Monthly on the Web
OC ADVENTURES WITH ZAYA
“OC Adventures with Zaya,” a family-friendly web series, showcases Orange County visitor destinations through the eyes of Zaya, a seven-year-old boy. With new webisodes premiering monthly on the Anaheim/OC YouTube channel, the series features Zaya’s adventures at some of OC’s most exciting, kid-friendly attractions, including Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Balboa Island & Fun Zone, Bowers Kidseum, Disney California Adventure Park, South Coast Plaza, Knott’s Berry Farm, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Dana Point’s Ocean Institute, Pretend City Children’s Museum, and more. Follow @Anaheim_OC on twitter and join the #OCAdventures conversation for your chance to win some OC adventures of your own. Giveaways follow each webisode. To see where Zaya will be filming while you’re in the OC or to view the series, visit http://anaheimoc.org/

Through April 15
Discovery Science Center
STAR WARS: WHERE SCIENCE MEETS IMAGINATION
Imagine a world with humanoid robots translating languages, landspeeders whizzing down the highway, and X-wing Starfighters protecting the skies. Could these technologies, limited only to the fantasy worlds of Star Wars™, actually become a reality? Find out as Discovery Science Center hosts an out-of-this-world exhibit, Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. www.discoverycube.org

Through April 22
DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER’S BUBBLEFEST
Don’t miss the return of Bubblefest, OC's most astounding spring break bubble spectacular, featuring good, clean fun for the entire family! Choose daily between two Bubblefest experiences. At the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show (show ticket required), witness Bubble Scientist Deni Yang and his world-famous "Mega Bubble Show." Internationally renowned for unique and stunning artistry, the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show features a bubble carousel, bubbles within bubbles, smoking bubbles, spinning bubbles, bouncing bubbles and bubbles in all shapes and sizes. Included in general admission is Bubblefest, outdoor bubble activities where visitors can try their hand at creating giant bubbles and learn about the science behind the amazing Mega Bubblefest Laser Show! This year's Bubblefest features more activities and family fun than ever before. www.discoverycube.org

Through May 6
DORA & DIEGO: LET’S EXPLORE!
Dora and Diego show us how to care for others, by helping, sharing, solving problems, and recognizing everyone’s skills and talents at Discovery Science Center. www.discoverycube.org

April 6
Aquarium of the Pacific
NOCHE DE ESTRELLAS/LATIN-THEMED LATE NIGHT
The Aquarium will be open until 10:30 p.m. so you can dance under the sea stars to the sounds of cumbia, salsa, cha cha, rumba, and more. Noche de Estrellas (Night of the Stars) will feature live bands, DJs, underwater dive shows, scavenger hunts with prizes, and ocean activities. Mexican cuisine, beers, and drinks will be available for purchase. Journey through the Pacific Ocean to meet over 11,000 animals, including more than 150 sharks you can touch.
www.aquariumofpacific.org

April 12, 2012
THUNDER THURSDAY
Thunder Thursday is the official kick-off event for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Pine Avenue comes alive with a daredevil motorcycle stunt show, freestyle motocross demonstrations, a professional pit stop competition featuring celebrity drivers, static race car displays, driver autographs, live music and more. Pine Avenue and Broadway, Long Beach 90802
www.downtownlongbeach.org

April 13 – 15
LONG BEACH GRAND PRIX
The 38th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach runs Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15. The Official Grand Prix race takes place from 1:15 – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 17. Qualifying races will be held at various times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visit the Indy Car All Driver Autograph Session on Friday afternoon from 4 – 5 p.m. Watch the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on Saturday from 11:40 – 12:40 p.m.
www.gplb.com.

