Opening Night Gala

CAAMFest 2026 kicks off on Thursday, May 7 with an Opening Night Gala held at the Asian Art Museum, featuring a variety of bites and beverages from some of the most talked about local food entrepreneurs such as Bake Sum, Hết Sẩy, Mama Lamees, The Sarap Shop, Socola Chocolatier, as well as up-and-coming Asian American craft breweries, including Match Point and Sugoi. 

The Gala ticket includes access to all museum exhibits including the newly unveiled Two Home Countries by Chiharu Shiota, an artist best known for colorful, large-scale installations. Through installation, sculpture, and video works spanning her career, Shiota’s distinctive visual language evokes the fragility and resilience of history, memory, and personal identity. 

Additionally, for one night only, attendees will have the special opportunity to meet artist Risa Iwasaki Culbertson and find inspiration from the museum’s theatrical arts collection. Guests are invited to experience the world of puppetry that spans from Wayang kulit in Indonesia to Tholu bommalata shadow play in India and beyond. 

The night of the gala, CAAM will also present a museum-wide scavenger hunt for the chance to win prizes, such as CAAMFest and Asian Art Museum tickets, and other special gifts from our CAAMFest donors, including: 

• Asian Art Museum annual membership
• CAAMFest 2026 Film Fan Pass
• $100 Covry Gift Card
• Nami Matcha Starter Kit
• Brooklyn F&B gift card
• 3 Month Membership to FITNESS SF
• 2-Night Staycation at Hotel Kabuki