AAFSW's Art & BookFair

AAFSW’s annual Art & BookFair takes place every October in the State Department. It's open to the public on two weekends and open to State Department badge holders on all days of the fair. 2027 dates will be announced soon.

Visitors will enter through the 21st Street entrance of the State Department. Real ID or military ID required for entry. Large bags and strollers will be checked. Admission is free. 

What to expect? Thousands of used books, art objects, jewelry, paintings, collectibles, stamps, coins, carpets, and textiles from around the world.  There is a wide range of books from architecture to zoology and many subjects in between. Collector’s Corner has special books of greater value. For philatelists, the Stamp Corner is just the place to go. Every year is different and exciting. All items are donated by Foreign Service families and friends of AAFSW who have traveled overseas. It’s a wonderful place to shop for unusual and unique gifts.

AAFSW is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The proceeds from the Art & BookFair go to a number of worthy causes, including scholarships for Foreign Service and Civil Service students, evacuation support, and support for families in crisis. Over the years, AAFSW has given away over a million dollars.

Questions? Fill out our contact form or email bookstore@aafsw.org.

Watch a highlight reel of the 2026 Art & BookFair.

VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and checks are accepted.

Scroll through the photo gallery below and click on a photo to enlarge it to see images from Art & BookFair 2025.