DMV cultural events
16 upcoming. International culture in the DMV: embassy and cultural-center programs, cultural festivals, heritage celebrations, museum programs, and distinctive cultural films, concerts, and food events.
TodayFriday, October 16
7 to 8:30pm$12.51
Alliance Française de Washington DCHistorian Andrew S. Curran discusses his book on the French Enlightenment and the history of race at the Alliance Francaise. Part of the EUNIC Art of Freedom project and the France-US America at 250 program. Tickets from $12.51; 21+.
TomorrowSaturday, October 17
11am to 4pm, through Oct 18Free
American University Museum at the Katzen Arts CenterMajor exhibition of Korean contemporary artist Ahn Chang-Hong at the American University Museum in the Katzen Arts Center, Sep 5 through Dec 6. Museum open Tue-Sun 11 AM to 4 PM; free admission.
12 to 5pmFree
Jerusalem FundDay of Palestinian music, exhibits, performances, and children's activities at The Jerusalem Fund, 2425 Virginia Avenue NW: a choir singing traditional Palestinian folk songs, children's storytime, a souq market, a dabke performance, poetry, an exhibit on the festival the Fund has hosted since 1977, and traditional olive harvest activities. Free.
12 to 4pm, through Oct 18$400
Mexican Cultural Institute DCArtist Ana Elisa Romo leads an eight-session, hands-on workshop in Mexican cartoneria (papier-mache folk art) at the Mexican Cultural Institute. Two tracks: Tue/Thu evenings or Sat/Sun afternoons. Finished Catrinas join the Institute's Day of the Dead Open House exhibition. $400 for all eight sessions.
2 to 3pmFree
Meyer AuditoriumFireside conversation on Korean culture and cultural diplomacy with former US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Ambassador of Korea to the US Kang Kyung-wha, moderated by NMAA director Chase Robinson. In person in the Meyer Auditorium and online. Free with registration.
TuesdayOctober 20
5pmFree
Gonda TheatreThe Italian Cultural Institute presents a concert and lecture on how eighteenth-century comic operas were created, at Georgetown University's Gonda Theatre in the Davis Performing Arts Center. Free with Eventbrite registration.
WednesdayOctober 21
6pmFree
Embassy of IndiaThe U.S. Postal Service unveils the new Diwali stamp with an evening first-day-of-issue ceremony and reception at the Embassy of India, 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW. A public celebration of the Festival of Lights. RSVP required; free.
ThursdayOctober 22
6 to 8pmFree
Meyer Auditorium, National Museum of Asian ArtWhistler scholar Linda Merrill gives a lecture marking 150 years of the Peacock Room, followed by a reception in the museum courtyard at the National Museum of Asian Art. Free with registration.
6:30 to 8:30pm, every Thursday$200
Mexican Cultural InstituteTen-week beginner Mexican folk dance workshop with the DC Folklorico Dance Company at the Mexican Cultural Institute, taught bilingually in English and Spanish and exploring folklorico styles from different regions of Mexico; final participant presentation the week of December 14. One $200 registration covers all 10 Thursday sessions (6:30-8:30 PM) in Cinecito; capacity 24, ages 15+.
FridayOctober 30
7 to 9:15pmFree
Meyer AuditoriumHalloween screening of the 10th anniversary remastered Korean zombie film in English subtitles; zombie costumes welcome. In person in the Meyer Auditorium at the National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW. Free.
FridayNovember 6
7 to 11:30pm$146.93
Embassy of AustriaViennese ball at the Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court NW, with the Salon Orchestra of Washington performing Strauss waltzes, a dinner buffet, dessert reception, and dancing. From $146.93.
SaturdayNovember 7
12 to 2pm
Dupont CircleA two-hour guided walking tour of French influences in Dupont Circle, starting at the Dupont Circle Fountain. Presented with Off the Mall Tours for the Alliance Francaise's Washington in French series.
SundayNovember 8
2 to 5pmFree
Meyer AuditoriumNew 4K restoration of the beloved Bollywood classic Pakeezah (1972) starring Meena Kumari, presented as part of the museum's Diwali celebration. In person in the Meyer Auditorium at the National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW. Free.
ThursdayNovember 12
6 to 9:30pm
National Building MuseumThe Japan-America Society of Washington DC's 40th annual flagship gala at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, honoring renowned Japanese garden designer Hoichi Kurisu with the 2026 Marshall Green Award; features Ambassador Shigeo Yamada and Senator Bill Hagerty. Silent auction and reception 6pm, gala dinner 7-9:30pm.
7:30 to 9pmFree
Meyer AuditoriumPianist Eunbi Kim's sonic memoir 'it feels like a dream,' a multimedia performance incorporating a poem by Kim's father about the immigrant experience. In person in the Meyer Auditorium at the National Museum of Asian Art. Free with advance registration.
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