This Memorial Day weekend, Universal Studios Hollywood will open their gates a 7:30 am to for special early access to grand opening of Transformers: The Ride-3D and the world-famous Studio Tour.

The exciting new attraction redefines the thrill ride with ultra-immersive sensory experience, putting visitors on the front lines of an intergalactic war between the Autobots and Decepticons. State-of-the-art HD3D media and flight simulation technology blurs the line between fantasy and reality for an incredible ride like no other.

Critics and experts have already started recognizing the ride as something special. The theme park enthusiasts at MiceChat.com have advised their readers: “Buy an annual pass, because you are going to want to visit this attraction several times this summer.” Even Michael Bay, the award-winning filmmaker and creative consultant on Transformesr: The Ride 3D, has excellent things to say: “Transformers: The Ride 3D will envelop the audience and make them feel like they’re in it, that they’re in the midst of these robots. It’s quite an exciting experience. I wish we could do this with movies.”

The new ride has taken over the space that once housed the Backdraft soundstage and special effect shows. Apparently, the 60,000 square-foot space was needed for the extravagant ride that comes the mobile in-car action of rides like Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure with the high-tech media and giant projection screens that resemble Universal’s own The Simpsons Ride.

Rollercoaster enthusiasts, Transformers fans, and thrill-seekers will all be amazed this Memorial Day with Transformers: The Ride 3D. Don’t miss out on the ground-breaking adventure—get discounted admission to Universal Studios Hollywood and dozens of other local attractions with our Go Select Los Angeles pass.

Bike the Drive will cover 30 scenic miles of Illinois beauty, including views of Lake Michigan, Jackson Park, and of course the Chicago skyline. Here’s a look at Bike the Drive’s planned route and rules, as well as how you can enjoy the post-ride festival following the ride:

The World’s Largest Bike Path for One Day

Bike the Drive began in 2002, when the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation used the event to raise funds for the improvement of Chicago’s bicycle transportation network as well as the promotion of bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation for every Chicagoans. Since then, the event has been picked up by MB Financial and the Active Transportation Alliance, who support the same mission of improving Chicago’s biking, walking, and overall transit for its citizens and visitors.

Riders have been registering for the event for months in anticipation of riding the famous LSD early Sunday morning. All participants will start at Jackson Drive and Columbus Drive sometime between 5:30am and 9:30am, and can ride as far as Hollywood or Ave or 57^th Street depending on their start-out point. Speaking to the Chicago Sun Times’ Post-Tribune, Ethan Spotts of the Active Transportation Alliance said,

“It’s a really amazing experience, unique to Chicago, to experience the lakefront, the skyline and thousands of others on bikes. Another thing that people often comment on is how quiet this ride is, how you can hear the waves, and even bike chains.”

In addition to this quiet, unique ride, participants will be fully taken care of with three different rest stops and even a post-ride Festival in Grant Park.

Post-Ride Festival and Travel Suggestions

Cirque Shanghai performers will be making an appearence at the Post-Ride Festival!

From 8:00am to noon, riders and visitors alike can enjoy Bike the Drive’s post-ride Festival just near the start/finish line of the ride. There’s no shortage of entertainment here – from a live performance by the band Groove Dynasty to the variety of apparel, gear, and other bike-related vendors, you’ll hardly be able to pack everything into the Festival’s quick 4 hour time frame

For the kids, check out Bike the Drive’s kid zone by Playworks and special performance by Cirque Shanghai. Families, riders, and anyone else with an empty stomach should also take advantage of Goose Island’s hot breakfast during the post-ride Festival – for only $7, you can treat yourself to all-you-can-eat pancakes or a single serving of a breakfast sandwich of scrambled eggs, maple-chicken sausage and cheese

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry is one of the city's most popular attractions.

And after the Festival, why not head over to the Museum of Science and Industry? Riders can skip the festival and go straight into the Museum after their ride, or they can join other visitors in the quick 15 minute drive (or 25 minute walk) from the Festival. Go Chicago Card holders also receive free admission to one Omnimax film on top of their discounted admission to the Museum itself, making a visit to the Museum a great cost-saving option for anyone spending the day in the city.

