Events

This event will take place at the Alliance Française of Washington DC, 2142 Wyoming Ave, NW

This event is part of our “France Forever” series

About the event:

Everyone knows of the World Cup, but did you know it has French origins?

Founded by French Sports Administrator Jules Rimet in 1930, we invite you to celebrate soccer/football’s French connection and watch the match with us at the Alliance Française of Washington DC!

Whether you’re a fan or a first-time viewer, everyone is welcome on Monday, June 22 at 5:00pm to celebrate the World Cup by cheering on France and Iraq.

All attendees must be age 21 or older. Your ticket includes the purchase of a beverage.

Come join us to watch other upcoming World Cup matches:

France v. Senegal June 16 @ 3:00 PM Opening Match

Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-world-cup-live-match-screening-france-v-senegal-june-16-300pm-tickets-1990446235271?aff=oddtdtcreator

France vs. Norway June 26 @ 5:00 PM

Get tickets here: 2026 World Cup Live Match Screening: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-world-cup-live-match-screening-france-v-norway-june-26-300pm-tickets-1990449387700?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Want to dive deeper into the history and culture behind the World Cup? Don’t miss our upcoming talk with historian Jonathan Hill on the history of football in France and the United States on June 26, at 7:00pm.

You can sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/le-soccer-en-france-7-aux-etats-unis-un-sport-deux-trajectoires-tickets-1989620926751?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

This event will take place at the Alliance Française of Washington DC, 2142 Wyoming Ave, NW

This event is part of our “France Forever” series

About the event:

Everyone knows of the World Cup, but did you know it has French origins?

Founded by French Sports Administrator Jules Rimet in 1930, we invite you to celebrate soccer/football’s French connection and watch the match with us at the Alliance Française of Washington DC! Whether you’re a fan or a first-time viewer, everyone is welcome on Friday, June 26 at 5:00pm to celebrate the World Cup by cheering on France and Norway.

All attendees must be age 21 or older. Your ticket includes the purchase of a beverage.

Come join us to watch other upcoming World Cup matches:

France v. Senegal June 16 @ 3:00 PM Opening Match

Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-world-cup-live-match-screening-france-v-senegal-june-16-300pm-tickets-1990446235271?aff=oddtdtcreator

France vs. Iraq June 22 @ 5:00 PM

Get tickets here: 2026 World Cup Live Match Screening: France v. Iraq - June 22, 5:00pm Tickets, Monday, June 22 • 5 PM - 7 PM | Eventbrite

Want to dive deeper into the history and culture behind the World Cup?

Don’t miss our upcoming talk with historian Jonathan Hill on the history of football in France and the United States on June 26, at 7:00pm.

You can sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/le-soccer-en-france-7-aux-etats-unis-un-sport-deux-trajectoires-tickets-1989620926751?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

A propos de l’événement

Cet évènement fait partie de la série « Langue sans frontières / Language Without Borders »

Que vous l'appeliez football ou soccer, ce sport et son évolution en France et dans ses colonies depuis le XIXe siècle ont été marqués par la création de la FIFA à Paris sous la présidence d’un Français en 1904. Depuis cette époque, il rassemble des passionnés du monde entier, qu’ils le pratiquent ou le regardent.

En attendant le début de la Coupe du monde aux États-Unis, une question mérite notre attention : pourquoi le football, ou le soccer, malgré ses origines similaires, a-t-il eu du mal à susciter le même niveau de soutien populaire en Amérique qu’en France ?

Nous accueillerons Jonathan Hill, historien de l’Empire français et passionné de ce sport, pour une conférence qui abordera cette question en comparant le développement du football en France et aux États-Unis durant les premières décennies de son arrivée dans chacun des deux pays.

A propos du conferencier

Jonathan Hill est professeur d’histoire internationale à King’s College London (RU) et chercheur invité à l’Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies à George Washington University. 

Heureusement pour les fans de football, il n'a jamais été proche de devenir joueur professionnel. Néanmoins, en tant qu'historien de l'Empire français, il reste passionné par ce sport et son développement en France et dans ses colonies depuis le XIXe siècle.

Hill mène actuellement des recherches sur l'Empire français en Afrique du Nord, en particulier sur la diffusion des sports français dans ces territoires, et termine un livre qui sera publié plus tard cette année par Oxford University Press.

About the Event

This event is part of the series “Langue sans frontières / Language Without Borders.”

Whether you call it football or soccer, this sport and its development in France and its colonies since the 19th century have been shaped by the creation of FIFA in Paris under the presidency of a Frenchman in 1904. Since then, it has brought together enthusiasts from around the world, whether they play the game or watch it.

