Outside the Gate

National Portrait Gallery

Take in the splendor of the Robert & Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. These museums are free and stay open until 7 p.m. nightly. Current portrait exhibits include “A Will of Their Own” which highlights women during American Revolution with Great Britain. For more information, visit http://www.npg.si.edu.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Since 1967, the largest annual cultural event in the nation’s capitol has been Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Held on the National Mall, the two-week festival falls over the Fourth of July holiday and includes demonstrations by chefs, artists, craftsmen, storytellers and other performers from over more than nations.

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn Tasting

The Sugar Cube confectionary, located in Alexandria, Va., is slated to host a free Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn Tasting on April 28 from 1 4 p.m. The Sugar Cube aims to update a well-loved but outdated genre for the sophisticated and demanding modern consumer, focusing on chocolates, sweets and fine confections. The Sugar Cube is located on 1218 King Street. For more information, call 703-548-2868 or visit http://www.sugarcubeswe ets.com.

National Arboretum

The National Arboretum is a living museum where trees, shrubs, and flowering plants are grown for scientific and educational purposes. You will not only see plants on the 446-acre living museum, but the columns from the original Capitol building that was burned during the War of 1812. Private tram and guided tours can be made by appointment, and one still needs to register for the free events the arboretum offers. The National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Ave. NE., in Washington, D.C. For more information, call 202-245-2726, or visit, www.usna.usda.gov.