Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
April 1, 2025

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 FORAGED. 
At Foraged., Chef Chris Amendola is dedicated to showcasing the flavors of time through seasonal ingredients.

Made in Baltimore: Taste the changing seasons at Foraged.

The chef and owner of Foraged., Chris Amendola, shared with The News-Letter how his passion for seasonal ingredients and sustainable sourcing shapes a menu that follows nature’s rhythm. Through close relationships with farmers and a hands-on approach to foraging, he ensures that every dish captures the flavor of the moment.


JIYUN GUO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR
Check out the Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Patterson Park on Sunday! 

Events this weekend (March 28–30)

Hope you had a restful and exciting spring break! While returning to campus life can understandably come with a bit of post-break blues, Charm City never fails to lift our spirits with its vibrant lineup of performances, food and cultural events. To help you make the most of the weekend, here are some highlights worth checking out:


DANIEl SCHEWEN / CC BY-SA 2.5
Diaz reflects on the excitement and joy that can be found in rewatching Gossip Girl.  

XOXO, still streaming: Gossip Girl lives on

Rewatching Gossip Girl is like flipping through your old high school yearbook, except with fewer questionable haircuts and more designer handbags. Even if you know every plot twist, there’s something comforting about revisiting Serena, Blair, Nate and Chuck as they navigate love triangles and social warfare.


JIYUN GUO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR
Check out Baltimore’s St. Patrick Day parade on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Events this weekend (March 14–16)

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Baltimore transforms into a sea of green. While the holiday began as a religious observance, it has evolved into a time for friends and family to celebrate and soak in the city’s spring energy. From lively bar crawls to live music and the annual parade, here are the top events to check out.




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

Events this weekend (March 7–9)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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.


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