AAFSW upcoming events

AAFSW Special Community Coffee (11/04/2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join AAFSW on Wednesday, November 4, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm for a Welcome Coffee at Randolph Towers, Level G1 Community Room.

- If you've just returned from the Middle East, please let us host you in a welcoming environment.

- If you're local, help us welcome our community members just returning from post. Bring items to donate or share, such as: toys, books, and winter gear. (Be prepared to take back with you anything left over).

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 at 4001 North Ninth Street, Arlington, two blocks from the Ballston Metro. Public parking is not available at Randolph Towers. Paid street parking and paid public parking lots are nearby.

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.

Art at the Edge of the World: Common Grounds, Opening Exhibit (11/06/2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

RSVP with the Arts Club of Washington: RSVP here.

Art at the Edge of the World: Common Grounds presents a vivid encounter with creativity born at the intersection of culture, geography, and diplomacy. This exhibition features works by the American foreign affairs community whose global service uniquely informs their creative expression. Their canvases reflect lives lived in motion, shaped by diplomacy and the constant crossing borders - literal and figurative.

As part of AAFSW's Art & Diplomacy series, we're proud to present: Art at the Edge of the World: Common Grounds, featuring eight talented fine artists from the U.S. Foreign Affairs community:

Elizabeth Ashamu Deng, Marina DiCarlo, Randa Fakes LoGerfo, Jamie Hurst, Irina Lawton, Vincent Moore, Janet Olson, and Andrea Salzman

Please join us for the opening on Friday, November 6 from 5 pm-7 pm.. RSVP with the Arts Club of Washington: RSVP here.

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

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).

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.

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.