Embassy Events / Other Festivities, Washington D.C.

Nearly every weekend on the Mall you will find some activity. My last weekend there was a show the branches of the military, with tons of equipment on display.

There were water tanks with old deep sea diving uniforms being demonstrated. Aircraft and tanks, cannons and large firearms, and recruitment boothes were scattered across the grass.

Odd to see tanks lined up in front of the Capitol Building.

This is Washington's most famous event, attracting many visitors. The event occurs each spring (the end of March-beginning of April) to commemorate the relations between Japan & the US, along with Japanese culture. The most famous location for the blossoms is around the Tidal Basin & the Jefferson Memorial, although these pretty trees/blossoms can be found through the DC area.

This tree, which is actually planted in the Ellipse, is lit by the First Lady and President on the second Thursday in December (I believe that's right - either way, the beginning of december). Tickets are free and are handed out early in November. After the tree is lit, every night afterwards, the tree is lit for general viewing purposes...beware: they do turn the tree off at night eventually! It's not like the tree in Rockefeller Plaza (NY) that's always lit!

The Canadian Embassy, right next to the Capitol has very interesting exhibits that are open to the public.

The Embassy is located at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Here is a photo of one of their recent exhibits, a Haida sculpture.

Many embassies located in DC offer cultural events.

For instance, the Austrian Embassy at 3524 International Court NW, off Van Ness Street between Connecticut Avenue and Reno Road, has a 420 seat auditorium where they present concerts with performances of classical and contemporary music as well as jazz. They also host exhibitions, literary and academic events, film screenings and other presentations.

For information contact the Austrian Cultural Forum. See numbers below.

Lots of the clubs in the area have different themes on different nights. Sometimes it might be a strictly college crowd, sometimes Latin music, sometimes hip hop. Ask around to see what night is best for what you're looking for.

This embassy offers occasional programs open to the public. It is located at 3910 Shoemaker Street NW.

The Swiss Embassy in Washington sponsors concerts, films and children's events. the embassy is located at 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW.. The present building was opened in 1959.

If you have the oportunity to go to Washington DC during 4th of July try to stay for the fire Works, are very nice