Baltimore Sister Cities

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May 31 / APAHM social event

Setsuhi Shiraishi ‘Into The Calligraphy’ performance & Baltimore Sister Cities social celebrating APAHM month

Setsuhi Shiraishi: Into the Calligraphy. An opening reception and Baltimore Sister Cities Social Celebrating APAHM. Photo of the artist with calligraphy brushes, date and address of the event. Logos of the Sponsors and Partners.

OPENING RECEPTION & BSC SOCIAL

Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time: 8 – 11pm ET
Location: Atrium Artspace, 2029 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore MD 21218
Admission: Free
Please RSVP here: forms.gle/i9uvY1mmep98MX5CA
More info: Event page on BmoreArt site

A special performance collaboration by master calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi with artist Lucia Li. Join us on May 31 for an opening reception for Setsuhi Shiraishi’s exhibition, meet the artists, and enjoy the Baltimore Sister Cities social event for APAHM (Asian Pacific American Islander Heritage Month)!


EXHIBITION

Date: Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2, 2024
Gallery Hours: Friday 8 – 11 pm; Saturday 11 am – 3 pm; Sunday 1 – 10:30 pm
Location: Atrium Artspace, 2029 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore MD 21218
More info: Event page on BmoreArt site

This exhibition features work by contemporary master calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi that has been made throughout the years she has worked in Maryland, Baltimore, and across the DMV. Curated by Michael Miki Young. Presented by OTS Productions.


Sponsored by T. Rowe Price Foundation, Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister Committee, Baltimore-Changwon Sister City Committee, Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee.

Partners: Asia North Festival 2024 (Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center) and MIMA (Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

June 2 / Picnic in the Park

Baltimore-Kawasaki Spring Picnic. images of food, walking in the park, and the gathering spot. Logos and URLs. A copy of the some of text that is on this webpage.

Join the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee for this spring picnic and celebrate the sister cities relationship between Baltimore and Kawasaki in Japan!

Date: Sunday June 2, 2024
Time:
10:30 am — 2.5 miles Social Walk
12 pm — Mellow Stroll, less than a mile
12:30–3:30 pm — Picnic
Location: Patapsco Valley State Park Glen Artney #55
Admission: Tickets required
For more information & to purchase tickets: bit.ly/BKSCC_2024_Picnic

This is the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee’s annual fundraiser and tickets are $25.79. Kids under 12 are free. There will be delicious Japanese grilled food. A chance to see your friends. And feel free to bring a side dish or dessert to share. The committee will provide potato salad and cookies along with grilled selections, chicken and seafood. Drinks are tea and water—and a sip of sake. Before the picnic, there is an opportunity to walk in the park. Trails are pet-friendly (must be leashed).

Dec 6 / Maryland State of the Ports & Embassy Wine Tasting

World Trade Center Institute - Maryland State of the Ports & Embassy Wine Tasting. Image: Airplanes and container ship against backdrop of port terminals along the waterfront, with a map of the world in the sky.

An exclusive evening celebrating the global connections and trade that drive our economy. Our ports play a vital role in connecting businesses worldwide, and this event is the perfect opportunity to network, learn, and savor international flavors. 

Date/time: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm ET 
Location: World Trade Center Baltimore, 401 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202
More info & tickets: wtci.org/events/ports

Here’s what’s in store: 

  • Embassy Wine Tasting: Embark on a global journey through wines from international embassies. Discover the flavors and aromas that the world has to offer — including the countries of two of our sister cities: Japan (where Kawasaki is located) and the Netherlands (where Rotterdam is located).
  • Breakout Sessions: Gain valuable knowledge about the key international trade challenges. This year’s breakout sessions will navigate the complexities of global supply chains and discuss harnessing Maryland’s wind energy opportunities. 
  • State of the Ports Address: Hear firsthand from Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation, Paul Wiedefeld, as he addresses the current and future prospects of Maryland’s ports — the Port of Baltimore and the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. 
  • Networking: Connect with the leaders driving economic growth in our region. Forge new connections, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals. 

This event is a once-a-year occasion where you can indulge in great wines, learn about the future of trade, and network with the region’s most influential figures.  Secure your spot at this event today!

Asia North 2023: A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community

Asian North Festival's brand image (A colorful illustration of a lotus flower)

May 5 – June 5 | Asia North Exhibition+Festival

Celebrate Baltimore’s Charles North (Station North Arts District) neighborhood’s constantly evolving identities as a Koreatown, arts district, and creative hub. Co-produced by Asian Arts & Culture Center and Central Baltimore Partnership.