This year’s Festival is taking over Kalakaua Avenue, the Royal Hawaiian & Ala Moana Centers, and Kuhio from June 8-10, and plans to dazzle visitors with

Korean dance, hula performances, local vendors and much, much more. Here’s a look at how the event’s kicking off, what’s going on over the weekend, and why you should not miss the grand finale:

Pan-Pacific Ho’olaule’a: Waikiki’s Best Block Party

The Festival kicks off with a full-on block party on Friday, June 8th from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Expect Kalakaua Avenue will be filled with attendees checking out the free entertainment, live performances of Hawaiian music & Japanese Taiko drums, and island crafters and vendors lining the streets.

This block party is one of its kind in Hawaii, and promises not to disappoint. After all, the word Ho‘olaule‘a in Hawaiian translates to ‘gathering for a celebration; to preserve friendship and good will,” so there will be no shortage of good feelings and friendly faces for you to see. And make sure to grab some authentic Hawaiian street food while you’re there – we’ve heard it’s delicious.

Hula, Taiko, Music & More at the Performing Arts Showcase

Friday and Sunday, June 8-10, visitors to the Royal Hawaiian Center & Ala Moana will be treated to performances from more than 25 international groups, performing everything from traditional Japanese songs and dances to everyone’s favorite traditional hula.

The Royal Hawaiian Center itself is worth visiting, too. Located in the heart of Waikiki, the Center houses more than 110 shops and restaurants as well as the largest concentration of flagship stores in Hawaii. For anyone interested in seeing more of the island, the Center is also only a 2 minute drive from Hawaiian Style’s moped and bike rentals.

Japan’s Best Hula at the Pan-Pacific Hula Festival

Kuhio Beach’s Hula Mound will be hosting their 12th annual Hula Festival from Friday to Sunday, June 8-10, every evening until 10:00pm.  Over 25 hula troupes from Japan will be performing on the casual outdoor stage right on the famous Waikiki Beach. Bring your beach chairs and mats – seating is on the grass straight across from the stage.

These hula performances are the real gem of the Pan-Pacific Festival, if only because of their worldwide fame. In Japan alone there are over 200,000 practitioners of the art of hula who practice year-long in anticipation for their Hawaiian performances. These performances, along with this year’s special exhibition performance by local halau, Halau O Napuala ‘Ikauika ‘Iu (led by Kumu Hula Sally Yoza), are as unforgettable as they are fun to watch.

Shutting It Down with the Pan-Pacific Parade

The Pan-Pacific Parade is the grand finale of the Pan-Pacific Festival, and features cultural performances, music & dance, and, of course, colorful floats marching down Kalakaua Avenue. In 2009 alone, over 2500 marchers took over this popular Waikiki block, and visitors can expect the same rush of excitement June 10th from 5:00-7:00pm.

This year’s parade is features the return of Noto Kirko, which are huge Japanese lantern floats used to guard the front and back of the parade at night. Though they’re usually about 4-5 meters high, Festival attendees will catch a glimpse of Noto Kirko towering at 15 meters tall. These and the dancers, drummers, and high school marching bands of Hawaii will ensure that 2012′s Pan-Pacific Festival  will be one to remember.

Car Shows, Grape Stomping, & Free Entertainment

It’s amazing how much has been packed into this year’s Sicilian Festival – it will take a dedicated visitor to see it all (and then reward themselves with some homemade wine and tasty pasta). Here’s a quick list of what you can’t miss: A free Car Show, Parade with Roman Holiday, Grape Stomping & Beer and Wine Tasting, Chalk Art, Jazz, Opera Stage, & Accordion Performances.

Make sure not to miss the Chalk Art- six of California’s best chalk artists will be creating one of a kind masterpieces inspired by Sicilian culture and well-known works of art. Traditionally, chalk art has a place in Italian history in the form of the Madonnari – artists who would paint images of the Madonna in front of local churches for tips. Today, the Madonnari are simply chalk pavement artists who reproduce historically-inspired works of art which you can see firsthand tomorrow at the Festival.