April 16 – 22
SPA WEEK: AFFORDABLE, HEALTHY WELLNESS LIFESTYLE
Spa Week 2012 offers the most cost-conscious way to rejuvenate from the inside out as hundreds of spas, Pilates and yoga studios, fitness centers, and other health and wellness practices across the country offer signature services, normally costing $100 - $500, for just $50 each!! Now in its eighth year, Spa Week has established itself as the most comprehensive way to engage consumers in the health and wellness lifestyle. No longer is the spa associated as a fluffy place of privilege, but rather an essential life ingredient that’s within reach of the masses. From stress-busting massages and holistic, immune-boosting treatments like Reiki and Acupuncture to trendy, glamorous services like Botox and Eyelash Extensions, spa-goers can find an array of services suited to their needs. Register at SpaWeek.com to book your appointment while visiting Orange County or at home as well. Some OC locations include:
CloudMover Day Spa - Huntington Beach
Ergonique - Newport Beach
Fresh - South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
Gem Day Spa - Fountain Valley
Haven of Wellness - Huntington Beach
Mammina's - San Juan Capistrano
Pure Blu Spa at the Newport Beach Marriott
Skincare with Desiree at BodyCentre Wellness Spa - Orange
Skinsations Spa - Tustin
The Chocolate Day Spa - Costa Mesa
www.spaweek.com

April 21 & 22
SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL
Most people don’t think of SoCal when they think of Cowboy, but L.A. is home to one of the world’s best Cowboy Festivals---the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival! Each year, thousands of guests attend the Festival to celebrate cowboy culture with a musical lineup of show-stopping talent, Dutch oven peach cobbler, trick ropers, shopping, activities for all ages, and more! It includes nearly a week of events, but the main two-day Festival takes place April 21 & 22 at a real working movie ranch, Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio, and it’s only open to the public for the festival weekend, truly encapsulating the culture, flavors, and folklore of Old Western lifestyle. As visitors walk through the western streetscape, they are also walking through years of movie history where classics like Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Arc and upcoming films like Quentin Tarantino’s, Django Unchained, have been filmed! General One-Day Admission $20/adults, $10/children www.cowboyfestival.org

April 21 & 22
Aquarium of the Pacific
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Learn what you can do to help our ocean planet at the Aquarium’s 12th annual Earth Day Celebration. Enjoy a weekend of family fun celebrating Earth Day while learning simple, everyday tips to protect our environment. Visit booths from Earth-friendly organizations and participate in hands-on learning demonstrations for people of all ages. www.aquariumofpacific.org

April 24 – May 6
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
The Tony® Award-winning musical, Million Dollar Quartet, inspired by the true story of the greatest jam session of all time, makes its Segerstrom Center debut April 24 - May 6. Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” brought together icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night of music. Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary session to life and features an eclectic score of rock, gospel, R&B and country hits including; “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog” and much more.
www.ocpag.org

April 25 & 26
TASTE OF DOWNTOWN, LONG BEACH – EAST VILLAGE
Taste of Downtown in Long Beach features some of Downtown’s finest restaurants serving up sample-sized portions of their signature dishes under the stars from 6-9pm. It takes place on back-to-back nights and features a unique East Village Arts District flair with festive live music and art displays. First Street between Elm and Linden Avenues, Long Beach 90802
www.downtownlongbeach.org

April 26 – May 3
2012 NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL
Watch and enjoy independent films from around the world at the 12th annual Newport Beach Film Festival. Entries include features, shorts, documentaries and animation. Films will be shown at theaters in and around Fashion Island in Newport Beach.
www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.

April 28 & 29
Aquarium of the Pacific
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY
The seventh annual International Children’s Day is a special festival for kids. Celebrating the amazing talents of children of all cultures, this festival will feature international music and dance performances by kids. An international choir, Mexican folkloric dance, Pacific Islander, Cambodian, Chinese, including a Japanese traditional dance, Native American song and dance, West African drum and dance and more. Kids of all ages can enjoy hip hop dance and martial arts demonstrations and can also partake in arts and crafts, face painting, educational programs. The Aquarium will honor a local youth with its annual Young Hero Award in recognition of his or her efforts to make this planet a better place. Celebrate the children in your life through this special annual event.
www.aquariumofpacific.org