Program includes:

  • May 5-June 3: TRANSition/TRANSformation/TRANScendence” Asia North Exhibition at The Parlor and Motor House
  • May 5: Asia North Opening event, 5-9pm at Motor House and The Parlor
  • May 6, 19, 20: Special improv events at Baltimore Improv Group 
  • May 11: Social Hour NAAAP Baltimore Kong Pocha
  • May 12: Discover & Dine Kamayan Feast
  • May 13: Makers Market Asia North 2023
  • May 13: Short Film Screening + Discussion: Alex El Dahdah’s “Āh”
  • May 20-21: Three Patterns at the Bank (tickets required). Opening Party & After Party on May 20; Closing Event on May 21
  • June 1: LGBTQIA(sian): Staged Readings of Queer Asian Plays at The Parlor
  • June 2: Closing Event Asia North 2023
  • June 3: Walking Tour: Historic Koreatown Food & Landmarks  (registration required), Presented with the Baltimore-Changwon Sister City Committee and Korean American Foundation – Greater Washington

See full program and details on Asian Arts & Culture Center events page.

Presented by Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center and Central Baltimore Partnership. With participation and support from Baltimore Sister Cities’ Asian committees (Changwon, South Korea; Kawasaki, Japan; Xiamen, China).

Towson University Asian Arts and Culture Center

May 20-21 / Three Patterns: Exhibition & Performances

Three Patterns’ is a noir-esque reflection on balance and nature. Told as three stories inspired by eastern mythology and traditions.

Three Patterns is divided into three stories: ”Possessed,“ “The Sacred Hex,” and “Hellbound” which includes themes of Suffering Ritual and Spirituality. The exhibition will feature 13 photo prints, 2 works of Japanese calligraphy also known as ”Shodo,“ and 3 performances on the opening night of May 20, 2023. The entire exhibition includes 11 artists from New York, Baltimore, Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and more. These artists from different cultures have collaborated with each other to present a diverse and innovative exhibition curated by OTS Productions. Through the use of photography, calligraphy, performance, art, music, Three Patterns serves as a prequel from last year’s Baltimore exhibition “Hellbound: Dancing With The Spirits“ and the completion to a story that is inspired by Chinese and Japanese mythology and Buddhism.

Exhibition location: The Bank, 1901 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218
Exhibition opening & performances: May 20, 6:30-10:30pm ET.
After Party: with DJ Fundad at The Crown, 1901 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218
Exhibition: May 21, 1-5pm ET Admission is free.
Closing Event: May 21, 1pm ET.

Admission is free but tickets are required.

More information, and to register: Eventbrite page

Part of the 2023 edition of the Asia North Arts Festival.

Curated by OTS Productions. Sponsored / Funded by: MSAC Creativity Grant, Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee, T. Rowe Price Foundation. In partnership with: Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center, Central Baltimore Partnership, Station North Arts District, Red Bull, the Crown.

Exhibition poster with list of artists in the exhibit, location and event dates, list of sponsors and partners with logos

Apr 1 / Hanami: Baltimore’s Cherry Blossom Picnic

Join us for the annual Hanami picnic hosted by the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee

Hanami community picnic in Baltimore - girl with kites by trees with cherry blossoms, and people sitting on blankets under cherry blossokm trees enjoying their picnics.

Date: April 1, 2023
Time: 2-4pm ET
Location: Fort McHenry Park, 2400 E. Fort Ave, Baltimore MD 21230
Admission: Free. Bring your own picnic.
More information & to register: Eventbrite page

Hanami is the Japanese tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms in full bloom with a picnic under the cherry trees. Fort McHenry park has two lovely groves of cherry trees for us to relax under. Bring your blanket, a picnic lunch, and cultural curiosity. Baltimore-Kawasaki committee members will be ready with some extra Japanese finger foods and tea.

You can park in the Fort McHenry parking lot and walk through the Visitor’s Center to reach the East Lawn Cherry Tree Grove. Beer and sake are allowed as per park rules. We anticipate good weather but, rain or shine, we will be present. And bring your camera for blossom selfies. The event is free but please register.

Organized by Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC)

Ryokucha Japanese Tea Tasting Workshop, preceding Hanami

Date: April 1, 2023
Time: 12-2pm ET
Location: McHenry Row Conference Center, 1215 E. Fort Ave, Baltimore MD 21230
More information & to purchase tickets: Eventbrite page

Nippon Motion hosts a Ryokucha Workshop with Japanese Green Tea. Learn about loose-leaf, matcha, and ready-to-drink tea. Sample over 10 authentic varieties. Receive a Japanese-made yunomi (ceramic tea cup). This is a great opportunity for both beginners and existing fans of Japanese tea to expand their knowledge and get first-hand experience with the world of Ryokucha!

The Ryokucha Workshop takes place near Fort McHenry Park, so attendees of the Ryokucha Workshop can come join the Hanami event in McHenry Park after the workshop.

Organized by Nippon Motion. Co-promoted by Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC).


Go ahead and plan a great day of Japanese culture — start with a Ryokucha Workshop from 12-2pm and head over to the Hanami picnic from 2-4pm. Wonderful scents, sights, and tastes!

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Web site copyright © 2026 Baltimore Sister Cities, Inc.

logo-baltimoreBaltimore sister city committees operate under the auspices of the City of Baltimore’s Office of the Mayor.

 

Brandon M. Scott, Mayor

 

Previous mayor’s Dec 2015 press release about Baltimore Sister Cities becoming a 501(c)(3).

 

Baltimore Sister Cities, Inc. is a 501c3 organization incorporated in the State of Maryland.
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