Calendar of Events – Winter 2012

Winter 2012

SeaWorld San Diego

This winter, SeaWorld has a whole host of attractions sure to delight your family out of those winter doldrums. Turtle Reef, an interactive attraction featuring a 300,000-gallon turtle aquarium, interactive game, touch-screen turtle map and a new ride, is now open and excitedly awaits your arrival to experience it. SeaWorld’s all-new Shamu show “One Ocean,” features the park’s majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of our natural world. “Blue Horizons” is a spectacular show featuring energetic bottlenose dolphins, magnificent pilot whales, a colorful array of exotic birds and amazing human performers.

Your family can also enjoy thousands of fascinating mammals, fishes, reptiles and birds. Visit a dozen species of sharks at the Shark Encounter; more than 300 penguins at the Penguin Encounter; and polar bears, beluga whales and walruses at Wild Arctic. Other attractions include “Sea Lions Live,” a comedy show starring Clyde and Seamore; Sesame Street Bay of Play, a whimsical play area for kids with family-friendly rides, Sesame Street character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities; Journey to Atlantis, a wet and wild water coaster; Shipwreck Rapids water raft ride and more. www.seaworldsandiego.com or call 800.25.SHAMU.

Through March

Pacific Edge Hotel, Laguna Beach

Football, Sun and Spa Packages

This winter, Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach offers three great packages for sun goddesses, football fanatics, and spa enthusiasts. Set on a pristine white sand beach, the 132-room property boasts uninterrupted ocean views and is just blocks from the chic shopping, arts and dining enclave of Laguna Beach.

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE SUN PACKAGE

Hardcore sun worshippers don't let the seasons stop them, and with Laguna Beach's warm year-round climate, Pacific Edge is the perfect place for a girls’ getaway, bachelorette party or birthday celebration in a private cabana.  These "fully loaded" accommodations convert into a private spa space where friends can gather to sip on cocktails and nosh spa-style lunch, relax with massages, enjoy manis/pedis and more.  Each guest also receives a gift bag of fun accessories needed for a day of pampering such as sunscreen, lip gloss, lotion, waterproof mascara, flip flops and beach towels. Packages range from $774 (weekdays) to $1752 (weekends) for up to four girls.

SURF AND TURF FOOTBALL PACKAGE

Pacific Edge Hotel is ready to rumble with a package for football fans who want to watch their favorite teams in a setting fit for NFL Royalty. Kick up the football viewing experience in a Surf Cabana - a fully private accommodation with large flat screens TVs, beer and "man food" for up to nine guys, that opens out onto a deck right on the beach. Football equipment for a quick game on the beach is also included, since you're likely to want to re-live your high school glory days after you've had a few brews.  Packages are $682.

PRIVATE SPA CABANA PACKAGE

Looking to take pampering to the next level? Then this is the perfect package for you! Pacific Edge Hotel converts one of its cheery beachfront cabanas into a private day spa, where guests can choose from a myriad of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, along with cucumber sandwiches, smoothies, and veggie platter. Includes private bathrooms with showers, lounge chairs, daybeds on the deck and more. Just $499 for up to eight people.

For additional information and reservations, visit http://www.pacificedgehotel.com/reservations.aspx or call 800.843.6895.

Through April 15

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.

Through April

SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE GETAWAY

With panoramic views of San Diego Bay and downtown city skyline, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina presents a one-of-a-kind getaway with its Winter Whale Watching package. As part of the package, guests will experience up-close encounters with California Gray Whales on a breathtaking and fast-paced whale watching excursion with Adventure RIB Rides, complimentary breakfast for two at the hotel’s Harbors Edge restaurant, disposable waterproof souvenir camera to capture the wonderful memories and a late 4 P.M. checkout. Rates start at $349 for two adults and reservations must be booked 72 hours before the Adventure RIB Ride excursion dates. For more information, call 619.808.2822 and mention rate code SIWHALE or visit www.sheratonsandiegohotel.com.

Friday evenings Beginning January 6

SHARK LAGOON NIGHTS

On select Friday nights this winter, get up close for FREE with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch more than 150 sharks and see large sharks such as the sandtiger at the Shark Lagoon exhibit on select Friday evenings from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Shark Lagoon brings guests closer to these predators than they ever imagined as they touch and learn about this often misunderstood animal. Enjoy live music during select Shark Lagoon Nights.  562.590.3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org

January 28 – 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

January 28 & 29

Festival of Human Abilities

Join the Aquarium of the Pacific for its ninth annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. Wheelchair dance, live music, signing choirs, art demonstrations, accessible SCUBA diving demonstrations, storytelling, interactive workshops, and other creative performances will be featured by people who have disabilities. Sign language interpreters will be present at all major shows and an audio tour is available for those who are blind. Extra elevators and assistance dog relief areas will be available to the public. For information, hours, tickets and more call 562.590.3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org.

