A list of upcoming events organized or supported by Baltimore Sister Cities and our sister city committees (Changwon, South Korea; Gbarnga, Liberia; Kawasaki, Japan; Luxor & Alexandria, Egypt; Odesa, Ukraine; Piraeus, Greece; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Xiamen, China) and our affiliates. Events include:
July 31 – October 2, 2026
We Know Who They Are: Artworks and Narrative From the Invasion of Ukraine
Location: The Peale museum, 225 Holliday Street Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21202
Opening reception: Friday, July 31, 6-8pm
We Know Who They Are… (WTWTA) is a comprehensive exhibition project featuring the artworks of 21 Ukrainian artists, and wartime artifacts. The traveling exhibition comes to Baltimore July 31–October 2, 2026 at The Peale museum. There are several companion events during this time, organized by The Peale in collaboration with the Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee and Baltimore-Rotterdam Sister City Committee.
More information
August 8, 2026
PHARAOH: EGYPT’S WOMAN KING HATSHEPSUT
Written by Tim Hogan. Directed by and Starring Michal Roxie Johnson.
Driven by ambition and a call from the gods, Hatshepsut, a woman who lived 3,500 years ago, defied the odds, claimed the throne from a boy-king, dressed like a man, and ruled patriarchal Ancient Egypt (Kemet) as a female Pharaoh before her memory was nearly erased.
Relive the untold true story of history’s first great woman ruler and her Machiavellian-like rise to power. In an epic biographical One-Woman play featuring a tour-de-force performance by actress Michal Roxie Johnson, embodying 18 distinct roles across every age, class, and gender, the work speaks to universal themes of womanhood, gender identity, and empowerment once thought lost to the sands of time…
Showtimes:
August 8 @ 2:00pm
August 8 @ 8:00pm
Tickets:
General Admission: $25
Seniors & Artists: $20
Students: $15
More information and to purchase tickets:https://theatreproject.org/pharaoh-egypts-woman-king-hatshepsut/
August 14, 2026
Ukrainian film screening
Date/time: Friday, August 14, 2026 at 6pm
Location: The Peale museum, 225 Holliday Street Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21202
More information
This event is a companion event to the ‘We Know Who They Are… (WTWTA)’ exhibition project featuring the artwork from Ukrainian artists.
August 15, 2026
Artists Panel Talk
Date/time: Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2-4pm
Location: The Peale museum, 225 Holliday Street Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21202
More information
An interactive discussion with the curator of the We Know Who They Are exhibition and Maryland artists that have ties to Ukraine: ceramicist Natalia Kormeluk and photographer Elena Volkova.
This event is a collaboration with Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee (BOSCC) and The Peale museum. It is a companion event to the ‘We Know Who They Are… (WTWTA)’ exhibition project featuring the artwork from Ukrainian artists.
August 16, 2026
Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Afternoon
Date/time: Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 12-4pm
Location: The Peale museum, 225 Holliday Street Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21202
More information
An afternoon of activities for families and kids.
This event is a collaboration with Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee (BOSCC) and The Peale museum. It is a companion event to the ‘We Know Who They Are… (WTWTA)’ exhibition project featuring the artwork from Ukrainian artists.
August 21, 2026
Magic Strings performance
Time: 12pm ET
Location: Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore MD
Admission: Free (donations appreciated)
For more information: https://worldartistsorg.wordpress.com/upcoming-events/
Note: they are also playing at other locations throughout Maryland on other dates in August 2026.
Magic Strings is an ensemble from Estonia consisting of ten talented young musicians. Magic Strings began in 2012 at the Music School of the Old Town School of Tallinn, where violin teacher Tereza Šmerling and her students started playing together and never stopped. What began as a classroom idea has since taken these young musicians to the Royal Albert Hall, Lincoln Center, and a basilica in Florence. Their repertoire includes classical, folk, film music, and contemporary works. In recent years Magic Strings has expanded into studio recordings and music video productions, viewable on YouTube. The ensemble has toured across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.
Estonia (Harju County) has a Sister State relationship with the state of Maryland.
August 21-25, 2026
Ukraine Independence Day – Light display at World Trade Center
The World Trade Center in the Inner Harbor will be lit up from Aug 21-25, 2026, in honor of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence that takes place on August 24.
Facilitated and promoted by Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee (BOSCC).
August 23, 2026
Celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day
Time: 12-2pm ET
Location: St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 15100 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring MD 20905
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2484786438702071
Celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day in Silver Spring!
Join for an afternoon of delicious Ukrainian food, live music, cultural performances, and great company as we celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day together. Whether you’re part of the Ukrainian community or simply want to experience Ukrainian culture, everyone is welcome!
Promoted by Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee (BOSCC).
August 24, 2026
Ukraine Independence Day – Light display at the stadiums
M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards in downtown Baltimore will both be illuminated in blue and yellow on August 24 in honor of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence that takes place on August 24.
