Sunday, May 14, 2006

FIVE CHILDREN AND IT -- Today at 11:30 a.m. Ages 8 and older. A film based on Edith Nesbit's 1902 book about five children who accidentally discover Psammead, an ancient sand fairy, on the beach of their uncle's mansion. The fairy reluctantly agrees to grant the children one wish each day. National Gallery of Art, East Building, Auditorium, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-789-3030.

THE POETRY OUT LOUD NATIONAL RECITATION CONTEST -- Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. High school state winners compete for scholarship and cash prizes in this contest that focuses on spoken word poetry as an art form. Presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. Free. 202-397-7328.

DISNEY LIVE! MICKEY'S MAGIC SHOW -- Thursday at 7 p.m. Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. May 21 at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Mickey and Minnie are joined by Donald, Goofy and other Disney characters for this magic show that's full of laughs. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. $19.50-$39.50. 202-628-6161.

BARBIE DIARIES -- Saturday at 10 a.m. Ages 3-8. The animated movie stars Barbie and her friends, who play in a band together and begin a new school year. The Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW. $5. 202-966-6000.

MARYLAND FAERIE FESTIVAL -- Saturday-May 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Make fairy houses, have a tea party with Posie the Faerie, visit the Wishing Tree, play in the Children's Craft Cove and more. Patuxent River 4-H Center, 18405 Queen Anne Rd., Upper Marlboro. $7, ages 3-11 $3, under 3 free. 888-607-9134.

ANANSI DOES THE IMPOSSIBLE: AN ASHANTI TALE -- Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Ages 5-10. A reading of an African tale retold by Verna Aardema and illustrated by Lisa Desimin. Followed by an art activity. National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW. Free. 202-633-4600.

MCLEAN DAY FESTIVAL -- Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The annual community event features carnival rides, face painting, a model airplane show, pony rides, children's rides, a moon bounce, food, live entertainment, and arts and crafts booths. Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean. Free. 703-790-0123.