12 Embassy Open Houses to Visit on Saturday

If you’ve ever wanted to experience an Ethiopian coffee ceremony or sample Singapore’s famous street food, you can do so on Saturday without boarding a plane. The annual Around the World Embassy Tour is on May 2, part of the month-long Passport DC festival. This year 68 embassies will open their doors to the public for a free celebration from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

For those looking to maximize their day, 14 embassies will be clustered together at the UDC Student Center in Van Ness. 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. The Events DC app also offers real-time updates throughout the event. Here are 12 stops we’re excited to visit.

Cuba

4200 Connecticut Ave., NW

It’s the country’s first year on the tour, and visitors at the UDC Student Center can sample traditional delicacies such as ropa vieja and moros y cristianos, a rice and beans dish. Pose for photos with a backdrop of Havana’s iconic Capitolio building. 

Egypt

1303 New Hampshire Ave., NW

Egypt is diving into its ancient history with replicas of Pharaonic treasures and live music. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts and traditional Egyptian snacks.

Ethiopia

3506 International Dr., NW

The embassy is inviting visitors to witness a traditional coffee ceremony, demonstrating the roasting and serving process. The experience is paired with live music, cultural dance performances, and food such as injera.  

The Republic of Korea

2370 Massachusetts Ave., NW

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.

Lebanon

2841 McGill Ter., NW

Head to the Ambassador’s Residence for workshops on Arabic calligraphy and tours of the embassy’s permanent art collection. The musical lineup features a performance on Qanoon (a string instrument) at 11 AM, poetry at 12:30 PM, and a children’s chorus at 2:30 PM. An ID is required for entry. 

Maldives

4200 Connecticut Ave., NW 

The Embassy of the Republic of Maldives will highlight its island culture with traditional seafood snacks and Boduberu drum and dance performances. Visitors can scan QR codes to take recipes home.

Mexico

2829 16th St., NW

Head to the Mexican Cultural Institute for folkloric ballet, traditional Mariachi performances, and guided tours. This stop will also showcase the work of DC-based Mexican artist Paloma Vianey and offer a variety of Mexican handicrafts for sale.

Saudi Arabia

601 New Hampshire Ave., NW

A real Arabian horse will be in the embassy parking lot. Inside the building, find dancing and henna painting. 

Singapore

3501 International Pl., NW

The “Garden City” will showcase arts and crafts and serve dishes from the country’s famous street food culture.

St. Kitts and Nevis

3216 New Mexico Ave., NW

Experience musical genres such as Wilders and Cadre as well as traditional foods from the dual-island nation. Raffle prizes include flights to the islands.

Thailand

1024 Wisconsin Ave NW; 1041 Wisconsin Avenue NW 

Visitors will be able to enjoy activities at both the Thai House and the Thai garden, including a Thai massage, traditional dance, and Muay Thai martial arts demonstrations.

Ukraine

3550 M St., NW

The embassy is collaborating with World Central Kitchen so you can learn about the aid work happening on the ground during an 11 AM talk. Afterwards, try some borscht, a vibrant beet soup, and check out a photo exhibition about WCK in Ukraine.