Promoted by Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee (BOSCC).
August 27, 2026
JHU Democracy Day
Time: 9:30am ET
Location: Johns Hopkins University / SNF Agora Institute, Baltimore, MD
Democracy Day is a full day of orientation programming that introduces incoming students to the practice and responsibilities of citizenship. It highlights how democratic participation connects to the Hopkins experience on campus, in Baltimore, and in the wider world.
The day also features pop-up seminars led by Hopkins faculty on current challenges to democracy, along with the Democratic and Civic Engagement Fair, where students can connect with clubs and organizations working to strengthen communities.
September 9 – December 12, 2026
Encounter 해후(邂逅) exhibition by Myungsook Ryu Kim 류명수 (柳明秀)
Location: Asian Arts & Culture CenterTowson, MD
Admission: Free
Myungsook Ryu Kim reveals a world of harmonious connections across cultures, art, and life. She brilliantly merges classical East Asian art and philosophy with media techniques of the West. Through a profusion of colors, textures, and dimensions, the works explore change and impermanence, illuminate the interdependence of heaven and earth and humans and nature, interpret experience and spirituality, embrace the juxtaposition of poetry and painting, and celebrate Korean history.
September 12, 2026
Film screening: High and Low (天国と地獄, Tengoku to Jigoku)
Time: Saturday, September 12, 1pm
Location:Towson University Art Lecture Hall, CA 2032
FREE Registration Required
Experience stunning cinematography and surprising narrative twists in this 1963 film depicting disturbing moral dilemmas, class divisions, urban anxiety, and the rise of consumerist culture in post-World War II Japan. High and Low is a kidnapping thriller that inspires reflection on our basic humanity. (b & w) Directed by Akira Kurosawa. 2 hours, 23 minutes. Hosted by Reed Hessler, longtime host on WBJC. Co-presented with the Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC) and TU College of Fine Arts and Communication Dean’s Office.
September 12 – 13, 2026
50th Baltimore Ukrainian Festival
Dates/times: Saturday, September 12 (12-8pm ET) and Sunday, September 13 (12-6pm ET)
Location: St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2401 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore MD 21224
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1422713919889348 or call 410-967-0501
Come experience a weekend filled with authentic Ukrainian food, Live music, historic church tours, traditional dancing, and Ukrainian beer garden. There will also be kid friendly activities such as arts and crafts.
Promoted by Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee (BOSCC).
September 16 – November 28, 2026
International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR)
IABR emphasizes the value of research by design. Central to this approach is a sustained commitment to fostering healthy and just cities that exist in balance with their surrounding ecosystems. Every two years, IABR presents its biennial manifestation in Rotterdam: an extensive public cultural program comprising exhibitions, debates, lectures, workshops, and guided tours. On this international platform, the imaginative power of architecture is explored and celebrated. The 2026 theme is Systems of Support – Building Shared Values. More info: IABR website
Promoted by Baltimore-Rotterdam Sister City Committee.
September 17, 2026
Virtual event:
Preparing Museums for a Crisis: Lessons from Ukraine
Date/time: Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 12pm ET (Baltimore time) – 19.00 EET (Ukraine time) – 18.00 CET (Netherlands time)
Location: Online
More information
This virtual panel convenes museum professionals, cultural workers, and heritage advocates to explore the urgent question: How do we preserve and maintain cultural heritage in times of crisis?
Centering on the ongoing war and occupation of Ukraine, this program brings together international voices to examine the role of museums and cultural institutions in safeguarding collections, protecting sites, and sustaining cultural identity during crisis. The discussion will feature live-streamed presentations from speakers across multiple time zones, followed by a live, moderated Q&A session to encourage dialogue and exchange among participants. Panelists include: Milena Chorna from Association of Ukrainian Museums; Kateryna Chuyeva, former Ukrainian Vice-Minister of Culture; Kateryna Kulai from Odesa National Fine Arts Museum; Arnoud Odding, Strategic museum advisor from the Netherlands; and Ihor Poshyvailo from the Maiden Museum. Moderated by Glen Davis, retired Foreign Services Officer.
This event is a collaboration with Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee (BOSCC), Baltimore-Rotterdam Sister City Committee (BRSCC), and The Peale museum. It is a companion event to the ‘We Know Who They Are… (WTWTA)’ exhibition project featuring the artwork from Ukrainian artists.
Art to Dine For — Resilience: Sunflowers & SHABO
Time: 6pm
Location: Severna Park
Admission: Tickets. Limited seats.
More information & tickets: https://creativealliance.org/event/art-to-dine-for-ukrainian-resilience-sunflowers-shabo/
This event is part of Creative Alliance’s special annual Art to Dine For series. Proceeds benefit the Creative Alliance.
