Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
September 30, 2023

Leisure

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



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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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.


COURTESY OF VARUN HARISH
You don't have to be a fan of outer space to enjoy comfort food from this Hampden joint.

Rocket to Venus offers delicious food in a creative setting

When you think about space and rocket ships, Baltimore might not be the first place that comes to mind. Back in 1928, however, three close friends tasked themselves with building a rocket ship. They didn’t aspire to go to the moon: They wanted to go to Venus. And while these three Baltimore residents might have never actually made it to space, they did inspire an eccentric and delicious restaurant in Hampden. 


ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR
There is no better way to celebrate Pi Day than by making some pie.

Events this weekend (March 11 — 14)

We may be losing an hour to Daylight Saving on Sunday, but that just means you should live the rest of your slightly shortened weekend to the fullest. Whether you’re participating in science trivia or virtually attending a racial justice concert, here are our upcoming events this weekend as we move into spring.  


COURTESY OF JUSTIN SECH
Some members of Captain Shmule play outside in September 2019.

Hopkins band Captain Shmule cooks up debut album

The month is April. The year is 2020. Overwhelmed by my newfound abundance of free time, I forced my left hand into a contorted grip on a borrowed guitar. Lacking the confidence that my fingers were placed on the correct strings, I performed a hesitant strum. 


ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR
Whether you want to bake or are more interested in watching other people bake, hop on Zoom to see chefs make king cake.

Events this weekend (March 5 — 6)

As we barrel into March, don’t let yourself get too down about midterm season. You don’t even have to go outside in order to entertain yourself this weekend — learn to make a hurricane cocktail or get in touch with your spooky side with Eastern Shore Paranormal all in the comfort of your own home. 



PUBLIC DOMAIN 
Even during COVID-19, the Maryland Science Center has sought to connect with the community through their virtual weekly Friday movie nights.

Events this weekend (Feb. 26 — Feb. 28)

Midterm season is incoming, so take some time to enjoy yourself — especially if you’ve had a long and stressful week. As always, we’ve collected events so you can look for something that tickles your fancy, from online Dungeons & Dragons improv to watching The Martian with a science activity.


COURTESY OF LILY PINE
One of Pine's favorite purchases from eBay is this dress.

Recreating meaning: a guide to eBay and pandemic window shopping

There came a point during quarantine where I found myself on eBay for at least four hours every night. I scrolled through pages and pages of search terms like “Penny Lane Almost Famous jacket brown,” “1960s lace nightgown full-length pink floral” and “patterned wicker basket big picnic.” There was something comforting about navigating the website’s interface, which at first seems designed to make finding and purchasing listings impossible, that provided me a feeling of comfort and ease.