As students return to campus this weekend from January 23 to 25, 2026, they will find a mix of winter weather and engaging events designed to ease the transition back to academic life. With a winter storm forecasted, many may opt to stay indoors, but for those venturing out, a variety of concerts, theater performances, and communal gatherings await in the city.
Friday Evening Symphony
The weekend kicks off with a performance at the **Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall** at 8 p.m. On the program is **Brahms & Haydn**, conducted by **Jonathon Heyward**. This concert promises a delightful blend of classical elegance and romantic intensity, featuring **Simone Lamsma** on violin performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto. Attendees can expect sweeping melodies and vibrant orchestral colors. Tickets are priced between **$35 and $109**, catering to a range of audiences.
Weekend Highlights: Ice Carnival and World Premiere Play
On Saturday, **Harbor Point Central Plaza** transforms into a winter wonderland from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the **Carnival of Ice**. This event features live ice carving demonstrations, interactive displays, and circus performances including stilt walkers and canine acts. Admission is free, and food trucks will offer a variety of carnival treats, from loaded baked potatoes to funnel cakes, making it a perfect outing for families and friends.
Later that evening, the **Strand Theater** will host the closing performance of **From East, Like the Sun** at 8 p.m. This world premiere, written by **Karen Li** and directed by **Jalice Ortiz-Corral**, tells a poignant story of immigration and family through the lens of two families navigating their search for stability. Tickets for this reflective play are available for **$25**.
Sunday brings an energetic atmosphere to the **Hard Rock Cafe** from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with **Touchdowns & Tunes**, a gathering for championship playoff game viewing. Guests can enjoy tailgate-style food specials and drink deals throughout the afternoon. Those donning their team’s jerseys can receive a **20% discount** on their bill if their team wins, enhancing the competitive spirit of the day.
This weekend offers a rich tapestry of cultural and sporting events, promising to provide engaging experiences for students and residents alike as they navigate the return to campus amid an unexpected winter backdrop.