May 5
BIKEFEST TOUR OF LONG BEACH
May 5, 2012, rides start at 6:30 a.m., Finish Line Festival is from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
One of the premiere bicycle fundraising events on the west coast, the BikeFest Tour of Long Beach will bring cycling-related fun and festivities to Downtown Long Beach. In addition to the Tour, this event includes a Family Fun Ride, the Metric Century Ride, and the new 100-mile Cruz Gran Fondo, which kicks off near the Queen Mary and loops through Long Beach, Cypress, Seal Beach and Signal Hill. After crossing the finish line, riders, family and friends, can join Long Beach’s own Bicycle Ambassador and Olympian Tony Cruz at the free Finish Line Festival with live entertainment, a vendor fair, kids’ fun zone and a free bike valet. New this year is the Beachwood & Friends Craft Beer Garden with samplings of the best of local brews. Proceeds will support pediatric cancer research at Miller Children’s Hospital of Long Beach. Tour begins at The Pike, Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive, Long Beach 90802. Registration is open www.bikefestlb.com

May 5 & 6
Aquarium of the Pacific
URBAN OCEAN FESTIVAL
Explore and celebrate SoCal’s Urban Ocean with a weekend festival that includes art exhibitions, mural painting, poetry readings, food, booths, and educational activities. Embark on an Urban Ocean boat cruise during the weekend at an additional cost.
www.aquariumofpacific.org

May 17
Aquarium of the Pacific
PENGUIN HABITAT EXHIBIT OPENS
Aquarium of the Pacific debuts a new, permanent exhibit, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, home to the first penguins in the Aquarium’s collection. The exhibit will feature Magellanic Penguins, some of which were rescued from Brazil where they were stranded outside their native habitat. Visitors will be able to get up-close with these animals and learn what they can do to help through the Habitat’s educational programming. The Magellanic Penguins are native to the temperate, rocky beaches off the southern tip of South America. Their new Aquarium home will feature rocky areas to resemble the beaches, an aquarium area for swimming, and plants similar to those found in their native environment. Visitors will be able to view them both above and below the water. The exhibit will also include nesting areas resembling the burrows that Magellanic Penguins use for laying eggs and rearing their chicks in the wild. The penguins join the Aquarium’s collection of more than 11,000 animals in the Aquarium’s 50 exhibits representing the diversity of the Pacific Ocean. www.aquariumofpacific.org

May 26
MANTA COMES TO SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO
Manta, a new mega-attraction that will seamlessly transition guests from the awe of watching rays in underwater flight to the sensation of actually being one, is scheduled to open May 26 at SeaWorld San Diego. Blending the exhilarating thrill of G forces with the graceful beauty of marine life, Manta features a double-launch roller coaster with dozens of twists and turns, speeds of up to 43 mph and a thrilling 54-foot drop. The ride starts in an enclosed launch tunnel with larger-than-life images of rays projected on a 270-degree enveloping screen. This stunning introduction to the world of the rays will also visually enhance the physical acceleration as the ride launches down the track with this state-of-the-art projection system, the first of its kind in the United States. SeaWorld visitors can also enjoy watching the graceful beauty of rays and fishes through underwater viewing as well as feeding and touching in a shallow lagoon. It promises to be a memorable experience!
www.seaworldsandiego.com

June 2 & 3
Aquarium of the Pacific
PACIFIC ISLANDER FESTIVAL
Discover the rich and diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands through traditional craft demonstrations, ethnic cuisine, educational programs, storytelling, and an ocean of entertainment, including music and dance performances. The ninth annual Pacific Islander Festival will feature Hawaiian, Fijian, Marshallese, Chamoru, Tahitian, Samoan, Tokelau, and Maori cultures. Watch hula performances, listen to Tahitian drumming, try out ancient Hawaiian games, enjoy island cuisine, and admire artisans as they create traditional weavings.
www.aquariumofpacific.org

