culinary Experiences Across the Globe

The Mexican Cultural Institute will host folkloric ballet, traditional Mariachi performances, and guided tours, also showcasing the work of DC-based Mexican artist Paloma Vianey and offering Mexican handicrafts for sale. The Ambassador’s Residence of an unnamed country will feature workshops on Arabic calligraphy and tours of the embassy’s permanent art collection, with a musical lineup including a performance on Qanoon at 11 AM, poetry at 12:30 PM, and a children’s chorus at 2:30 PM. An ID is required for entry. Barbados, a long-time favorite destination for the Good Morning Washington show, will preview its participation with a live cooking demo highlighting Bajan cuisine and the 'Dine with a Bajan' program, which allows travelers to enjoy authentic meals with locals. The embassy will offer live entertainment, cultural performances, and an immersive look at island life.

America 250-Themed Experiences and Information Hubs

Events DC announced that Singapore, Azerbaijan, Thailand, Ethiopia, Oman, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Lebanon will each feature America 250-themed experiences, marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Information hubs at Dupont Circle and the UDC Community College student center will provide maps and souvenir passports, and also host live performances featuring cultural dances from Bolivia, Indonesia, Nepal, and The Gambia. A dedicated Kids Zone at Dupont Circle will offer activities for children.

Planning Your Visit: Reservations and Real-Time Updates

Admission to the Around the World Embassy Tour is free, but reservations are recommended. Events DC encourages visitors to download its app to view the list of activities each embassy will offer. The tour is part of the month-long Passport DC festival, which celebrates the city’s international community. With 68 embassies opening their doors, the event promises a full day of cultural immersion without the need for a plane ticket.

The bottom line

• The Around the World Embassy Tour on May 2 offers free access to 68 embassies in Washington DC, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
• First-time participant Cuba will serve traditional dishes like ropa vieja and moros y cristianos at the UDC Student Center.
• Cultural highlights include KPop dance workshops, Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, Omani henna painting, and a real Arabian horse.
• Barbados will showcase Bajan cuisine and the 'Dine with a Bajan' program, with a live cooking demo previewed on Good Morning Washington.
• America 250-themed experiences will be featured by eight countries, including Singapore and Ethiopia.
• Souvenir passports are available first-come, first-served at Dupont Circle, the Mexican Cultural Institute, and the UDC Student Center.