On October 15th, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution will host a free, outdoor event at Mason Square featuring activities, international cuisine and snacks, vendors, and representatives from different international embassies.
First held in 2024 to celebrate International Day, the event celebrated the many nationalities represented at Mason through embassy and community organization tables, cultural activities, food, and live entertainment, drawing more than 140 attendees.
This year, the event returns as “Embassies & Entrepreneurs: A Global Community Celebration,” bringing together international embassies and local, small businesses and entrepreneurs. Amber Williams, the Event Director, commented that the goal was to “create a distinctive space for cultural exchange while highlighting international representation, entrepreneurship, and connections between Mason and the greater Arlington community.”
Currently, seven embassies are confirmed: Japan, Kenya, Peru, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Panama, and Finland. Several local, small businesses and entrepreneurs will also be in attendance, selling ceramics, hand-made jewelry, handbags, paintings and original artwork, crocheted goods, alpaca and wool apparel and more.
Entertainment includes The George Mason University Choir; The Steel Pan Ensemble, a Caribbean steel drum band; Ferocity Dance, a Bachata-fusion dance troupe, henna tattoos, and the return of the peace wall.
Embassies & Entrepreneurs will take place Thursday, October 15, from 3:30–6:00 p.m. on the Mason Square Plaza in Arlington. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. Paid parking is available in the Van Metre parking garage. The event is also accessible via the Mason Square Metro station.