Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
December 2, 2025 December 2, 2025 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Leisure

Leisure is the section where we highlight the intriguing, exciting and all-around fun events and activities happening in Baltimore over the weekend.

PRESERVATION MARYLAND/CC BY-SA 2.0 Take a brief trip north to check out the Evergreen Museum, a historical time capsule from old Baltimore.

Escape to the Evergreen Museum

By DIKSHA IYER | February 20, 2022

Though pictures of the Evergreen Museum make it seem like a reclusive, hard-to-find area of lush greenery in the middle of a bustling Baltimore, it is actually quite easy to access. 

COURTESY OF ANTON SHTARKMAN Shtarkman emphasizes that you've never had fries like these before. The Local Fry offers flavor combinations that will knock you out of this world.

Get your fusion fix at The Local Fry

By ANTON SHTARKMAN | February 20, 2022

We’ve all been there: scrolling through “food near me” on Google, unable to pick a place to eat. Am I in the mood for Asian? Maybe I should have some Spanish? Or should I go with American? Well, imagine a place that has all these cuisines. Now bring that imagination to reality and head over to The Local Fry, which is conveniently nestled in the Rotunda in Hampden. 

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR From jazz to flea markets to movie screenings, there's no shortage of fun events to seek out this weekend in Baltimore.

Events this weekend (Feb. 18 — Feb. 20)

By LEISURE EDITOR | February 18, 2022

Happy weekend, Blue Jays! After an unfortunate cold spell this week, enjoy some time around the city as the weather warms back up. There are plenty of opportunities to try some new foods, shop from local business owners and learn more about the city itself, so don’t be shy!

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Maras reviews the cuisine of Cosima, a local option for fine dining near the Homewood campus.

Valentine's Day three ways: Remington

By GRETA MARAS | February 13, 2022

While Hopkins students know and love the Remington eateries that are most proximate to us, like R. House and Papermoon Diner, I want to introduce you to a lesser known but equally wonderful spot that might serve you well this Valentine’s Day weekend. 

Dion Hinchcliffe/CC BY-SA 2.0 Diksha Iyer reviews her journey to The Helmand restaurant with her friends, where she enjoyed a variety of Afghan dishes. 

Valentine's Day three ways: Mount Vernon

By DIKSHA IYER | February 13, 2022

Walking into The Helmand is an experience in and of itself: The restaurant is dimly lit, and a cozy aura immediately wraps itself around you and your companions. This year, the restaurant is celebrating a wonderful 33 years of premier Afghan cuisine in Baltimore. The restaurant was named after the auspicious Helmand River, which delivers nourishment to the dry terrain of Afghanistan. 

COURTESY OF CHRIS H. PARK Park marvels at the steak from The Prime Rib, Baltimore's resident classic steakhouse.

Valentine's Day three ways: Midtown

By CHRIS H. PARK | February 13, 2022

No meal — including the other recommendations in the three-part Valentine’s Day series in The News-Letter — can hold a candle to the United States Department of Agriculture Prime cuts of beef from The Prime Rib. This is one serious meal. Live music? Check. Tuxedo-donned waiters with cheeky steak jokes? Of course. 

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Maras wants you to check out the great shows and Valentine's Day pop-ups happening around the city this week. 

Events this weekend (Feb. 11 — Feb. 13)

By LEISURE EDITOR | February 11, 2022

Happy Valentine’s weekend! Whether you’ve got a date or plan to spend it with your pals, there are still plenty of great shopping spots and intriguing performances in Baltimore this weekend to keep you entertained.

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS Still searching for a Valentine’s Day gift? Maras has you covered. 

Events this weekend (Feb. 4 — Feb. 6)

By LEISURE EDITOR | February 4, 2022

The weather unfortunately hasn’t let up on us yet, but don’t let the cold stop you from having some fun this weekend! Check out these events to see what’s happening in art, food and festivities this weekend in Baltimore. 

COURTESY OF MICHELLE LIMPE Allora’s Restaurant Week deal offers a three-course meal for $20. 

Allora! Make a visit to Baltimore’s new Roman bistro

By MICHELLE LIMPE | February 3, 2022

Tucked away among the row of restaurants in Mount Vernon, Allora is a relatively new bistro which opened in September 2021 that exudes the perfect balance of exquisite Roman charm and comfort. In Italian, “Allora” acts as a filler word, similar to the “likes” and “ums” of English, but it can also be used to draw attention to a particular thing such as a new restaurant. 

COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS  According to Maras, the wings at Jazz+Soju are not to be missed. 

Must-try restaurants this month!

By GRETA MARAS | February 2, 2022

Have you gotten a chance to try some new food since returning to campus for the semester? If you were looking for a telltale sign to venture off campus or order some delicious new food for delivery, the events happening in Baltimore this week should have no trouble convincing you to do so! 

COURTESY OF ELLIE ROSE MATTOON Mattoon recommends different cookies recipes to get students through finals period. 

What Christmas cookie to bake based on your major

By ELLIE ROSE MATTOON | December 6, 2021

If I had it my way, the Christmas season would never overlap with final exams, but there is one advantage to having the busiest time of the year with the most wonderful time of the year: stress-baking. Whether as a study break or a post-exam celebration, the sound of my hand mixer beating butter into creamy peaks is always a cathartic experience. 

COURTESY OF BATYA WIENER

Alma Cocina Latina is a unique restaurant worth trying

By BATYA WIENER | November 20, 2021

It sounds cliche, but walking into Alma Cocina Latina is like taking a breath of fresh air. The restaurant is in the center of Station North and very easy to get to — within Blue Jay Shuttle distance and next to the Charles St. and North Ave. JHMI stop. 

ED SCHIPUL / CC BY-SA 2.0 A TikTok-inspired presentation night proved to be a funny memory on a night-in that had Park reeling with laughter and a good time. 

A presentation night is the most fun activity to do on a night in

By EUNICE PARK | November 18, 2021

As I get older, I find myself searching for more productive and wholesome yet educational activities to do with friends to pass the time. While going off campus and visiting new sites is also a fun and new experience, it can really eat up a lot of time and money that many college students can’t afford to sacrifice. So, what’s there to do on a Friday night that’s economical, fun, low effort and easily accessible for everybody?

COURTESY OF LEELA GEBO Spend one more weekend enjoying Baltimore with friends before people head out for Thanksgiving!

Events this weekend (Nov. 12 — Nov. 14)

By LEELA GEBO | November 12, 2021

We’ve made it to the final stretch before break! While next week might be spent in Brody getting ahead on assignments before Thanksgiving, take some time this weekend to explore Baltimore and enjoy the beautiful fall weather with friends. 

PUBLIC DOMAIN Pumpkin ale, cute fall photoshoots and a good time — that's a solid weekend plan. 

Events this weekend (Nov. 5— Nov. 6)

By LEISURE EDITOR | November 5, 2021

The weather is getting colder, and the semester is getting harder. It’s time to take care of your mental health and step out of the Hopkins bubble this weekend, even if just briefly. Take advantage of this weekend’s events before it gets too cold outside!

COURTESY OF MICHELLE LIMPE Limpe and her closest friends were able to enjoy a refreshing day out at Weber's Cider Mill Farm. 

Pumpkins, pies and hayrides: Fall for Weber’s Cider Mill Farm

By MICHELLE LIMPE | November 2, 2021

Lately, as the air grows chillier, I’ve been immensely enjoying the fall weather during my brief trips to campus for either my weekly COVID-19 test or one in-person class; I love watching the trees’ hues gradually shift from shades of green to warm tones of browns, yellows and oranges. 

HENRICKSON / CC BY-SA 3.0 This weekend, students get a chance to dress up as whatever they want and enjoy a good, spooky time. 

Events this weekend (Oct. 29 — Oct. 31)

By LEISURE EDITOR | October 29, 2021

Congratulations on completing the first midterm season of the fall semester! Now that Halloween is around the corner, it’s time to embrace this Halloweekend. Get out there and enjoy the spooky fall vibes with your (vaccinated) friends — and, of course, be safe. 

COURTESY OF CLAIRE GOUDREAU Get ready to sit down and watch Goudreau's top-5 recommended horror films this weekend.

Horror movies for people who don't like horror

By CLAIRE GOUDREAU | October 29, 2021

Every October, I commit myself to watching as many horror movies as I can. I check out suspicious DVDs from the library and scour streaming platforms for hidden gems. I’ve even bought a VHS tape off of eBay to secure a particularly tricky find — anything to get into the Halloween spirit.

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