Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
April 26, 2024

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 CHRIS H. PARK
Our Leisure Editor encourages you to sing your heart out at karaoke, see a fun concert or check out some standup comedy this weekend.

Events this weekend (April 22 — 24)

The sun is shining, your classes are wrapping up and the city is coming alive with more activities to enjoy! Check out these events before you say goodbye to Baltimore for the semester. 


COURTESY OF JENNIFER JIANG
Jiang reviews the many unique hotspots in the Station North neighborhood that students can check out, including The True Vine Record Shop. 

Station North is a hub of culture and community

Station North, a 10-minute bus ride from Homewood Campus, spans the neighborhoods of Charles North, Greenmount West and Barclay. Located in the middle of Baltimore, Station North received the state designation as an Arts and Entertainment District in 2002 from the Baltimore City government. Theaters, museums and arts centers line the streets. 


COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
Maras provides tips and advice for students who may have worries about living without a meal plan and cooking for themselves.

How to cook for yourself while living off campus

After being thrust into the off-campus housing world a year earlier than I was expecting, I’ve had quite a bit of time to learn how to balance cooking for myself with the busyness of college life. With this in mind, I want to offer you some tips and tricks on how to minimize cooking stress while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals. 


COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
As the semester winds down, Maras encourages you to check out some exciting concerts and events around the city.

Events this weekend (April 14 – 17)

Could it be? Could we finally be entering the warmer Baltimore days we know and love? I won’t jinx it, but I will encourage you to enjoy it while it lasts by checking out these events. Try something new and exciting before you get too busy with finals. Trust me, your brain will thank you in advance. 


KEN LUND/CC BY-SA 2.0
Don't miss the fun around Baltimore this weekend! Watch a new show, tour a new neighborhood or support a new local business.

Events this weekend (April 8 – 10)

It’s so exciting that we’re in the last month of classes! Hopefully, you get a quick post-midterms lull in your schoolwork, which gives you the perfect opportunity to check out some of the great events we have here. 


COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
Andersson breaks down the best spots in Baltimore to bring your family, including restaurants, museums and Hopkins events.

The ultimate guide for when your family visits Hopkins

As the academic year nears its end and on-campus events pick up, Mom and Dad might be hinting at their next trip to Baltimore. While a visit from family comes with the benefit of free meals at real restaurants, you might find yourself worrying about how to fill the time in between. If that’s the case, keep reading for family-friendly activities that will please you, your parents and any siblings along for the ride. 


COURTESY OF ISABEL THOMAS
Thomas samples JBee’s Jamaican Me Crazy's Jerk Chicken Bowl, which she found delicious if overpriced. 

JBee's Jamaican Me Crazy delivers strong flavors but steep prices

An upscale version of a food court, Remington’s R. House features an eclectic mix of cuisines. Here, you’re able to enjoy both familiar fare like burgers, pizza and salads alongside more hard-to-find flavors of New Orleans soul food, Hawaiian poke bowls and Korean barbecue. An 11th stall called The Pop-Up serves as a launchpad for newcomers in the Baltimore culinary scene, with chefs taking over the space for about a week or month. 


COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
As the first weekend of April comes around, find some time to visit a new museum or get outdoors. 

Events this weekend (April 1 – 3)

Welcome back from spring break, Blue Jays! I wish we could revel in the warm spring weather, but unfortunately Monday’s snow had different plans for us. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of fun happenings in the city this weekend that I hope you’ll enjoy.


COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
Maras reviews the Baltimore Street Food Festival's many offerings, including the boneless buffalo wings and tater tots from Two Smooth Dudes.

The Baltimore Street Food Festival makes for a fun dinner excursion

The Power Plant Live! grounds were overtaken by food trucks and vendor stalls galore last weekend as the Baltimore Street Food Festival ensued. Over 18 vendors gathered to provide a smattering of culinary options to adults and children alike. Entry to the festival was $15 per person, and most food items were priced at $5 or less with a few exceptions. 




COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
Erin (left) and Lena (right) Bowman are bringing delectable and unique cupcakes to Hopkins and all of Baltimore with Sistahs' Sweets.

Sistahs' Sweets will satisfy your cupcake craving

Every so often, you will find a small black truck with bright pink font sitting on what has unofficially been dubbed the “food truck corner” of Homewood Campus. Inside that truck, you will find two extraordinary young women named Erin and Lena Bowman, who are the co-founders of Sistahs’ Sweets. The Bowman sisters are homeschool graduates who operate their own cupcake truck as a full-time business.


COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
If you're sticking around Baltimore for the break, enjoy some time away from school by hitting the city for these fun events.

Events this break (March 19 – 28)

We finally made it to Spring Break! Can you believe it? I, for one, am excited to experience my first true college Spring Break (shoutout to the sporadic one-day breaks last spring, you are gone and happily forgotten). If you’re staying around the Baltimore area for break, I’ve got you covered with some great events for both this weekend and next weekend to keep you entertained.


COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
Get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit and celebrate with the city this weekend!

Events this weekend (March 11 – 13)

If you’re anything like me, you need a nice break from the midterm grind this weekend. Luckily, we’re quickly approaching St. Patrick’s Day and have a host of great events to celebrate it! Have some fun before delving into the last week of school before spring break; you’ve earned it.


COURTESY OF EMMA ANDERSSON
Coffee and pastry lovers alike are in luck; the newest cafe in town receives glowing reviews from Andersson. 

Coffee lovers can find Common Ground at their new Hampden spot

Attention, cafe lovers: Common Ground is officially back open for business at its new location. Situated in a cozy brick building right off of the Avenue in Hampden, Common Ground serves coffee, baked goods and sandwiches. With plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors on its spacious patio, this cafe provides the perfect setting to enjoy a quiet morning or spend a relaxing afternoon with friends. 


COURTESY OF JEN JIANG
Jiang speaks with Carma of Carma's Cafe to hear about her experience with facing remodeling issues and pandemic obstacles as she plans to reopen her doors in April.

Carma's Cafe prepares to make its return

Carma Halterman opened up her cafe 18 years ago in November 2004. Michael Lynch, her housemate at the time, wanted a part-time job in a social environment. They both thought that the location, which is now home to Carma’s Cafe, would suit them perfectly. 


COURTESY OF EMMA ANDERSSON
Andersson reviews the newest exhibitions at the Baltimore Museum of Art, where visitors can find intriguing and visually stunning works.

Modern art shines in the BMA spring exhibits

If you haven’t yet seen the Richard Yarde exhibit on display at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), you still have a few more weeks to visit. Richard Yarde: Beyond the Savoy will remain on show through April 24, and I urge you to see it while you can. 


COURTESY OF GRETA MARAS
Students report inadequate communication from the University regarding its investigation. 

Events this weekend (March 3 — 6)

Congrats on getting through your first full month of the semester! I’ve got some exciting events this weekend where you can find great food, drinks and dancing. There’s a little something for everyone as we head into warmer days.


COURTESY OF EMMA ANDERSSON
Andersson and friends sing high praises of NuVegan, the newest addition to the St. Paul strip of restaurants.

Rediscover old favorites at NuVegan Cafe

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try a new restaurant, NuVegan Cafe deserves a place on your Baltimore bucket list. Located on St. Paul Street, this newly opened spot makes for a convenient lunch between classes or a casual dinner option. 


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