Europe Day, May 9, marks the founding of the European Union as we know it by commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950. On the first Saturday after Europe Day each year, the European Union Delegation to the United States marks the occasion with a citywide celebration that's hard to miss and easy to love.

On May 11, from 10 AM to 4 PM, EU Open House brings the best of Europe to the streets of Washington, with embassies of EU countries opening their doors to the public for a day full of authentic food, music and dance performances, and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences. You can join in a folk dance lesson, sample sweets, pick up a few words of a new language, catch some traditional musical acts, taste different beers, enter to win trips, and learn about the ways the EU, its countries, and the U.S. all work together towards common goals. With games, quizzes, giveaways and special drawings at embassies across the city, there’s something for every kind of visitor.

This year, the Open House festivities at the EU Delegation (2175 K Street, NW) focus on sustainability, and visitors will have the opportunity to meet EU staff and learn all about what Europe is doing to bring environmental sustainability into people's homes, from fashion to food— including exhibits dedicated to promoting the EU's initiatives to put "fast fashion out of fashion" through eco-friendly textile making and samples of sustainable European food products. If you bring a spare piece of clothing, you can even participate in a clothing swap!

Visitors will also have a chance to experience a virtual reality simulation of the European Parliament and a mock voting booth for the upcoming June European elections, and put their European geography skills to the test.

You can learn more about each country's offerings at euopenhouse.org, where you can also find a dedicated Google Map to start planning for the big day.

At EU Open House, you don't have to cross the ocean to experience European culture... you just have to cross the street!