The Diplomatic Ball
The annual Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service Diplomatic Ball celebrates Georgetown University’s tradition and legacy in international affairs. We are excited to host it’s 97th edition at the National Building Museum on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Tickets
Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Across all ticket types, each purchaser can buy a maximum of two tickets. If you attempt to purchase more, our team will contact you, and we will cancel your tickets. Tickets purchased without a Georgetown email address will be voided and refunded to the purchaser, as we will assume you are not Georgetown-affiliated.
All guests must abide by the Georgetown Code of Student Conduct during the event.
Important note for buyers who purchased two tickets
You must confirm your guest’s information. Please fill out the Google Form sent to all the attendees by email no later than Wednesday, March 12 at 5 p.m. to ensure a smooth 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.
Current students, alumni, and faculty/staff can pick up their wristbands in the Intercultural Center (ICC) Galleria in front of the SFS Dean’s Office during the following dates:
Tuesday, March 18 – Thursday, March 20
10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
- “Over 21 Ticket” holders must show government-issued photo identification in order to claim their wristband and to enter the venue.
- “Under 21” non-georgetown tickets must show government-issued photo identification in order to claim their wristband.
- “Under 21” student tickets only require a GOCard.
You will only be permitted to pick up your own wristband; if your guest is not on-campus, they can receive their wristband when they arrive at the ball. Guests are strongly encouraged to pick up their wristbands on-campus during the times listed above to facilitate easy entrance to the event.
Dip Ball Arrival/Entry Information
Upon arrival, if you have obtained your wristband already on-campus, please display it to the greeters at the main entrance of the National Building Museum. “Over 21 Ticket” must show government-issued photo identification at the entrance. If you have not yet obtained your wristband, please proceed to check-in at the tables.
If you have pre-registered and you do not arrive with your wristband, you will NOT be able to enter the ball or redeem a new wristband at check-in. We recommend that you take great care to not lose your wristband over the coming days.
All guests will proceed through TSA-style security to enter the building. Weapons and prohibited items cannot be brought into the building. Weapons and prohibited items include, but are not limited to, firearms, explosives, knives, razors and box cutters. 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 do not bring any valuables or large items to the event.
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.
About the Ball
The Walsh School of Foreign Service’s Diplomatic Ball is an annual black-tie event uniting 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 Diplomatic Ball has recently been held in venues such as the Organization of American States (OAS), the National Building Museum, the Library of Congress, and the Washington National Cathedral.
Last year, the 96th iteration was held at the International Spy Museum. 1,218 people attended the Ball and it featured food inspired from places around the world. Thank you to the Planning Committee for putting on a wonderful event and to our guests for continuing this cherished tradition!
Inaugurated in 1925, the Diplomatic Ball has been known at various times as the Diplomat’s Ball and the Ball of Nations, but its purpose has always been to bring together individuals passionate about international affairs.
Faculty on the Diplomatic Ball
Dr. Shareen Joshi, Associate Professor of International Development – “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, and you never know what opportunities you’re going to find.”
Dr. Elizabeth Grimm, SFS Professor- “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!”
Sponsorships
The Diplomatic Ball is excited to offer different partnerships this year. Please check our website regularly as new partners will be announced until the event.
Generation Tux
Generation Tux is offering a 30% discount on their rental collection for all students attending the event, provided they schedule an in-person consultation at their DC showroom and complete their checkout there. Appointments can be booked using the link below.
Violet Salon
Students attending the Diplomatic Ball will have a 10% discount on Violet Salon’s blow-dry and updo services on Friday, March 21st. Students must relay their participation in the event to the front desk upon their arrival or scheduling of the appointment. Violet Salon is located at 1513 Wisconsin Ave NW.
Transportation Recommendations
The following is a list of recommended transportation options to get to the National Building Museum on March 21st. Regardless of which option works best for you, the venue requires all guests to enter through the G Street NW doors. The center doors will be the only entrance for Diplomatic Ball guests on G Street NW.
Metro
The National Building Museum is a 1 minute walk from the Judiciary Square Metro station on the red line. The closest red line station to Georgetown University is DuPont Circle.
