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Thursday, March 18: Artini, the monthlong competition among 12 of the area’s top mixologists to create the most artistic martini—inspired by works from the Corcoran’s “A Love of Europe” exhibit—continues its feature-night series at Farmers & Fishers. Twenty percent of sales from bartender Jon Arroyo’s cocktail will go to support the Corcoran’s ArtReach program. For more information about Artini, go here.

It’s the third Thursday of the month, which means it’s time to shop at the monthly Third Thursdays event: Boutiques around the intersection of 14th and U streets, Northwest, are staying open late and offering discounts.

Cook/blogger Patricia Jinich is hosting “Food for the Soul: Foods Created Through History in Mexican Convents” at the Mexican Cultural Institute (2829 16th St., NW; 202-728-1628). Highlights include horchata—a drink made with rice, cinnamon, and vanilla; soft empanadas with meat, tomato, raisins, and olives; chicken in mole sauce; and Mexican-style hot chocolate. The class, which goes from 6:30 to 9, is $70. For more information, click here.

Michael Lewis, best-selling author of Liar’s Poker: Rising Through the Wreckage on Wall Street, gives his perspective on the American economy in a discussion with the Washington Post’s Joel Achenbach at Politics and Prose. Lewis’s new book, The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, is a dark tale exploring the villains and heroes that led to the economic collapse. The event begins at 7.

Friday, March 19: Held at venues throughout Washington, the DC Environmental Film Festival features 150 eco-oriented documentary, animated, archival, experimental, children’s, and feature films. This year’s theme is food and the environment. Most screenings are free and include discussions with filmmakers and environmental experts. For more information, including a schedule, click here or call 202-342-2564.

Francophiles, heads up: You’ll want to head to Discotheque Underground tonight to do some French-style partying. As part of Francophonie 2010, a celebration of French culture, the DJs Make the Girl Dance will spin tunes at the National Postal Museum. The $30 ticket includes appetizers and an open bar. 9 PM. Get tickets here.

Itching to check out a concert this week? We recommend the Black Lips at the Black Cat tonight. You’ll love the band’s rock-filled psychedelic garage/folk tunes. $13 in advance, $15 day of show. 9 PM.

Saturday, March 20: Ansonia Wines, a new shop in DC’s Dupont Circle that focuses on French pours, is hosting an open house from noon to 9. The event includes complimentary samples of high-end wines as well as charcuterie and cheese.

U Street Music Hall had its “soft” opening this week, and the 300-person-capacity dance venue is hosting the local DJ legend DJ Tittsworth tonight. 10 PM; $20.

If you long for the days of flapper dresses and zoot suits, head to a 1920s-style cocktail party celebrating the works of African-Americans who lived in France during that time. “When Harlem Came to Paris: A Tribute to the Harlem Renaissance” takes place tonight at 8 at the Alliance Française. Entertainment includes big-band music and theatrical presentations of works by writers such as Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. Best of all, dressing up is encouraged—so break out your string of pearls or bowler hat. Buy tickets ($65) here.

Keep your eyes on the roads and the runners this morning: The SunTrust National Marathon—which is a blast to watch but causes road closures—begins at RFK Stadium and winds 26.2 miles through Washington neighborhoods and around the Mall. The race, which benefits local youth organizations, is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Online registration ($100 for the marathon, $85 for the half marathon) closed March 14; latecomers might be able to register at the National Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the DC Armory on March 19. The race starts at 7 AM.