AAFSW upcoming events

Día de Muertos at the Mexican Cultural Institute (11/19/2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Celebrate Día de Muertos with us on Thursday, November 19 from 11 am-12 pm at the Mexican Cultural Institute! Enjoy a morning rich in Mexican traditions, featuring live music, dancing, family-friendly activities, traditional pan de muerto, and warm Mexican hot chocolate. This year, the Mexican Cultural Institute has commissioned Mexican visual artist Martirene Alcántara to create its 2026 Ofrenda de Muertos.

Plan Your Visit & Arrival Time

To ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, visits to the ofrenda and murals are organized into 60-minute timed entry slots. For this 11:00 AM slot, please arrive promptly at 10:45 AM.

Address: Mexican Cultural Institute, 2829 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Nearest metro: Columbia Heights

Disclaimer
AAFSW is pleased to share this program as an opportunity for learning and exchange. The ideas, products, or services presented reflect the views of the presenters and do not imply endorsement by AAFSW. Participation does not constitute endorsement of presenters, their organizations, views, or offers. AAFSW is not responsible for any bodily injury which may occur from participation in this activity. By registering and participating in this activity the participant releases AAFSW and its employees and volunteers from any liability associated with participation in the above-named activity.

November Happy Hour (11/19/2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Join us for our monthly happy hour on Thursday, November 19 from 4:30 pm-7:00 pm, at Punch Bowl Social, 4238 Wilson Blvd Ste 1180, Arlington, VA 22203 (Metro Ballston).

Known for Southern-inspired gastropub comfort food, including shareable appetizers, salads, tacos, burgers, and traditional mains, Punch Bowl Social is a large, high-energy "eatertainment" playground spanning three floors inside the Ballston Quarter mall. Every level has its own decor and vibe. It is the perfect spot for a group happy hour because it eliminates the "what should we do next?" debate.

After our Happy Hour between foreign affairs friends, one can bounce between full-scale bowling lanes, private karaoke rooms, high-tech dartsee, ping pong, and a vintage arcade lounge - or go to the movies on the same level, M3

Each month we meet up at a different venue in the DMV for a casual gathering. Let us know if you have ideas for our next happy hour!

Meet new friends, network, build your Foreign Affairs community in the DMV.

Disclaimer

AAFSW is pleased to share this program as an opportunity for learning and exchange. The ideas, products, or services presented reflect the views of the presenters and do not imply endorsement by AAFSW. Participation does not constitute endorsement of presenters, their organizations, views, or offers. AAFSW is not responsible for any bodily injury which may occur from participation in this activity. By registering and participating in this activity the participant releases AAFSW and its employees and volunteers from any liability associated with participation in the above-named activity.

The Spirit of Iraq: History, Culture, Traditions (11/20/2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Join AAFSW on Friday, November 20 from 10:30 am-12 pm to discover the history, culture, and traditions of Iraq at the Iraq Embassy, 1801 P St., NW, Washington, DC.

Tales of People to People Bonds (11/24/2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, November 24 from 2 pm-4 pm, celebrate the stories, friendships, and cultural connections that bring China and the U.S. closer together. Join us at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004.

Please click this link to RSVP by November 13, 2026. Dress code: Business casual.

AAFSW December Community Coffee (12/03/2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Celebrate the holiday season with a white elephant gift exchange at our December Community Coffee!

If you're unfamiliar with this tradition, a white elephant gift exchange is a popular holiday party game where participants bring wrapped, anonymous gifts to a central pile and take turns choosing, opening, or "stealing" presents from one another.

Please bring a wrapped gift (no more than $10). It can be something funny, or practical, or genuinely nice, whatever you want.

Join us for our monthly community coffee on Thursday, December 3, from 10 am-12 pm in the Randolph Towers Community Room, 4001 9th St N, G1 level, Arlington VA 22203.

This will be a casual gathering to bring together members of the U.S. Foreign Affairs community in a welcoming environment. Open to all EFMs, MOH, and FSOs. Children are always welcome.

Randolph Towers is located two blocks from the Ballston Metro. Public parking is not available at Randolph Towers. Paid street parking and paid public parking lots are nearby.