Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
September 18, 2025
September 18, 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.



COURTESY OF YUYU HUANG
Huang explores three ethnic restaurants in Baltimore, where flavorful cuisine provides a glimpse into the city’s multicultural heart.

Three different restaurants to get a scoop of Baltimore’s diverse food scene

For food lovers, Baltimore is like a makeup palette, brimming with vibrant culinary shades and sparkles. You’ll never get stuck in a rut of repetitive flavors as long as you’re willing to explore. Stepping outside my usual picks and trying these three restaurants has brought countless delightful surprises. Here’s a glimpse at three must-try spots that offer just a taste of what this diverse city has to offer.



RUI DO ROSARIO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR
Check out the Baltimore Taco Festival at Power Plant Live! to grab some delicious tacos and watch exciting performances. 

Events this weekend (Oct 4–6)

October has finally arrived, and while the daylight might be fading, it’s still essential to step out of your study space and take a breather. Baltimore is buzzing with activities, from live music festivals and taco feasts to art walks — there's plenty to explore this weekend!



COURTESY OF MYRA SAEED
Myra offers comforting recipes perfect for those under-the-weather days. Let her dishes bring some warmth to your chilly days!

Four recipes to bring comfort on under-the-weather days

As summer sunshine fades into the cozy embrace of fall, we're greeted by new flavors, festive activities and holidays to look forward to. But, with all this autumnal joy comes an unwelcome guest: sickness. If you've noticed the sniffles and coughs spreading around campus, you're not alone. For those of you who’ve unfortunately caught the “Hopkins bug,” these comforting recipes are just what you need to feel better and regain your strength. And, for those lucky enough to avoid it, these dishes are a perfect way to show a little extra love and care to those around you.


RUI DO ROSARIO / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR
Check out the September Monthly Market at the Painted Mill to shop for seasonal goods, like furniture, clothing and arts!

Events this weekend (Sept 27–29)

Remember to take a break from your hectic schedule and explore some exciting events happening near us this weekend. Whether you’re in the mood to shop, sip on seasonal drinks or enjoy live music, there’s something on our list for you!



COURTESY OF ANNIE HUANG 
Sotto Sopra’s soprano elevated the evening's culinary experience with her soaring vocals.

A feast for the senses: opera night at Sotto Sopra

As the maître d’ gracefully ushered me to my table, the air buzzed with anticipation. This wasn’t just a meal; it was a performance waiting to unfold — a night when cuisine and opera would entwine in perfect harmony. Housed in a 19th-century building on Baltimore’s Charles Street, Sotto Sopra is known for its contemporary Italian cuisine, but it offers more than just food. Once a month, it hosts “Opera Night,” a special tradition where diners are treated to live operatic performances alongside a five-course dining experience.


COURTESY OF CATHY WANG
This Saturday, check out the Main Street Music Fest in Ellicott City! 

Events this weekend (Sept 20–22)

Get ready for a festive fall weekend in Maryland! From lively music festivals to mouthwatering food truck feasts, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Here’s a quick look at the events you can’t miss this weekend. 



COURTESY OF GODSON NKANGINIEME
Nkanginieme turns his room into a comfortable and relaxing spot to unwind with aesthetic posters and décor. 

Creating a cozy sanctuary in college with mood boards, books and movies

I’ll admit, I was super nervous about coming to a school like Hopkins, but it’s turned out to be a place where I’ve been able to jump back into activities that I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed. Whether your freshman experience has been amazing, bumpy or somewhere in between, there are plenty of great hobbies to pick up — whether from the comfort of your bed or out on the streets of Baltimore.


COURTESY OF CATHY WANG
This Saturday, celebrate Oktoberfest at Guilford Hall Brewery in the Station North neighborhood. 

Events this weekend (Sept 13–15)

Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover or just looking to enjoy Baltimore’s neighborhoods, this weekend has plenty to offer. From oyster feasts to Oktoberfest celebrations, the city is buzzing with events that cater to all tastes. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store.


COURTESY OF SHREYA TIWARI
Shreya’s original eggs and rice is an easy but delicious dish that everyone should definitely give a try!

My late-night go-tos

Inspired by the TikTok candy salad trend and my friends’ suggestions for late-night foods, “snack food salad” represents an amalgamation of every processed, packaged, boxed goodie thrown in a huge bowl. Try mixing together popcorn, honey-nut Cheerios, Goldfish and candy (Reese’s Peanut Butter is my personal favorite) — the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, this is a perfect quick-and-easy study snack! 


COURTESY OF CATHY WANG
This weekend of activities features a few events around Baltimore to usher in the fall season.  

Events this weekend (Sept 6–8)

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the crisp fall air at a local festival, groove to live music or indulge in a classic Maryland crab feast, this weekend offers plenty of opportunities to create unforgettable memories. Here’s a roundup of what’s happening around the city.


COURTESY OF YUYU HUANG
Ellicott City offers a wonderful mix of walkable streets, delicious dining spots and unique shopping experiences. 

A day of friends, food and fun in Ellicott City

Over the Labor Day weekend, my roommates and I took advantage of one of those last shorts-and-tank-top days, wrapping up summer with a day in Ellicott City. This little trip was the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day delights, from strolling down historic Main Street to indulging in some seriously good Korean BBQ — there’s just so much to enjoy here.


Events this weekend (Aug 30–Sept 2)

As we stand at this crossroads of seasons and schedules, it's the perfect time to squeeze in those last bits of summer fun while preparing for the excitement of fall. Whether you're looking for festive fairs, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or culinary delights, we've curated a list of event suggestions to help you make the most of the long weekend.


COURTESY OF ALLYSON CHIU
Road trips can be fun, even if it’s on the New Jersey turnpike with big trucks and traffic.

The art of a road trip

For me, freedom looks like what Chris McCandless did in Into the Wild — to buy a beat-up car after college, sell everything else he owns and vanish into a long road trip into the wilderness. I haven’t graduated yet and don’t have enough money for a car, nor do I have the courage like McCandless did. I did, however, have a badminton tournament in Boston and needed to drive the team up to the venue. 


ARUSA MALIK / DESIGN & LAYOUT EDITOR
This weekend of activities features the annual Spring Fair and the opening of Asia in a Bite Food Fest at the Inner Harbor.

Events this weekend (April 26–28)

As the semester draws to a close, organizations and universities in Baltimore are hosting an array of exciting events to end things on a high note. Let’s finish strong and celebrate the upcoming summer break in style!


COURTESY OF SYDNEY LANGER
The matcha drinks at Catalog Coffee offer a distinct flavor and definitely stood out from the rest!

Finding your next study spot at Catalog Coffee!

Located in Hampden, Catalog Coffee could be your new favorite cafe spot! The cafe itself is an adorable study spot, with ample lighting and seats in the back for students to pull out their laptops and notebooks. After studying the menu for (admittedly) way too long and concluding that everything seemed mouthwatering, we ordered a variety of sandwiches, pastries and drinks at the register. 


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