The GUTS DuPont Circle Shuttle runs from the Bus Turnaround at the back of campus to the Metro station at 7:40pm, 8:20pm, and 9:00pm on Friday evenings and can take you to the DuPont Circle Metro station directly. From here, you can take the red line straight to Judiciary Square. More information on GUTS Bus Shuttle.
If you do not already have a Metro card, no need to worry! You can purchase one at the station, or online with SmarTrip.
Additional Buses Going To and From the National Building Museum
This year, the Diplomatic Ball Planning Committee is proud to have secured 10 coaches traveling between the Bus Turnaround at the back of campus and the National Building Museum’s G Street Entrance. The buses will be traveling between 7:30pm-11:15pm between these two locations (keep in mind that doors open around 8:00pm, entry to the venue ends at 10:00pm, and that the gala ends at 11:00pm).
We do have a limited number of buses for the over 1,000 attendees expected to attend the Diplomatic Ball this year, so we recommend trying to get to the bus turnaround earlier rather than later!
Schedule of Buses for Diplomatic Ball
McDonough Bus Turnaround → National Building Museum
- Bus # 1 & 2: Arrives at Bus Turnaround at 7:15 PM, departs when full or no later than 7:30PM from Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 3 & 4: Departs when full or no later than 7:45 PM from Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 5 & 6: Departs when full or no later than 8:00 PM from Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 7 & 8 : Departs when full or no later than 8:15 PM from Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 1, 2, & 9: Departs when full or no later than 8:30 PM from Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 3, 4, & 10: Departs when full or no later than 8:45 PM from Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 5 & 6: Departs when full or no later than 9:00 PM from Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 7 & 8: Departs when full or no later than 9:15 PM from Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 9 & 10: Departs when full or no later than 9:30 PM from Bus Turnaround
National Building Museum → McDonough Bus Turnaround
- Bus # 1: Departs at 10 PM from National Building Museum’s G Street Entrance
- Bus # 2: Departs at 10:15 PM from National Building Museum’s G Street Entrance
- Bus # 3: Departs at 10:30 PM from National Building Museum’s G Street Entrance
- Bus #1: Departs at 11 PM from National Building Museum’s G Street Entrance
- Bus # 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Departs when full no later than 11:15 PM from National Building Museum’s G Street Entrance
Uber, Lyft, & Other Ridesharing Options
Please set the drop-off location as 440 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. We suggest you form a group to arrive together, and that you reserve a ride ahead of time to avoid surge pricing!”
FAQs
How do I inquire about sponsoring the Diplomatic Ball?
If your company is interested in getting involved with this year’s prestigious Diplomatic Ball as a partner or sponsor, 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 D.C.
How many tickets can I purchase?
There is a two-ticket purchase maximum; one for yourself and one for a guest.
What will happen if I don’t use my Georgetown email address?
Tickets purchased without a Georgetown email address will be refunded to the purchaser, as we will assume you are not Georgetown-affiliated.
What’s the refund policy?
Ticket sales are FINAL and non-transferable.
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Both 21+ tickets and under 21 tickets will be sold. 21+ tickets will have access to an open bar. All tickets include hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and soft drinks. The week of the ball on the Georgetown University campus, wristbands will be distributed to all attendees after a strict ID check. Wristbands and Eventbrite confirmations must be presented at registration on the night of the ball in order to attend.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Please check back soon for information regarding transportation as parking options, after the venue for the event has been finalized!
What can I bring into the event?
No outside food or beverages will be permitted into the event. No large backpacks or bags. Security officers will be monitoring venue entrances.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No. However, no one will be admitted without a wristband. No exceptions will be made for guests who arrive without their wristbands.
Contact Us
For any questions, please email us at diplomaticball@georgetown.edu.
Our Committee
Romita Chattaraj — Chair of Event
Sriya Guduru — Vice Chair of Partnerships and Sponsorships
Luke Hughes — Vice Chair of Communications and Marketing
Sydney Freed — SFS Academic Council Liaison
Lina Ridenour— SFS Dean’s Office
Matthew Hancock — SFS Dean’s Office