Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
November 20, 2025 November 20, 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.

RUI DO ROSARIO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR Check out the Punk Rock Flea Market at Ottobar on Sunday! 

Events this weekend (March 7–9)

By YUYU HUANG | March 7, 2025

With the arrival of March, spring has finally made its way to Charm City, bringing back my urge to get out and explore. So many adventures await: art walks, community gatherings and high-energy parties, each with their own unique vibe. The News-Letter has rounded up the best events to help you make the most of your weekend.

COURTESY OF RUSTY SCUPPER  Head to Rusty Scupper to savor Maryland’s authentic ocean offerings and immerse yourself in the nautically themed interior.

Made in Baltimore: Embark on a seafood voyage at Rusty Scupper

By KAYLEE NGUYEN | March 2, 2025

Julian Demiri — Rusty Scupper’s General Manager — describes the origins of the Rusty Scupper in an interview with The News-Letter. When asked about Rusty Scupper’s origins, Demiri expressed a deep passion for the restaurant’s atmosphere and strong ties to Baltimore and the Inner Harbor. To him, Rusty Scupper isn’t just a restaurant, but a gathering place, a symbol of community and a testament to a Marylander’s love for seafood.

JIYUN GUO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR Check out Ali Siddiq’s In the Shadows Tour at the Lyric this Saturday! 

Events this weekend (Feb. 28–March 2)

By YUYU HUANG | February 27, 2025

As February slips away, Baltimore's chill gives way to a gentle warmth. With winter's harsh winds and bulky coats now behind us, there's never been a better time to venture outdoors. Whether you're eager to unravel local ghost tales, indulge in mouthwatering eats or lose yourself on the dance floor, The News-Letter has hand-picked the top events to savor your weekend.

COURTESY OF ADWITA SINHA Sinha connects the comforting flavors of The Verandah Kitchen with heartfelt stories from her two visits.

From freshman to familiar: Two visits to The Verandah Kitchen

By ADWITA SINHA | February 27, 2025

The first time I stepped into The Verandah Kitchen, I was on the brink of a new beginning. It was the night before I moved into my freshman dorm at Hopkins — my last dinner with my family before settling into college life. My mom, dad and eight-year-old sister sat around a table in this cozy Indian restaurant. The aroma of spices wrapped around us in a familiar embrace.

JIYUN GUO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR  This weekend, head to the American Craft Made Baltimore Marketplace to purchase a unique handcrafted product.

Events this weekend (Feb. 21–23)

By YUYU HUANG | February 21, 2025

As February rolls on, Baltimore is packed with energy — offering everything from comedy to craft fairs and late-night dance parties. Whether you’re looking for a night of laughter, a shopping spree for unique handmade goods or an electrifying rave experience, The News-Letter has rounded up the best events to make the most of your weekend.

COURTESY OF YUYU HUANG Huang savors the comforting, homestyle flavors at Ye’s Seafood House.

Homestyle dishes in Ellicott City that keep me coming back

By YUYU HUANG | February 19, 2025

Ellicott City has a unique, familiar charm for me. Its plaza — filled with family-style Asian restaurants — instantly takes me back to my high school days in Southern California when my friends and I would explore similar neighborhoods. Much like back then, these eateries don’t rely on tiny portions or fancy plating to impress: They win you over with fresh ingredients and comforting, homestyle flavors. After a satisfying meal, I might treat myself to a cup of bubble tea or wander through HMart to check out what’s new. That lingering sense of comfort and nostalgia always connects me to those carefree high school days, which is probably why I love spending weekends here. In short, food plays a central role in any visit, so here are my top restaurant recommendations — all within a 20–30 minute drive for Hopkins students.

Events this weekend (Feb 14–16)

By YUYU HUANG | February 14, 2025

The cold snap has finally loosened its grip, and Baltimore is warming up just in time for the weekend. Whether you're looking for live music, a fun night out or something festive to celebrate Valentine's Day, The News-Letter has rounded up some exciting events happening in and around the city.

JIYUN GUO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR  This weekend, experience life as an astronaut at an interactive space exploration event at the Maryland Science Center.

Events this weekend (Feb. 7–9)

By YUYU HUANG | February 6, 2025

As winter starts to fade, the city is buzzing with things to do. From festive celebrations to can’t-miss performances, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Here’s a roundup of the best events happening this week.

COURTESY OF KAIYUAN DU A detective-themed bookstore in Chengdu, China.

Detective fiction: a beginner’s guide

By KAIYUAN DU | February 6, 2025

For more than a century, detective fiction has captivated readers from worldwide with its intricate puzzles, thrilling chases and profound social critiques. As an avid reader of detective literature — particularly Japanese detective fiction — I wrote this guide in the hopes that it will help you find the perfect place to begin your journey into the world of mystery and deduction.

RUI DO ROSARIO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR

Events this weekend (Jan 31–Feb 2)

By YUYU HUANG | January 31, 2025

This week, the chill has finally receded, and temperatures in Baltimore are on the rise. With the weather warming up, it's the perfect time to step outside and make the most of the weekend. If you're looking for something fun to do, The News-Letter has rounded up some exciting events happening around the city — whether you're in the mood for a festival, a concert, or just a new place to explore.

RUI DO ROSARIO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR

Events this weekend (Jan 24–26)

By YUYU HUANG | January 25, 2025

Welcome back to campus! While the frosty weather might make staying in sound tempting, The News-Letter encourages you to step out and explore Baltimore’s exciting weekend lineup. Take a moment to breathe in the crisp winter air and enjoy the beauty of the snowy season while discovering all the city has to offer.

COURTESY OF ROHAN UPADHYAY Upadhyay presents four recipes that bring cozy warmth to the enchanting holiday season.

Cheesy holiday-themed recipes

By ROHAN UPADHYAY | December 16, 2024

As the holiday season envelops us, the unmistakable charm of Christmas comes alive in every corner — festive decor tucked into cozy apartment corners and grocery aisles brimming with holiday specialty goods. The season’s warm, orangish-yellow hues evoke cravings for dishes that are just as comforting and velvety. Inspired by that, I’ve crafted four recipes — each a celebration of warmth and indulgence. May these dishes fill your home with the spirit of the holidays and delight your taste buds.

COURTESY OF EESHA BELLAD Bellad offers five inspiring room decor ideas to elevate your holiday spirit!

Five ways to bring the holiday vibe into your room

By EESHA BELLAD | December 10, 2024

As the holidays inch closer and the year winds down, the air gets chillier, sniffles seem to follow us everywhere, exam season taunt us and work somehow manages to pile up right before the celebrations begin. But despite the stress, one thing that keeps me going is focusing on the joy waiting just around the corner.

COURTESY OF SOPHIA SEGERSTROM On her journey to find places to lie down on campus, Segerstrom’s musings weave together the tactical with the introspective. 

Skywatching on the Homewood Campus

By SOPHIA SEGERSTROM | December 6, 2024

If I were to tell you that one of the simplest ways to relax is to lie down, you'd probably roll your eyes, close this article and move on to the next thing on your endless to-do list. But let’s assume you’re still here, caught up in the constant churn of classes, meetings and assignments. And even during downtime — whether you’re watching Netflix, chatting with friends or even taking a bathroom break — there’s that grouchy, taxidermied tuna in the back of your head always asking: “What's next?”

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