Travel the world through food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations and manufactured goods at the coveted Around the World Embassy Tour on Saturday, May 4. This Saturday, non-European Union embassies will open their doors and guests can experience a variety of cultural activities, such as petting alpacas, playing with robots and learning indigenous dances.
55+ embassies will open their doors on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m. EDT. A full list of participating embassies can be found here.
“Passport DC is back and I am thrilled to celebrate the diverse international communities that have become an integral part of the amazing culture of Washington, DC,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “Throughout May, I encourage everyone to join us as we travel the world through a series of unforgettable signature events that underscore why our city is the culture capital of the world.”
Follow Events DC Social Media and #PassportDC for updates about lines, exciting activities and other breaking news. A reminder that admission is free. Reservations are not required. Additionally, street parking is available but difficult at many embassy locations.
“We (the embassies) look forward to Passport DC AWET every year,” said Joan Brammer, President of the Washington Educational and Cultural Attache Association. “It is the ONE day when we can open our doors to the city and share our culture with residents and visitors around the world. It’s exhilarating to travel the world without leaving DC—all in one day!”
The Around the World Embassy Tour is one of the many key signature events during Passport DC, a month-long journey around the world highlighting DC's thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. In its 17th year, Passport DC is celebrated annually in May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington. All Passport DC events are free and open to the public.
Many embassies are within walking distance of the Dupont Circle and Van Ness/UDC Metrorail stations. Embassies on International Drive are larger and often have shorter lines than those on Embassy Row. Get your souvenir passport to be stamped at the embassies. Souvenir passports will be available at Dupont Circle and Van Ness Information booths.
Also this weekend is the Flower Mart at National Cathedral and the International City Food Festival at The Square.
The All Hallows Guild’s Flower Mart will take place Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at the Washington National Cathedral Grounds. It is a program where people can shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride the historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit. The 2024 theme is "In Bloom" as we celebrate the power of flowers!
The International City Food Festival is happening at The Square on Friday, May 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Featuring international performances, food, and crafts presented by vendors from around the world, ICFF offers an opportunity to journey across the globe and celebrate diverse cultures within the heart of Washington, DC.
New at ICFF this year, there will also be an immersive, nostalgia-inspired food experience: The Snack Arcade. Featuring our very own guide Snack, The Planet, this family-friendly, 90’s era tinted activation will feature a number of vintage, lo-fi games, as well as a wide ranging selection of snacks from all seven continents (think TimTams from Australia, Prawn Cocktail Walkers from UK, etc.) allowing everyone to feel like they are on a mini bites and game tour of the world.
Media Members: For media members interested in covering the Around the World Embassy Tour, please visit here to apply for press credentials to attend and cover the event. Please follow instructions to apply online and responses will be provided within the timeline listed. Please note, credentials are for working members of the press only.
For media interested in getting in touch with Passport DC spokespeople and/or have specific interview requests for embassies participating in the Around the World Embassy Tour, please reach out to passportdc@lindarothpr.com.
Media ready photos and videos from 2023 Passport DC are available here.
