Diplomatic Ball

The annual School of Foreign Service Diplomatic Ball celebrates Georgetown University’s tradition and legacy in international affairs

The Diplomatic Ball is an annual black-tie event uniting our students, alumni, faculty and members of the diplomatic community. Taking place every spring at a prestigious location in Washington, DC, the Diplomatic Ball is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.

The ball has recently been held in venues such as the Organization of American States, the National Building Museum, the Library of Congress and the Washington National Cathedral.

Inaugurated in 1925, the Diplomatic Ball has been known by various names, including the Diplomat’s Ball and the Ball of Nations. Its purpose has always been to bring together individuals passionate about international affairs.

The 98th Diplomatic Ball date and venue will be revealed early in the spring semester. Please return soon for more details.

Aerial view of the National Building Museum at night. A large crowd of people are spread across the venue wearing gala attire, featured in the middle a water fountain. — The 97th annual Diplomatic Ball held at the National Building Museum (2025)

“It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, share new ideas, interact with people you may never have met before, and you might never think to meet otherwise. Think of it as networking made fun, and learning about other cultures, ideas. You never know what opportunities you’re going to find.”

Shareen Joshi, Associate Professor of International Development

“I can’t imagine any venue more fitting than to bring people together with scholars, practitioners in the field, to be able to socialize, to be able to learn more about the topics that we think about on a daily basis….it is a privilege for us to come together as a community, to be able to be together to build connections…I hope to see you there!”

Elizabeth Grimm, SFS Professor

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Tickets

Ticket sales for the 99th annual Diplomatic Ball will be announced shortly after this year’s venue is revealed. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. You are limited to buying a maximum of two tickets across all ticket types. If you attempt to purchase more than two tickets, our team will reach out to you and cancel your existing tickets. Tickets purchased without a valid Georgetown email address will be voided and refunded to the purchaser, as we will assume you are not affiliated with Georgetown. All ticket sales are final and cannot be transferred to another person.

Purchasing tickets

Student ticket types

Both 21+ tickets and under 21 tickets will be sold. Tickets for 21+ individuals will include access to an open bar. All tickets include hors d’oeuvres, dancing and soft drinks. During wristband pick up, wristbands will be distributed to all attendees after a strict ID check.

All guests must abide by the Georgetown Code of Student Conduct during the event.

Information for buyers who purchased two tickets

You must confirm your guest’s information. You must complete the Google Form sent to all attendees via email to ensure a smooth wristband pick up process for both you and your guest.

Diplomatic Ball wristband

The Diplomatic Ball wristband is your entry ticket to the event. You must wear it throughout the evening to be allowed in the venue.

Wristband pick up

“Over 21 Ticket” holders must present government-issued photo identification to claim their wristband and enter the venue.
“Under 21” non-Georgetown tickets must be accompanied by government-issued photo identification to claim their wristband.
“Under 21” student tickets only require a GOCard.

Guest wristband pick up

Only you will be permitted to pick up your wristband. If your guest is not on campus, they can pick up their wristband upon arrival at the ball. Guests must pick up their wristbands on campus during the specified times to facilitate entry to the eve

Financial aid

Please email diplomaticball@georgetown.edu by March 1 with any financial aid requests. We have a limited amount of aid, but we will make a good-faith effort to fulfill all requests made after this date on a first-come, first-served basis.

Venue

Entering the venue

Upon arrival, please display your wristband to the greeters at the main entrance of the venue.

Denied entry

If you do not arrive with your wristband, you will NOT be able to enter the ball or redeem a new wristband at check-in.

Prohibited items

Weapons and prohibited items are not permitted inside the building. Weapons and prohibited items include, but are not limited to, firearms, explosives, knives, razors and box cutters. No outside food or beverages are permitted at the event. Only small evening bags will be allowed. No provisions are made for holding prohibited items. A coat check will be available at the venue. We recommend that you refrain from bringing any valuables or large items to the event.

Sponsorships

The Diplomatic Ball is excited to offer partnerships each year. Please check our website regularly as new partners will be announced until the event.

Sponsoring the Diplomatic Ball

If your company is interested in participating as a partner or sponsor for this year’s prestigious Diplomatic Ball, please email diplomaticball@georgetown.edu. Contact us for our official sponsorship package, detailing existing and new flexible opportunities to connect with our community and contribute to our school’s celebration of a memorable night in Washington, DC.

Transportation recommendations

We understand the importance of convenient transportation for our guests, and we will provide more information about transportation options when as the venue is announced. The Diplomatic Ball team is dedicated to ensuring that you can easily travel to and from the event and return to your campus housing. In the past, we have successfully secured coaches that operate between the venue and the university bus turnaround on campus, making the journey smooth and hassle-free.

Contact us

For any questions, please email us at diplomaticball@georgetown.edu.