Asia North Closing Celebration Events
Close out the 2026 Asia North Festival with the Closing Celebration and the Asia North Encore: The Art of Kimbap K-Food Experience!
Scroll for schedule and details.
CLOSING CELEBRATION!
SNF Parkway Theater | 5 W North Ave
Wednesday, May 27, 5 – 9 p.m.
Join us for the Asia North Festival and Shoes at the Door exhibition closing reception. The evening will feature remarks from Mrs. Hana Scott, the First Lady of Baltimore, performances by Soul of Persia and the Sutradhar Institute of Dance, and Stay for Tea: An Asia North Short Film Showcase curated by filmmaker Zara Kahan plus food pop-up by Toki Underground.
Free and open to the public.
SHOES AT THE DOOR | 5:00pm-9:00pm | Throughout SNF Parkway Theater & Currency Studio
SHOES AT THE DOOR
Closing reception
Check out the exhibition before it officially closes on May 31!
LIVE PERFORMANCES | 6:00pm-7:00pm | Theater 1
This performance invites the audience on a musical journey across the vast cultural landscape of Greater Iran. The music of its many regions offers one of the most vivid expressions of this richness, serving as a living reflection of the deep historical connections that unite its people. For the Asia North’s closing performance, a carefully curated selection of works drawn from Iranian classical and traditional music and folk pieces from various regional traditions reflect the depth, refinement, and expressive range of Iran’s musical heritage.
Maziar Zebhideh Vocals
Ali Jafari Taar
Ali Ahmad Khostovan Santour
Amir Manbachi Tombak
Miead Nikfarjam Daf & Percussion
Inspired bythe poetics of the 15th century North Indian Poet, Thread, is an interdisciplinary perforamnce exploring the shared histories of the Silk Road in identity, connection, and belonging.
Featuring acclaimed storyteller Anila Kumari and renowned martial artist Khilton Nogmaithem, this work combines Kuchipudi dance, mudra (hand gestures) and narrative performance with an original musical score blending Indian classical khayal, Turkish throat singing, classical guitar, and spoken word.
ASIA NORTH SHORT FILM SHOWCASE: Stay For Tea
7:30pm | Theater 1
Curated by Zara Kahan
STAY FOR TEA
An Asia North Short Film Showcase
Curated by Zara Kahan, Borneo born filmmaker and artist based in Baltimore City.
FOOD POP UP:
Toki Underground
Toki Underground brings Michelin Bin Gourmand-winning ramen to Baltimore’s Harwood Neighborhood. They’re not just only about food—they’re about good vibes, great drinks, and a space where everyone feels welcome.
ASIA NORTH ENCORE:
The Art of Kimbap K-Food Experience
Kimbap
Motor House | Friday, May 29, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
REGISTER HERE!
Join the Korean Cultural Center of Washington D.C. for an engaging evening exploring the art and culture of kimbap with special guest chef and restaurateur Des So.
Participants will hear stories about Korean cuisine, Des So’s journey building Korean food businesses in the DC area, enjoy a live kimbap-making demonstration, and take part in a delicious kimbap tasting experience.
Kimbap is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods, known for its balance of flavors, vibrant presentation, and versatility. Often enjoyed for picnics, travel, and family gatherings, kimbap reflects the creativity and warmth of Korean home-style cooking. Through this program, participants will learn more about Korean food culture, traditional ingredients, and the enduring popularity of this iconic dish.
Small Korean souvenir giveaways will also be available for attendees!
Brought to you by the Korean Cultural Center of Washington D.C.
ABOUT
Asia North celebrates the arts and Asian culture that are defining characteristics of Baltimore’s Charles North neighborhood, part of the Station North Arts and Entertainment District.
Inaugurated in spring 2019, Asia North is a collaborative community celebration that recognizes, showcases, and honors the art, culture and the Asian heritage of Greater Baltimore, especially the Korean history of Baltimore’s Charles North community.
Asia North 2026 is co-produced by TU Asian Arts & Culture Center and Central Baltimore Partnership.
Asia North 2026 partners and sponsors include Phaan Howng, SNF Parkway Theatre, Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, Currency Studio, Citizens of Baltimore County, Maryland State Arts Council, Hiromitsu Hubbard and Donna R. Omata, Korean Cultural Center Washington DC, TU-BTU Presidential Priority, Neighborhood Housing Services, Tom Williams, Baltimore Changwon-Sister City Committee, Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee, Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee, NAAAP Baltimore, Impact Hub, Motor House, Club Car, Baltimore Improv Group, Blueprint Café, and Hayelin Choi.
Graphics by Ameena Fareeda