Celebrate Ukrainian Resilience by tasting Ukrainian wines from SHABO vineyards near Odesa, and learn how to paint sunflowers, a symbol of Ukrainian resilience, hope, unity, and national identity. Enjoy some light snacks as you paint and sip some familiar as well as some new varietals, including Telti Kuruk, Ukraine’s noble grape, which was recently recognized by Forbes as one of “8 Unexpected Bottles Every Curious Wine Lover Should Try.” Participants will have an opportunity to pre-order SHABO wines for pickup later.
September 18-20, 2026
Washington Ukrainian Festival
Dates/times: Friday, September 18 (5-8pm ET); Saturday, September 19 (11am-9pm ET); Sunday, September 20 (11am ET – dusk)
Location: St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 15100 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring MD 20905
Admission: Tickets sold at the door (Under 21 is free admission)
For more info: https://www.ukrainefestdc.com
Come and enjoy Ukrainian artists and dancers, crafts, children’s activities, delicious Ukrainian food, and a Kozak beer garden.
NEW this year:
A special collection of 50 Ukrainian rushnyky — traditional embroidered runners — spanning from the mid-19th century to today.
Kozak Barbecue — fresh off the grill.
Promoted by Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee (BOSCC).
Oct 6-7, 2026
ONE Conference
The annual ONE Conference, held in The Hague in the Netherlands, is Europe’s prime cybersecurity event. A leading platform for sharing knowledge, best practices and research results. Topics range from highly technical subjects and law enforcement cases to less technical subjects, such as partnerships between the public and the private domain, governance and recent cybersecurity research.
Conference website: one-conference.nl
Promoted by Baltimore-Rotterdam Sister City Committee.
October 24, 2026
Asian Community Processions at Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & and Dia De los Muertos Festival
Time: 4pm Festival, 7pm Parade
The free community event features family activities, food trucks, an artisan market, and illuminated evening processions, including special cultural showcases like Asian community participation and performances.
November 1, 2026
Ukrainian music: Maryna Krut
Location: The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Times: Two performances scheduled at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tickets: Early bird pricing was $39 through July 31, with standard general admission starting at $44. Tickets and event updates can be checked directly via the Strathmore Event Page.
Maryna Krut Blends traditional 64/65-string bandura playing with expressive vocals, indie-folk, jazz, and pop elements. She Gained a national following in Ukraine via The X Factor, The Voice, and the Eurovision national selection finals.
Nov 13, 2026
Stadmakerscongres 2026 (Citymakers Congress)
An annual 1-day congress that brings together Rotterdam neighborhood residents, professionals, students, and others to do workshops and discussions on specific themes, initiatives, and neighborhoods in the city. Coordinated by AIR (Architecture Institute Rotterdam) in partnership with the city government and other partners.
Congress website: stadmakerscongres.nl
Promoted by Baltimore-Rotterdam Sister City Committee.
November 21, 2026
Film screening: Kwaidan (怪談)
Time: Saturday, November 21, 1pm
Location: Towson University Art Lecture Hall, CA 2032
FREE Registration Required
Be spellbound by an afternoon of Japanese ghost stories rendered masterfully in this 1964 film comprised of four distinct stories depicting vengeful spirits, supernatural warriors, and eerie apparitions. These enchantingly surreal tales stir every emotion, leaving viewers to contemplate the boundaries of existence. (color) Directed by Masaki Kobayashi. 3 hours, 3 minutes. Hosted by Reed Hessler, longtime host on WBJC. Co-presented with the Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC) and TU College of Fine Arts and Communication Dean’s Office.
January 24, 2027
Ukrainian music: DakhaBrakha
Location: The Music Center
Time: Sun, January 24, 2027 | 7pm
Ticket/entrance: $28 – $78
DakhaBrakha is a quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine, known for its self-described “ethno chaos” sound. Blending Ukrainian traditional music with influences from around the world, the group creates a style shaped by rhythm, vocal harmony, and experimentation.
Formed before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, their work now carries added urgency, reflecting both cultural preservation and contemporary experience. As performers, educators, and cultural ambassadors, they present Ukraine as a dynamic, evolving culture rather than a single narrative.
The group’s name—meaning “give/take” in old Ukrainian—speaks to this exchange. DakhaBrakha draws from global influences while contributing its own voice, situating Ukrainian music within a broader international context.
March 18, 2027
Kodo – Taiko drumming masters from Japan
Location:The Music Center
Time: Thu, March 18, 2027 | 8pm
Ticket/entry:$28 – $86
For more than four decades, the taiko drumming masters of Kodo have traveled the globe, channeling the elemental power of rhythm and sound and demonstrating how taiko transcends borders and cultures.
In Luminance, Kodo reflects on its past while illuminating new creative paths forward. The program features signature works alongside a tribute to Monochrome, the seminal composition by Maki Ishii, whose influence on taiko performance continues to resonate as the piece approaches its 50th anniversary.
Kodo also introduces new compositions shaped by the cultural experiences, encounters, and inspirations of today’s ensemble members, including original works by guest artists from diverse musical backgrounds that expand the expressive possibilities of taiko.
