Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
March 30, 2026 March 30, 2026 | 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.

COURTESY OF ARANTZA GARCIA The Blue Jay’s Perch is the perfect weekly excursion for gardeners and plant lovers. 

The Blue Jay's Perch is a perfect opportunity to garden every week

By ARANTZA GARCIA | October 8, 2021

A lot of people have gardens back home, whether it be an elaborate collection of herbs in your backyard or a single, impossible-to-kill cactus sitting on a windowsill. For me, I had to leave a full balcony of succulents behind when I came to Hopkins. Sure, they were slightly overgrown, a little bit unruly and full of spiders, but they were mine, and I had watched all of them grow from seedlings. 

COURTESY OF SHIRLENE JOHN There's nothing better than testing out homemade pasta recipes with your roommates during exam season.

Recipe: Gigi Hadid’s TikTok-famous penne alla vodka

By SHIRLENE JOHN | October 1, 2021

After eating the same grilled chicken and rice for over a week, I knew it was time for a change of pace. So, in spite of two impending midterms, I dragged my roommate and a couple of friends into the AMR III Building B basement to make Gigi Hadid’s famous spicy penne alla vodka recipe (minus the vodka). 

COURTESY OF TEDDY WADSTEN The Abell Street Fair was another success; visitors have yet to be disappointed.

The Abell Street Fair is a celebration of the local community

By LAURA WADSTEN | September 26, 2021

Last Sunday, I rounded up my brother and my boyfriend to check out the Abell Street Fair. The annual event took place just a short walk from my apartment on Guilford Avenue and within a couple blocks of Peabody Heights Brewery and The Book Thing of Baltimore. I was particularly excited for this year’s festivities, as the last time I attended the fair was back in 2019. 

COURTESY OF LAURA WADSTEN Editor-in-Chief Laura Wadsten and her boyfriend Alex offer suggestions for Baltimore-based date nights. 

Charm your date in Charm City

By LAURA WADSTEN | September 11, 2021

It’s the second week of in-person classes, and I’m sure at least some of you are looking to finally have a love life that doesn’t consist solely of movie nights on Zoom and swiping right. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or in a long-term relationship, spending quality time together is a pillar of a healthy relationship. This is where we come in...

COURTESY OF EUNICE PARK Local cafe good neighbor is a serene workspace, perfect for studying or enjoying morning brunch.

Good neighbor, a hidden gem of a café

By EUNICE PARK | September 11, 2021

I’m a self-proclaimed coffee addict as well as a coffee connoisseur. At this point in my life, only the finest and most refined of coffee beans can achieve the Eunice Park stamp of approval. 

COURTESY OF ROSIE JANG Don't let finals keep you from enjoying fun events with your friends.

Events this weekend (May 1 — 2)

By LEISURE EDITOR | May 1, 2021

Don’t procrastinate this week; get your final essays and projects out of the way early for once. This weekend is packed with some pretty lit events for you and your friends to enjoy before exams roll around.

COURTESY OF EUNICE PARK Sammy's Trattoria offers a wide range of delicious pasta for all Italian lovers.

Sammy's Trattoria: an authentic Italian restaurant near you

By EUNICE PARK | April 26, 2021

I’m a total fan of Italian. If there’s fresh, oven-baked pizza, authentic pasta coupled and an enticing drink menu of quality reds, I’m all yours. I was lucky to check out Sammy’s Trattoria with a friend this past weekend, and I’ll tell you right now that, for two girls treating themselves to some dinner, we had an absolute blast.

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR You can participate in the return of MARS-A-PALOOZA this Saturday either in person or online.

Events this weekend (April 23 — 24)

By LEISURE EDITOR | April 21, 2021

Walk to Hampden to buy some crafts at “Baltimore’s Best Yarn Shop” or head all the way downtown to play some retro video games at MAP Technologies. You won’t regret a Saturday spent out and about.

COURTESY OF EUNICE PARK The Wine Collective boasts an impressively delicious assortment of food — definitely don't skip out on the charcuterie boards.

Wine (and food) lovers, The Wine Collective should be your next stop

By EUNICE PARK | April 18, 2021

If you love wine and charcuterie boards, then I have the perfect place for you. As a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, you can bet that this winery will meet all of your wishes and dreams. Located just a couple miles outside of campus is the Wine Collective, an undiscovered beauty of a winery.

COURTESY OF OLIN SHIPSTEAD If you can't make it to Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens in person, check out their live presentation over Zoom on the basics of daffodils.

Events this weekend (April 17 — 18)

By LEISURE EDITOR | April 14, 2021

Take advantage of your remaining free time before finals season hits and you retreat to D-Level. Beware of friends who try to lure you into the library on these beautiful days; let’s be real, whatever it is can be done the Monday after.

COURTESY OF ARIELLA SHUA Stop by Motzi Bread on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for some delicious, locally-sourced baked goods. 

Indulge in local grains at Motzi Bread

By ARIELLA SHUA | April 13, 2021

Quarantine was the era of the sourdough starter. Throughout the spring of 2020, social media users proudly showed off their creations: a fresh loaf of bread, ready for the world to see.

COURTESY OF AYLA FROST Grab a couple of pals and bring a furry friend to enjoy a day at Lake Roland, no athletic experience required.

Lake Roland should be your next spring break stop

By LEELA GEBO | April 11, 2021

This past weekend, my roommates and I were craving a walk farther than our tri-weekly pilgrimage to Shriver Hall, our COVID-19 testing site of choice. At the suggestion of one of our friends, we decided to head to Lake Roland. 

COURTESY OF KATY WILNER Don’t skip on the food at CVP — the delicious bar fare pairs excellently with a few drinks.

Head to CVP to celebrate Charles Village

By KATY WILNER | March 28, 2021

For years I’ve walked up and down St. Paul Street, buying last-minute groceries at Eddie’s Market and late-night snacks at University Market. But for whatever reason, it wasn’t until just a few weeks ago that I sat down at Charles Village Pub (CVP) for the first time. 

FILE PHOTO Take a break from hanging out on the Beach and check out this weekend’s virtual and off-campus events.

Events this weekend (March 27 — 28)

By LEISURE EDITOR | March 25, 2021

Before we rappel into April showers, enjoy the last weekend of March and the amazing warm weather. Who knew how quickly seasonal depression could be lifted until they were sitting on the Beach at 2 p.m. on a Thursday?

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR Climb aboard Urban Pirates’ ship and take on the high seas of the Inner Harbor.

Urban Pirates: COVID-19 is the new scurvy

By CATE TURNER | March 24, 2021

There are several classic tropes about partying in college: the bar you go to with your fake ID; the best, worst and creepiest fraternities; and the postgame where everyone tries to forget their night. For college students in Baltimore, there is one more locale to add to that list: Urban Pirates. 

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR Poe’s Magic in downtown Baltimore is hosting virtual, interactive performances.

Events this weekend (March 19 — 21)

By LEISURE EDITOR | March 17, 2021

Take advantage of the extra hour of sunlight (okay, maybe it’s not actually an extra hour, but an extra hour in the evening) to enjoy all the fun events that Baltimore has to offer.

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