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CULTURAL PROGRAMS
To many, Washington, DC is the nation’s political powerhouse. But DC is much more than that. DC is rich in culture and heritage as evidenced by the spectrum of historic sites and cultural institutions found in every neighborhood in the city.
DC is brimming with art, music, dance, museums and theaters of every type. Our city’s unique customs and traditions are the reason Washington, DC consistently ranks as the premier sightseeing destination in the U.S. Come to explore and see for yourself the intricately woven cultural cloth that is Washington, DC.
Events DC is actively involved in the production and support of some of the city’s most anticipated events, attracting thousands of attendees to locations around the city, as well as virtually on GATHER. As varied and diverse as the city itself, these events bring economic impact to our nation’s capital while offering a wealth of can’t-miss dates on the social calendar for District residents and visitors alike.
GATHER by Events DC
GATHER by Events DC is a home for compelling live and on-demand experiences through content designed to engage and excite audiences. GATHER features impactful programming featuring DC’s creative economy of local artists, musicians, businesses and industry partners.
Embassy Chef Challenge
2025
This is a gathering of embassy chefs from around the world, coming together to showcase the unique flavors of their home countries. The friendly, culinary competition will feature chefs creating a truly global, immersive foodie experience only possible in Washington, DC.
Attendees will travel the world with their taste buds, sampling authentic bites and beverages from the participating nations. Competing chefs will battle it out to win the coveted People’s Choice Awards, chosen by attendee votes and the Judges’ Choice Awards, selected by a panel of influential members of the diplomatic and culinary communities.
International City Food Festival
2025
Washington, DC has a long history as a nexus of global dialogue, offering locals and visitors access to a rich range of cultures, unlike any other city in the country. Built on the idea that food brings us all together, the second annual International City Food Festival will be two days of celebrations complementing the first weekend of Passport DC, making culinary diplomacy accessible to all ages through a variety of fun and culturally rich events. The festival will offer a timely launch point to travel the globe to understand and honor other cultures, all in the heart of DC.
Passport DC
May 1-31, 2025
Passport DC is a month-long journey around the world highlighting DC’s thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. Celebrated annually in May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington, DC, Passport DC is 31 days of programming by embassies and some of DC’s very best cultural institutions. Thousands of people enjoy the popular embassy open houses, street festivals, performances, exhibitions, workshops and more.
Around the World Embassy Tour
May 3, 2025
Multiple embassies, outside of the European Union countries, will open their doors to DC visitors and residents the first Saturday in May. Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion and music of different countries. In the past, visitors have been treated to karate demonstrations, dance performances, sari wrapping lessons and more!
WalkingTown
September 2025
WalkingTown DC is DC’s best public tour program, featuring guided walking tours in neighborhoods throughout the District. This popular annual event takes place annually in September and introduces residents and visitors to the art, lifestyles and history of Washington, DC through a series of “bite-size” lunchtime tours, after-work “happy hour” tours and longer weekend tours.
