Photo by alicat0024

MOVIE: The Hudson Institute is examining “the evolution of the pursuit of happiness in the movies” through a series of films hosted by scholars and film critics. Tonight’s selection is Treasure of the Sierra Madre starring Humphrey Bogart. This event is free and comes with free food, but you must register to attend. 5:30 p.m.

COMEDY: It’s Open Mic Comedy Night at Palace of Wonders (1210 H Street NE). Doors open at 6 p.m., and the jokes start rolling (or crashing and burning) at 8 p.m. Free to participate or be part of the audience.

MUSIC: The 2010 Hip Hop Theatre Festival, which runs July 6-10, brings the DMC DJ Exhibition to the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage (2700 F Street NW). Free, 6 p.m.

>> La Strada comes to the Black Cat Backstage (1811 14th Street NW) with accordion and violins in tow. Carlos, I’m Pregnant opens. 9 p.m., $8.

LECTURE: The Resident Associates Program at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center (1100 Jefferson Drive SW) explores “Time and the Brain” with author Eva Hoffman and neuroscientist Richard Restak. 6:45 p.m., $25.