As we await the start of the World Cup in the United States, one question deserves our attention: why has football—or soccer—despite its similar origins, struggled to generate the same level of popular support in America as it has in France?

We will welcome Jonathan Hill, a historian of the French Empire and a passionate follower of the sport, for a lecture addressing this question by comparing the development of football in France and the United States during the first decades after its arrival in each country.

About the Speaker

Jonathan Hill is Professor of International History at King's College London and a visiting scholar at the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies. Fortunately for soccer fans, he never came close to becoming a professional player. Nevertheless, as a historian of the French Empire, he remains passionate about the sport and its development in France and its colonies since the 19th century.

Hill is currently conducting research on the French Empire in North Africa, particularly on the spread of French sports in those territories, and is completing a book that will be published later this year by Oxford University Press.

About the Event

This event will take place at the Alliance Française of Washington DC, 2142 Wyoming Ave, NW

This event is part of our France Forever series

Celebrate Bastille Day with an evening of French culture, food, music, and community at our AFDC French Language and Cultural Center (2142 Wyoming Ave NW). On the evening of July 14, our center will transform into a lively French Village Market for an evening of fun and festivities, followed by French karaoke!

Inspired by the charm of a traditional French village fête, this special event brings together local Francophone artisans, French-inspired cuisine, a champagne toast, live karaoke, and fellow Francophiles for an immersive French experience. Whether you are a longtime French speaker, a lover of French culture, or simply looking for a unique night out, all are welcome to join and experience the magic of French culture and tradition for themselves.

Throughout the evening, guests can browse a marketplace featuring local vendors and artisans, enjoy a selection of French food and beverages, participate in raffles and door prize drawings, and connect with others who share a passion for French language and culture.

French music will provide a relaxed ambiance, and guests are encouraged to practice their French and embrace the spirit of the occasion. At 8:30pm, we will end our evening with a French karaoke session and encourage all voices to join in and end the evening on a high-spirited and musical note. Featuring French classics, contemporary favorites, and top hits, we look forward to hearing you sing, cheer on your friends, and celebrate Bastille Day in true French fashion.

Don’t forget your wallets! Our local vendors will have items available to purchase should you wish to bring home a part of your evening.

We hope you will join us to celebrate the 14th of July!

Your ticket includes unlimited food, beverages, and access to all of the event festivities.

All ticket holders must be age 21 and over.

PLEASE NOTE : THIS EVENT IS NOT AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY BUT AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE (2142 Wyoming Ave NW)

What to Expect

French Food & Refreshments

Jambon de Bayonne carving station

Authentic French cheese and charcuterie selections

Gourmet dips and accompaniments by Double Dip Foods

Delectable cream-filled chouquette pastries by Cloudette Clafoutis, among other classic French-inspired treats

Champagne toast and the singing of La Marseillaise.

French Village Marketplace

Meet local artisans and businesses while shopping for unique products, books, gifts, gourmet items, floral creations, and more.

Participating and invited vendors include:

Bonjour Books

Cloudette Charcuterie in Bloom

Double Dip Foods

Baron François Wine

Raffles & Door Prizes

Throughout the evening, guests can enter to win prizes generously donated by participating vendors and community partners. Final drawings will take place before karaoke begins.

Photo Opportunities

Capture memories at our French-themed photo booth and village backdrop (weather permitting).

French-Themed Karaoke

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Schedule

6:00 PM Marketplace Opens & Guest Arrival

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM French Village Market, Food Reception, Shopping, Photo Booth, and Community Gathering

8:00 PM – 8:30 PM Raffle and Door Prize Drawings

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM French-Themed Karaoke Celebration

Parking and transportation:

There is limited street parking available onsite. We recommend arriving by public transportation (Metro: Red line, nearby stops Dupont Circle, Woodley Park; bus: D70 & D71; Parking garage: Colonial Street Parking)

Please email culture@francedc.org with any questions concerning ticketing and organization.

A propos de l'evenement

Cet événement aura lieu en ligne et en français

Testez votre connaissance de la langue de Molière avec le Directeur Exécutif de l'Alliance Française de Washington, Sarah Diligenti !

Le choix du texte sera annoncé plus tard. L'événement est gratuit pour les membres de l'Alliance Française (devenir membre ici) et ouvert à tous !

Nous recommandons cependant un niveau de français B2.

Tous les inscrits recevront un lien Zoom avec les instructions quelques jours avant l'événement.

