Out & About
Smithsonian continues virtual tours as museums close
Baltimore Museum of Art galleries not to reopen until January
![Baltimore Museum of Art, gay news, Washington Blade](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2014/11/Baltimore_Museum_of_Art_460x470_courtesy_BMA.jpg)
![Baltimore Museum of Art, gay news, Washington Blade](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2014/11/Baltimore_Museum_of_Art_insert_courtesy_BMA.jpg)
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the D.C. metro area, the Smithsonian Museums have all temporarily closed. In lieu of opening its doors, many of the museums are instead offering virtual tours of their galleries and exhibits. These virtual tours are free and available at any time on the organizationās website. Those who are interested can explore the National Portrait Galleryās presidential portrait collection, and the Smithsonian Gardenās varieties of plants, among others.Ā
The Baltimore Museum of Art announced Tuesday that its galleries would close Nov. 25 and reopen on Jan. 6 amid rising cases of coronavirus in that city. Gertrudeās restaurant and the museum shop will remain open.
Out & About
Celebrate July 4 with area fireworks displays
Festivities planned for National Mall, Baltimore, Rehoboth Beach
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/06/20120704_Independence_Day_fireworks_at_Washington_Monument_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
The National Mall is the most popular place to watch the D.C. fireworks display; spread a blanket near the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, or the Lincoln Memorial. The 17-minute display starts at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
In Baltimore, the Inner Harbor Fourth of July festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and the fireworks and drone show will begin at 9:30 p.m. downtown at the harbor.
The fireworks in Rehoboth Beach, Del., will be held on Saturday, July 6.
Out & About
Smithsonian Folklife Festival underway
‘Indigenous Voices of the Americas’ program held on the Mall
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/2024_Smithsonian_Folklife_Festival_insert_courtesy_Smithsonain.jpg)
The 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place on the National Mall June 26āJuly 1, with the program āIndigenous Voices of the Americas: Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian.ā
Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has been held on the National Mall; events are free. Festival hours are 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with evening concerts Friday through Sunday from 5:30-7 p.m. For details on specific events, visit festival.si.edu/visit.
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/rainbow_Pride_flags_in_park_insert_by_Bigstock.jpg)
The 2024 Arlington Pride Festival will be held Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m. at Long Bridge Park.
This event will be a gathering of the community showcasing local talent, food, and vibrant entertainment. The event will be a celebration of diversity and love.
Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.Ā
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