Leisure is the section where we highlight the intriguing, exciting and all-around fun events and activities happening in Baltimore over the weekend.
I have a special affection for ceviche. It preserves the original texture of fish while balancing bright, fruity tinges in a sophisticated way. It also comes in varying forms. Each plate feels like a standalone piece of art, where ingredients and sauces shine together like a constellation.
A few weeks ago I found myself, all dolled up, at the grand banquet of a Jane Austen Society conference, and I think I might have peaked right then.
Born from Prateek’s nostalgia for roadside chai in India and Kayla’s creative eye, Chachu’s Chai brings fresh spices, seasonal flavors and heartfelt community energy to Baltimore. Between rainy pop-ups, sliding-scale pricing and countless batches of lavender chai, the duo has built something far bigger than a drink. They tell their story in an interview with The News-Letter.
As finals creep closer, Baltimore offers a welcome pause with a weekend full of holiday spirit. Enjoy twinkling markets, a beloved ballet and a movie night with a live orchestra before heading into the last stretch of the semester. Wishing everyone rest, warmth and a happy holiday season.
Campus may be quiet for break, but Baltimore is already in full holiday mode. Saturday is packed with choices from shopping local at Bazaart, while on Sunday, Hampden turns on the lights for Miracle on 34th Street, and the Grinch takes over the Hippodrome for one last burst of cheer.
Mocha and Pearl was founded by Rojeena Thapa as a place where comfort, creativity and community come together. Nestled inside the DoubleTree beside campus, the shop serves handcrafted coffee and boba drinks that have quickly made it a favorite among Hopkins students. Thapa describes the cafe’s journey in an interview with The News-Letter.
Thanksgiving break is almost here, but there is still plenty happening around the city. Kick things off on Friday at Ottobar’s early bird ‘80s dance party, spend Saturday hopping between art, film and live music, and close out the weekend with Talib Kweli at Baltimore Soundstage for a night of sharp lyricism before the holiday begins.
The idea of being a “Pilates Princess” has never been so appealing. Under the stress of unending midterms (which should be called infinite-terms), it seems like taking care of one’s health is an impossible task. So imagine our excitement when we found out that Hopkins offers free Pilates classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for all affiliates at the Rec.
Exams may be in full swing, but Baltimore’s weekend lineup offers a much-needed break from the grind. From the immersive sounds of the Diffusion Festival to live music at Dam Jam, local art at Evergreen’s Holiday Market and vintage treasures at Union Collective, there’s plenty to explore before ending the weekend with Astronaut Symphony’s cosmic performance.
It is getting colder in Baltimore, and exams are still in full swing, but the city is full of ways to take a break. Warm up at the Maryland Irish Festival with traditional food and music or head to Union Craft Brewing and Patterson Park for a weekend of oysters and beer. On Sunday, explore how Hopkins researchers are tackling climate challenges at Extreme Heat or end the weekend with Puppets Fight Back, a night of drag, music and puppetry at Le Mondo.
When I was younger, my parents both worked late. Some nights their meetings stretched past dinner, and I would fall asleep to the clack of keyboards and muffled voices on speakerphone. But one night, I stayed awake. Maybe I had napped earlier or maybe I just did not want the night to end. Either way, I was wide-eyed and hungry, and for once, so were they.
Halloween weekend has arrived, and Baltimore is buzzing with ways to celebrate. Whether you’re exploring Edgar Allan Poe’s eerie world, dancing in costume or catching a symphonic twist on classic horror, there’s plenty to do before the candy runs out.
Saturday nights have me craving food that feels like an escape from the weekday routine. After a long week, there is something special about sitting down for a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. So last week, my friends and I set out on a mission for something flavorful and a little different: traditional Indian food.
With the long-awaited opening of the Bloomberg Student Center comes an arguably more exciting addition: a lineup of new campus dining options! This past week, I ventured outside my usual chipotle veggie burger from Brody’s Daily Grind and Blue Jay spirulina bowl from Neicy’s Fabulous Juice Bar to explore everything the Bloomberg Student Center has to offer.
Halloween may still be a week away, but Baltimore is already getting into the spirit. From lanterns lighting up Patterson Park to ghostly trails at Cylburn Arboretum, this weekend blends art, architecture and autumn festivities across the city. Whether you want to explore historic buildings, see new exhibits or settle in for a symphonic nod to Poe, plenty is happening to fill your fall weekend.
Staying on campus for fall break? As the weather starts to cool, it’s a great weekend to explore what Baltimore has to offer. Comic-Con takes over the Convention Center, runners fill the streets for the city’s annual marathon and things heat up at Spicy Con in Timonium.
Reality feeling a little too drab? Searching for a doorway into another world? Each fall, The Maryland Renaissance Faire opens its gates into a realm of revelry, fantasy and royal gossip.
A small micro creamery owned and run by couple Cedric Al Kazzi and Ross Hatton, Mishmish has been delighting the senses of Charles Village through regular pop-ups in the surrounding area, primarily near coffee shop Bird in Hand.
The second weekend of October brings a mix of festivals, art and performance to the city. You can start Friday with a classic whodunit on stage or seasonal brews at the Zoo, then spend Saturday at Fell’s Point’s waterfront festival or catch the closing day of The Brave at Galerie Myrtis. On Sunday, Opera Baltimore rounds out the weekend with Puccini’s Tosca, a sweeping production of love and betrayal.
Life at Hopkins can easily become all-consuming, but Baltimore has too much to offer to ignore. Sometimes the best study break isn’t coffee and flashcards — it’s loaded fries, a late-night cinema run and memories that remind you there’s a whole world waiting outside of campus.
