No, we haven’t got any specific panda-riffic events tonight. It just seems like a good time to remind you that we’re smack dab in the middle of Panda Month. As the weather slowly crawls into the “tolerable” range, it’s a great time to check out D.C.’s hottest family at the National Zoo, before summer tourists completely take over Woodley Park.

>> After a year-long battle for a liquor license Vegetate has emerged triumphant to host some great happy hours. Tonight DJ Dave Nada provides the music as visitors imbibe and enjoy $1 “veggie shooters”. We’re not sure what those are, but we’ll try anything for a buck. [1414 9th St., NW, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.]

>> Instead of watching that episode of House TiVo is holding for you, why not hear a real medical expert discuss the process of saving lives? Atul Gawande discusses his book Better, a look at three human elements that make the difference between medical success and failure. [Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Free, 7:00 p.m.]

>> DCist favorite Solly’s Tavern hosts its monthly songwriters showcase featuring Buster Brown, Karen Scuderi, Justin Trawick, James Stevens and Chris Patterson. [1942 11th St. NW, Free, 7:45 p.m.]

>> Busboys and Poets continues its Classics on the Rocks series, which presents classical music “in a fresh and entertaining way” that “appeal(s) to a broader audience.” [2021 14th St. NW, $7.50, 8:00 p.m.]

Photo by OffSeventh.