June 7
SUGAR PLUM ARTS, CRAFTS, ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa
Sugar Plum Festivals is a shopping tradition with gifts to warm the heart and accessories that make a home for each holiday celebration. Find the best arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles, baked goods and candies from more than 175 artisans and vendors that sell products made in the US.
www.sugarplumcrafts.com

June 7
LONG BEACH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – SOUNDS AND SPACES SERIES
Members of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert in the Aquarium’s Great Hall as part of the orchestra’s Sounds and Spaces series. Relax and let your imagination flow as the musicians take you on a journey in a setting surrounded by the fishes. The mission of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra is to enrich its community by providing high-quality traditional and contemporary symphonic music and life-shaping educational experiences.
www.aquariumofpacific.org

June 9 & 10
OC BBQ & MUSIC FEST
OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa
Two-day fundraising event and barbecue competition with more than 70 award-winning barbecue teams plus beer and wine tastings, car show, Kids' Zone and live music from Sugar Ray, American Idol finalists and more. Funds raised benefit Kristie's Foundation, which provides support for the end-of-life care for terminally ill children. www.ocbbqfestival.com

Sunday Evenings June 10 – September 2
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC LATE NIGHTS
Enjoy the Aquarium of the Pacific after hours while taking advantage of special savings. On Sundays during the summer, the Aquarium will offer its Late Nights with admission at just $14.95 per adult ($10 savings) and $13.95 per child ($8 savings) after 5:00 p.m. The Aquarium will remain open until 9:00 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to journey through the Pacific Ocean to meet over 11,000 animals, including more than 150 sharks they can touch. In addition, the Aquarium's short films will be shown in the Honda Theater throughout the evening. Please note: the Lorikeet Forest aviary closes at 4:30 p.m.
www.aquariumofpacific.org

June 13 & 14
TASTE OF DOWNTOWN – LONG BEACH WATERFRONT
From 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Taste of Downtown features some of Downtown’s finest restaurants serving up sample-sized portions of their signature dishes under the stars. This event takes place on back-to-back nights and features a festive Waterfront atmosphere with great views and a laid-back feel. Pine Avenue Pier at Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach 90802
www.downtownlongbeach.org

June through August
SUMMER AND MUSIC (SAM), LONG BEACH
The all ages, family-friendly Summer And Music (SAM) series brings a full season of free outdoor concerts to the streets of Downtown Long Beach. Highlights include the Battle of the Tribute Bands, Funk Fest and BuskerFest.
www.downtownlongbeach.org

Now Through the End of Summer
DESERT HILLS OUTLETS PARTNER WITH PALM SPRINGS HOTELS
Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Palm Springs, featuring 130 stores offering savings of 25%-65% daily, has added some exciting merchants, including Versace, AllSaints Spitalfields, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Vince, and White House | Black Market. These brands further enhance the center, which also features Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Michael Kors. In addition, Desert Hills Premium Outlets has partnered with Palm Springs area hotels to offer discounts and perks to its shoppers.

Miramonte Resort & Spa Real Housewives of Orange County Package
Includes one night in a Two-Queen Luxury or Dolce Suite accommodation, bottle of Chardonnay upon arrival, private cabana for a day, pitcher of cosmos and cabana boy included, two 60-minute spa treatments at The Well Spa, full day access to The Well Spa on day of treatment, and breakfast for two at the Grove Artisan Kitchen.

Highland Springs Resort Shop & Steak Package
Includes a $25 Gift Card and valuable VIP Coupon Book to Desert Hills Premium Outlets, overnight accommodations for two in a deluxe inn room, and $30 dinner credit at The Grand Oak Steakhouse & Bar.

The Spring: A Natural Hot Mineral Spring Resort & Spa Spa and Shop Package
Includes a $50 Gift Card and valuable VIP Coupon Book to Desert Hills Premium Outlets, two nights in a poolside king, and two Swedish massages.
If you can stay in luxury Palm Springs accommodations, party like a Real Housewife and head home with a Versace dress all while saving money, that’s money well spent. Visit each hotel website for further information.