Intro to Persian Dance Class with Parisa Naini
2025-03-29 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Zorongo Flamenco Studio, 3715 Minnehaha Avenue, Suite C,, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Learn a variety of styles within classical Persian dance in a beginner-friendly environment. We will explore flexibility, strength, technique, expression and mystical elements of this dance form.
Please wear comfortable clothing, socks or ballet shoes, and bring water. All levels welcome!

Specific instructions for entering the studio will be sent to registered participants.
This event is free, but registration is requested: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/intro-to-persian-dance-class-with-parisa-naini

Persian Pop-up: Iran Through Stories-A Storytelling Event for the Iranian Community
2025-04-06 17:00 - 18:30 | Lyra Baroque,275 East Fourth Street, Suite 280 Saint Paul, MN 55101, Lyra Baroque Orchestra,275 East Fourth Street, Suite 280, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Iran Through Stories Storytelling event
April 6, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Baroque Room, 275 4th St E, #280, St. Paul.
Join us for *Iran Through Stories*, a heartfelt evening where Iranian voices come together to share personal experiences, memories, and reflections. Through storytelling, we celebrate the richness of Iranian life—both in Iran and in the diaspora.
Come listen to powerful, moving, and inspiring stories told by community members, in both Farsi and English. If a story is told in Farsi, an English version will be provided for non-Persian-speaking attendees.
Tea and cookies will be served.
This is a free event—friends and family are welcome!
We look forward to sharing this special evening with you. See you there!

Acknowledgment
TCICC’s Iranian Storytelling Night is funded in part by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Mizna Film Series Iranian Classics: Brick and Mirror & The House is Black
2025-04-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Trylon Cinema, 2820 E 33rd St., Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
The Twin Cities Iranian Culture Collective is pleased to be a co-sponsor of Mizna’s 2025 Film Series, which this year features classic Iranian films.

BRICK AND MIRROR
(1965, DCP, 131m, Farsi with English subtitles) dir Ebrahim Golestan
With this landmark debut feature, director Ebrahim Golestan delivers a jolt of modernism to pre-revolution Iranian cinema, laying the groundwork for the first new wave. When a mysterious woman (feminist literary icon Forugh Farrokhzād, and director of The House Is Black) abandons a baby in the backseat of his cab one night, Tehran taxi driver Hashem (Zakaria Hashemi) begins a journey through the city’s unfeeling bureaucracy as he attempts to find a home for the infant—a situation that soon puts him in conflict with his nurturing girlfriend Taji (Taji Ahmadi). Melding the influences of Persian poetry, 1960s European art cinema, and Wellesian expressionism, Brick and Mirror offers a portrait of a crumbling relationship that reflects on many contemporary social and political dynamics.

THE HOUSE IS BLACK
(1964, DCP, 22m, Farsi with English subtitles) dir Forugh Farrokhzād
The only film directed by trailblazing feminist Iranian poet Forough Farrokhzād finds unexpected grace where few would think to look: a leper colony where inhabitants live, worship, learn, play, and celebrate in a self-contained community cut off from the rest of the world. Through ruminative voiceover narration drawn from the Old Testament, the Qur’an, and the filmmaker’s own poetry as well as unflinching images that refuse to look away from physical difference, Farrokhzād creates a profoundly empathetic portrait of those cast off by society—an indelible face-to-face encounter with the humanity behind the disease. A key forerunner of the Iranian New Wave, The House Is Black is a triumph of transcendent lyricism from a visionary artist whose influence is only beginning to be fully appreciated.

Let's Loghme - Persian Bites Cooking Class
2025-05-21 17:30 - 20:00 | Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55418, United States
Perfect for those who love small plates and bold flavors, this class taught by Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh focuses on Persian mezze-style dishes, called loghme in Farsi, that can be enjoyed as appetizers or a shared meal. Participants will be part of creating the dishes and trying them too! Come prepared to cut, chop, and mix into this delicious experience.Please bring a knife in a sheath or safely packed for transport and an excited palette to try new things.All levels are welcome.
There is a class materials fee of $25. Space is limited, so tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets available at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/lets-loghme-persian-bites-cooking-class.Additional instructions will be shared with the participants.

Persian Poetry Night
2025-05-31 17:00 - 19:00 | American School of Storytelling, 1762 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Celebrate the soul of Persian literature with an evening of poetry, music, wine, and community.Join us as we honor the timeless words of poets like Rumi, Hafez, and others, brought to life through heartfelt readings and reflections.
What to Expect:
10 community members sharing their favorite Persian poems in Farsi and English, along with personal reflections
Live traditional music throughout the evening.
Wine will be available (donation requested) – or bring your own favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Open mic to close the night—bring your favorite poem to share
Whether steeped in Persian literary traditions or curious, this event welcomes everyone to connect through poetry and presence.
Admission is free and open to all but an RSVP is needed.
RSVP HERE: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/persian-poetry-night

Acknowledgment
TCICC’s Persian Poetry Night is partly funded by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Tirgan Water Festival
2025-06-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Thomas Beach Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
Tirgan Water Festival by the Beach – A Splash of Persian Joy!
Celebrate the ancient Persian festival of Tirgan with us on the shores of summer!
Join us for a joyful family picnic full of water games, crafts, music, and cultural fun in both English & Farsi.

Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Free & Open to All Families, but an RSVP is needed

https://www.zeffy.com/ticke…/tirgan-persian-water-festival

Bring your water toys, snacks, a change of clothes for the kiddos, and your picnic mats—and let’s make memories the Tirgan way!

Acknowledgment
TCICC’s Tirgan Water Festival is partly funded by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

The Fountain of Eternity - a Musical Journey
2025-10-04 19:30 - 21:30 | O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, 2004 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN, 55105, United States
The Fountain of Eternity
A Theatrical Music Experience by Ehsan Matoori
An unprecedented fusion of Persian mysticism, Mongolian throat singing, and contemporary dance, The Fountain of Eternity brings Rumi’s timeless poetry and today’s migration stories to life.
Created by composer and santoor virtuoso Ehsan Matoori, this groundbreaking performance unfolds across five dramatic acts. Inspired by the spiritual journey of the 13th-century poet Rumi, the work draws powerful parallels between his forced exile and the modern-day experiences of migration, displacement, and the search for belonging—especially among Persian communities.
A Journey Through Sound, Story, and Spirit
Through a rich tapestry of music, narration, and movement, The Fountain of Eternity carries audiences from Rumi’s farewell to his homeland in Balkh, through the chaos of the Mongol invasions, to the contemporary struggles of exile—and ultimately, toward love, liberation, and transcendence.
Featuring an International Ensemble of Visionary Artists

Mina Deris

Ehsan Matoori

Miriam Peretz

Tamir Hargana

Maliheh Moradi

Maliheh Moradi
Acclaimed Iranian vocalist known for her emotive interpretations of Persian classical and folk music. Her voice, featured in Voices Unveiled, resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.
Mina Deris
A versatile singer and performer who bridges Persian tradition with contemporary theatrical expression. Her performances explore themes of identity, resilience, and exile.
Tamir Hargana
A master of Mongolian throat singing (khoomei) and founding member of Anda Union. His deep, resonant voice evokes the spirit of the steppes and symbolizes the power of cultural dialogue.
Miriam Peretz
A dancer and choreographer whose whirling rituals draw from Persian, Central Asian, and Sufi traditions. Her movement becomes the visual embodiment of Rumi’s mystical journey.

A Soundscape That Transcends Borders
Matoori’s original score blends the delicate tones of the Persian santoor with world instruments and contemporary soundscapes. The result is a powerful musical dialogue between tradition and modernity—between the ancient and the now.
“This work is not just about Rumi’s journey,” says Matoori. “It is about our journey today, the struggle of migration, the pain of displacement, and the hope that love is the force that endures.”

Saturday, October 4, 2025O’Shaughnessy Auditorium
Experience the magic. Get your tickets here: The Fountain of Eternity – a Musical Journey
https://ehsanmatoori.com/

Persian Fall Festival
2025-10-11 11:00 - 21:00 | Hennepin Hall, 983 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis, 55414
Celebrate Mehregan, the ancient Persian festival of autumn, with a full day of music, food, art, and culture. Whether you’re looking to explore Persian traditions or just enjoy a vibrant community gathering, there’s something for everyone — kids and adults alike.
Event Highlights

Traditional Persian Food
Chaikhane (Persian Tea House) – All Day
Persian Mini Market – All Day
Art Exhibition – All Day
Live Piano – All Day
Kids’ Activities & Crafts
Live Music, Fashion Show
Persian Disco / Dance Party

Full Schedule
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Kids Storytelling & Crafts12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Social Break1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch Service2:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Catwalk / Fashion Segment3:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Kamanche Live Music (Set 1)4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Social Break5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Santoor Live Music (Set 2)6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner Service7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Persian Disco / Dance Party
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Opening Reception: 2025 Twin Cities Iranian Arts Exhibition
2025-10-23 18:00 - 2025-11-30 20:00 | Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN, 55343
The Twin Cities’ most talented Iranian-American artists will have their work on display at our seventh annual Iranian Artists Exhibition Thursday, October 23 through Sunday, November 30, 2025 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Works by more than a dozen local artists will be on display, including several whose work has never before been featured in our shows. Be sure to join us for the opening night reception Thursday, October 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. Complimentary light appetizers and a cash bar will be available. It’s a great opportunity to meet some of the artists, and to socialize with members of the community.

Shab-e Yalda Party
2025-12-20 18:00 - 23:30 | 983 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis, MN 55414, 983 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
🎉 Come join us for an evening of food, music, poetry, singing, storytelling and dancing to celebrate Shab-e Yalda, the longest night of the year! Doors open at 6 p.m, with a Persian dinner buffet of kebabs and salad, prepared by legendary chef Abbas Shahbazi, starting at at 7:30.
Or just join us after 9 p.m. for dancing with hometown DJ Danial Zangouii, and a cash bar.
Space is limited. Only 200 dinner tickets will be sold, and 50 tickets for dancing after 9 p.m.
Tickets available at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/yalda-party-2

Shab-e Yalda Party!
2025-12-20 18:00 - 23:59 | 983 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis, MN 55414, 983 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
Come join us for an evening of food, music, poetry, singing, storytelling and dancing to celebrate Shab-e Yalda, the longest night of the year! Doors open at 6 p.m, with a Persian dinner buffet of kebabs and salad, prepared by legendary chef Abbas Shahbazi, starting at at 7:30. Cost including dinner is $40.
Or just join us after 9 p.m. for dancing with hometown DJ Danial Zangouii, and a cash bar. $15 for dancing after 9 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/yalda-party-2