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Join the Alliance Française Board of Directors for one of Washington's most memorable evenings at the historic 1910 Tudor Revival Residence of the French Ambassador in the Kalorama neighborhood. The AFDC Gala is an occasion to celebrate the excellence of French culture in its many facets and includes Honorary Guests of domestic and international acclaim. This year, our theme revolves around Fashion and Transatlantic Dialogue as we honor the legacy of the late Caroline “Nina” Pillsbury — a former member of the Board whose elegance, generosity, and style will be celebrated through an exhibition of select American and French designer pieces from her collection. Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, will be the Key Speaker and will share a few reflections on Fashion, Memory and Cultural Transmission

The Gala will bring together patrons, supporters, and friends of French culture for a night of hors d’oeuvres, conversations, Ken Matthews’ Band’s Live Jazz Performances, and desserts by Pâtisserie Poupon.

Your contributions help to support our FRENCH LANGUAGE PROGRAMS for children, teens and adults, as well as our SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS, concerts, conferences, book talks, the Annual Young Poet Prize, and the one and only loan LIBRARY in French Language in the Mid-Atlantic Region in order to bring the best of FRENCH and FRANCOPHONE CULTURES to Washington. A few events are free to the public because we believe that culture needs to be accessible to everybody. To do this, we need your support!

ABOUT THE TICKETS: (SEE DESCRIPTION of BENEFITS for EACH TICKET CATEGORY when you choose your ticket). Tickets start at

• $150 for Young Professionals (age 21 to 35), (no additional benefits)
• $250 for AFDC current members,
• and $350 for non-members.

Tickets at: $500 and $1,000 enjoy addditional benefits (see description inside each ticket) and an earlier entry time.

The Alliance Française de Washington, Inc. is a non-governemental not-for-profit organization with a 501 (c) 3 status. Tax ID: 52-6057767

Only the portion of the ticket price above the fair market value (FMV) of any tangible benefits (dinner and entertainment) you will receive at the event is considered a charitable contribution. At this time, the FMV of each ticket is estimated at $150.00. All tickets above $150.00 benefit from a tax-deductible portion.

All $100.00 tickets to sponsor an AFDC faculty are fully tax-deductible for the buyer (as long as they are not an AFDC faculty.) 

ABOUT THE LATE NINA PILLSBURY:

A fluent French speaker and a true friend of France, Nina Pillsbury embodied French-American friendship with elegance, enthusiasm, and flair. In French, Nina was a "grande dame." She loved bringing people together and did so generously for the Alliance, serving many times as Gala co-chair. Known for her love of red -the color of life and beauty- she had a kind word for everyone, from Washington's decision-makers to AFDC staff and teachers. Her legacy is celebrated through a selection of her favorite pieces, reflecting her vision of fashion as dialogue: French and American, classic and bold, seamlessly intertwined. These pieces from well-known designers will be exhibited throughout the residence on the night of the Benefit Event.

ABOUT DR. VALERIE STEELE:

Valerie Steele is director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she has organized more than 25 exhibitions since 1997, including The Corset: Fashioning the Body, London Fashion, Gothic: Dark Glamour; A Queer History of Fashion: From the Closet to the Catwalk, Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color, Paris, Capital of Fashion, and Dress, Dreams, and Desire: Fashion and Psychoanalysis. She is also the author or editor of more than 30 books, including Paris Fashion, Women of Fashion, Fetish: Fashion, Sex and Power, The Corset, The Berg Companion to Fashion, and. Fashion Designers A-Z: The Collection of The Museum at FIT. Her books have been translated into Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. In addition, she is founder and editor in chief of Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture, the first scholarly journal in Fashion Studies. Steele combines serious scholarship (and a Yale Ph.D) with the rare ability to communicate with general audiences. As author, curator, editor, and public intellectual, Valerie Steele has been instrumental in creating the modern field of fashion studies and in raising awareness of the cultural significance of fashion. She has appeared on many television programs, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Undressed: The Story of Fashion. Described in The Washington Post as one of “fashion’s brainiest women” and by Suzy Menkes as “The Freud of Fashion,” she was listed as one of “The People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry” in the Business of Fashion 500: (2014 to the present).

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE OF WASHINGTON: For more than 120 years, the Alliance Française of Washington, DC has been the French heartbeat in the Nation's Capital, fostering dialogue and understanding through French language education and vibrant Francophone cultures. Through the generosity of friends, donors, and sponsors, AFDC brings people together across generations through classes, youth programs, cultural events, and the region's only French-language lending library.