February 4

SYMPHONY IN SPACE

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa

Blast off as Pacific Symphony travels through our solar system! Real footage from NASA will accompany music from Holst’s “The Planets,” as well as selections from “Star Wars.” Featuring the gifted young musicians of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra in this annual side-by-side concert designed for kids ages 5-11. www.scfta.org

February 10

NIGHT DIVE AT THE AQUARIUM

Take in the Aquarium at night, when the lights go down and the bubble curtain goes up in Blue Cavern. At the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Night Dive, geared toward adults ages 18 and up, lectures and hands-on projects will be sure to engage, inspire, and enlighten. Also, in the usual Night Dive tradition, enjoy bands, groove to some DJs, and be moved by works of art. 562.590.3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org.

February 10 – 12

45th CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR

SoCal will become the rare book capital of the world as thousands of book lovers, more than 200 U.S. and international dealers, and scholars converge for this acclaimed Book Fair at the Pasadena Convention Center.  Recognized as one of the world's largest and most prestigious exhibitions of antiquarian books, it gives visitors the opportunity to see, learn about and purchase the finest in rare and valuable books, manuscripts, autographs, graphics, prints, maps, photographs and more. See the special exhibit,"A Love Affair with Books: Personal Stories of Noted Collectors," a colorful, wide-ranging exhibit that examines the avid pursuits of rare book collectors past and present. Also included are seminars on the basics of collecting as well as various themed topics. Tickets are $25 on Friday, and $15 on Saturday and Sunday, and include return entry. For more information, visit www.labookfair.com or call 800.454.6401.

February 25 & 26

AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL

Join the Aquarium of the Pacific as it hosts its tenth annual African American Festival, celebrating the richness and diversity of African American and African cultures. The weekend will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic food, and more. Featured are hip hop and break dancers, tap dancing, Mardi Gras second line dancers, live jazz, interactive drum circles, West African dance, cultural storytelling, community award ceremonies, and a host of other activities. 562.590.3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org

HANSEL & GRETEL

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa

March 3

Join Pacific Symphony for a trip through a magical forest to find a house made of candy! Based on the enchanting story by The Brothers Grimm, this condensed version of Humperdinck’s opera features talented singers and is designed for kids ages 5-11. www.scfta.org

March 3 & 4, 10 & 11

DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES

The 41st Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Celebration will be held over two weekends, March 3 and 4 and March 10 and 12, in celebration of the migration of the California Gray Whale. Community members and visitors commemorate the migration with ocean themed events and activities that emphasize education and environmental responsibility. Today’s whale watchers hunt with cameras and binoculars, not harpoons. Dana Point is “The Whale Capital of the West,” because experts believe the town’s 200-foot cliffs that jut out into the sea serve as a landmark for the migrating whales. About 25% of the migrating whale population follows the coastline throughout their migration, coming especially close to shore at Dana Point. During peak season, (December through March), nearly 50 whales a day pass by Dana Point, making it a great viewing spot. Whale watch on a guided tour or charter a boat for a guided cruise. For more information, call the Festival Information Line, 888.440.4309 or visit www.festivalofwhales.com

March 19

ST. JOSEPH'S DAY & RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS CELEBRATION

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Come home with the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano! This annual celebration, sure to be enjoyed by the whole family, includes food and live music, children’s performances, the traditional ringing of the historic Mission bells, and more. Tour the Mission’s museum exhibits and stroll the ten acres of gardens, fountains, adobe preserved architecture to see a snapshot of California’s history. The fascinating history of St. Joseph’s Day and Swallows Legend will also be presented. For more information, visit www.missionsjc.org.

March 24

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC DIVERS DAY

Learn all about recent advancements in diving at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s 11th annual Divers Day. Enjoy educational presentations, live dive demonstrations, and more. The Aquarium will also host several organizations related to the sport and science of diving. The diving community is invited to find out about volunteer diving and other opportunities for involvement with dive-related organizations in Southern California. Divers who present valid proof of certification with their photo I.D. will receive free admission. 562.590.3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org

March 24

AUTISM FAMILIES NIGHT AT THE AQUARIUM

Join us from 5pm-9pm for a special evening at the Aquarium for families with adults or children with autism. The entire Aquarium, except Lorikeet Forest, will be open until 9:00 p.m. This will be a peaceful evening when guests can enjoy the tranquility of the exhibits and meet 11,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean. 562.590.3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org

March 31 & April 1

BALLET REPERTORY THEATRE – LA BAYADERE

From the Kingdom of the Shades’ breathtaking parade of arabesques to the temple dancers’ bewitching celebrations, this exotic fantasy underscores the majesty of ballet.  All the timeless elements of eternal love, intrigue, and fate come together splendidly in dramatic solos and romantic pas de deux, framed by the corps’ haunting harmony.  Enticing and mysterious, La Bayadère will transport you to another world, one where the spirit of love endures against all odds.  Performances March 31 at 7pm and April 1 at 2pm at Golden West Mainstage Theater in Huntington Beach. Tickets $18 general admission and $13 seniors, students with ID, and children under 12. Visit www.gwctheater.com for ticket or call 714.895.8150.