Friday, the Post-Classical Ensemble celebrates American gamelan composer Lou Harrison with a free talk and concert at the Indonesian Embassy. (Photo via Post-Classical Ensemble)

Hanging out at embassies is usually pretty wallet-friendly, but the next six days are especially kind to the impecunious among us. 

Take a gander at the scads of free cultural events happening around Washington's embassies through early next week.

Embassy events calendar

Tonight

Opening reception for La Porte, an exhibit of abstract works by Bethel Aniaku, at La Maison Française. This is the first event in the six-week Francophonie Festival. Free.

Thursday, March 3

Contemporary pianist Wilhem Latchoumia performs at La Maison Française. Free, reservations required.

An exhibit, sound installation, and dance performance by Austrian artist Wolfgang Seierl and members of the Bowen McCauley dance company. $12.

Friday, March 4

Waiting for the Hearse film screening at the Embassy of Argentina, free.

Violinist Caroline Chéhadé and pianist Jennifer Jackson perform for the Embassy Series at the Embassy of Egypt. Sold out.

Swedish contemporary artist Charlotte Gyllenhammar discusses her exhibit, Hang, at the House of Sweden. Free.

A screening of La Clase at the Embassy of Venezuela. Free, with a discussion afterward.

The innovative Post-Classical Ensemble and the Indonesian Embassy Gamelan orchestra explore the work of American composer Lou Harrison, who was known for his love of the Javanese music. This performance/discussion is a prelude to the ensemble's concert at Lisner on Saturday. Free at the Embassy of Indonesia.

An open bar reception and recital with Russian pianist Pavlo Gintov at the Russian Cultural Center. $29-40.

Saturday, March 5

Two family-friendly exhibits are on view all weekend at the House of Sweden, which kicked off its arts season last week. Zero to One: The First Year, is a sparse, interactive exhibit that fosters bonding between parent and child, and Swedish Seeds showcases Swedish-designed children's toys, furniture, and more.

For adults: Charlotte Gyllenhammar's Hang, and the all-women show 17 Swedish Designers. All of these are free and open to the public this weekend.

Sunday, March 6

2011 Vasa Bike Ride with the House of Sweden and WABA. This casual ride, a tribute to Sweden's Vasaloppet ski race, takes bicyclists through Northwest Washington and into Montgomery County, Md. It's free to ride, but registration is requested.

Tuesday, March 8

A screening of the Swiss film Déchainées, about a young girl who discovers the activist past of her long-lost grandmother, La Maison Française. Part of the Francophonie Festival. $5-8.

A lecture about Hypatia of Alexandria, the Greek philosopher and mathematician murdered by an angry mob in 415. Free at the Embassy of Poland; reservations required.

Concert by Italian flutist Andrea Ceccomiri and Bulgarian pianist Elitza Harbova at the Embassy of Bulgaria. Free; presented by the Bulgarian Music Society.