Out & About

Just plane fun

Washington Dulles International Airport will host more than airplanes on Saturday, as the Dulles Day Family Festival takes over the Cargo 5 building. Highlighting this year’s festival is the 11th annual plane pull, where teams of 20 people pull a 150,000-pound aircraft in a timed race. The festival also includes aircraft displays, a car show, live music, food, and family activities. Proceeds benefit the Virginia Special Olympics. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking for the festival is free. 45020 Aviation Drive. Sterling. 703/417-8745.

Catch the spirit

For the past 20 years, “Spirit of America” has told the story of the U.S. Army. With live music, historical narrations and re-enactment and ceremonial drills, the show pays tribute to the men and women who have fought to protect America’s freedoms. “Spirit of America,” presented by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, will perform six shows at the MCI Center today through Sunday. It’s free, but reservations are recommended. 601 F. St. NW. 866/239-9425.

The pressure cooker

Three men who know what it’s like to direct the CIA will discuss their experiences on Monday at the International Spy Museum. “CIA Directors: Working Under Fire” will feature a panel of CIA experts — including William Webster, the only man to direct both the FBI and the CIA — who will tell about life in the politically charged pressure cooker. The event begins at 7 p.m. A reception follows at Zola restaurant. Tickets are $22 to $25, by reservation. 800 F St. NW. 202/432-SEAT.

The hidden life

During World War II, many Jewish children in Europe disguised their identities and lived a secret life. Now the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum brings their stories into the light. “Life in the Shadows: Hidden Children and the Holocaust” examines these children’s experiences and looks into the stories of non-Jews who risked their own lives by sheltering the children. “Life in the Shadows” is one in a series of exhibits being held as part of the 10th anniversary of the museum. The exhibition opens tomorrow and runs through May 12, 2004. 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW. 202/488-0400.

Catch a flick

The Georgetown Independent Film Festival is only three years old, but tonight through Sunday it will present more than 70 short films and features submitted by independent filmmakers from all over the world. Tickets range from $5 for a single screening to $250, which includes access to all screenings and parties. All screenings take place at the Film Festival Theater located near Blues Alley Jazz Club. 3 Blues Alley NW. 202/338-4300.

Over the river and through the District

Named the “Best City Tour” by Bicycling Magazine, the Giant Food Bike DC is a 32-mile, car-free, self-paced ride through the District that last year attracted more than 10,000 cyclists — to make it the second largest bike ride in the country. It starts rolling Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and will finish at 12th and Pennsylvania NW. Sponsored by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, the ride is open to riders of all skill levels and ages. Registration is $35. 202/903-4800.

The show goes on

While the unfortunate death of her tour bassist has caused Jewel to cancel almost all of her upcoming fall tour, the Alaska native will go on with her show at the 9:30 Club on Monday . Jewel is scheduled to perform an all acoustic solo show, a move that should please all die-hard Jewel fans. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. 815 V St. NW. 202/393-0930.

Strings attached

Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster has played with some of the world’s best known artists and symphony orchestras. She has won two Juno awards — the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy — and two of her albums have been in the top 20 on the world music charts. The firecracker is still pushing the boundaries of her musical talent. Her newest album, “Blueprint,” has her mixing fiddling with the dobro, banjo and mandolin. She plays the Birchmere tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.50. 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 202/432-SEAT.

— Thomas Walter