Also make sure not to miss the Bellissimo! car show on Beech Street. All San Diego residents have the chance to vote for your favorite Ferrari, Maserati, or Lamborghini in this year’s “People’s Choice Award” competition.

Some of the art you may see at this year's Sicilian Festival

Get a Sweeter Taste of Italian Culture and History

For anyone looking to learn a little bit more about Italian culture (while enjoying a homemade cannoli perhaps), check out the different photo exhibits the Festival is presenting. You can start with the NIAF Italia Foundation Booth, where the Convivio Society will display historical photographs of Italian and Sicilian culture along with the design layout for the new Italian community center.

Next, head over to the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s photo exhibit to see the role tuna fishing has played in Italian culture. For a deeper looking into the tuna fishing industry, visit the San Diego History Center’s exhibit: “Tuna! Celebrating San Diego’s Famous Fishing Industry” running until December 30^th. Through photography and other media, the exhibit explores the contributions of San Diego families – including its Italian community – to the local tuna fishing industry over time. Remember, as a top San Diego attraction, admission to the San Diego History Center is included with the Go San Diego Card at no additional cost.

And for even more photos, stop by Festival Organizer Giovanna DiBona’s booth to catch her own beautiful shots of Italian countryside, architecture, and more.

Getting There

The Festival will be taking place on India Street in Downtown San Diego, only a ten-fifteen minute drive from such San Diego attractions as the Natural History and Sports History Museums. The Festival is offering free parking at the north end of the County Administration Building at 1600 Pacific Highway, or hop on the trolley or train for a cheap ride over. And after 6 on Sunday, take advantage of free parking meters and your Go San Diego Card by seeing the Ramp It Up exhibit at the Museum of Man for free. Have fun!

Athletes competing in the Olympic Triathlon—the main event—will complete a 1.5K swim in the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean at Ala Moana Beach Park and hop on their bicycles for a 40k bike ride before finishing off with a 10K run inside Ala Moana Beach Park, ending at Magic Island.

But that’s not all—far from it. The event also features several other races and activities for kids and more casual athletes. Other races and events include

•  Sprint Triathlon: 750 Meter Swim, 20K Bike, 5K Run
•  Junior Tri (Ages 16-19): 750 Meter Swim, 20K Bike, 5K Run
•  Youth Tri (Ages 11-15): 400 Meter Swim, 10K Bike, 2.5K Run
•  Kids Tri (Ages 7-10)
•  Open Water Swim Race: 3.8K Swim
•  10K Run
•  5K Fun Run

Spectators will need to be up bright and early with the athletes to watch the race day activities, as the first wave of ELITE participants takes off at 5:45 AM, and by 7 AM, all events (with the exception of the Kids Tri) will be underway. Awards ceremonies will take place at the finish line as the individual events are completed. Winners in each category will be recognized at the event and will receive Lei’s (how Hawaiian!); plus, each winner will receive a unique digital souvenir award, which includes a photo of them, their place, and overall finishing time. Additionally, all athletes that cross the finish line will be rewarded with a Souvenir Finishers Medal (first 1,200 finishers) and an official finishing time.

For more information about registration and start times for these events, visit the official website of the Honolulu Triathlon.

Of course, with all great events comes great gear. This year’s official merchandise is red and black and cooler than ever. Some of the accessories available include Fri-Tech Tees, Cycle Jerseys, Visors, Coolmax Socks, Water Bottles, and Nylon Mesh Runners Caps. The gear is only available during the event on Race Day and during Packet Pickup in a tent located at the Race Venue, Magic Island.

It’s no secret that Oahu is a great place for outdoor fun, so it makes sense that the Honolulu Triathlon isn’t the only outdoor athletic event that draws visitors from across the world. The Honolulu Marathon, which circles Diamond Head Crater and ends in Waikiki, is one of the ten largest marathons in world, drawing about 25,000 participants each December. Other big events include the Great Aloha 13K (a charity event), the HURT 100 Mile Off-Road Trail Race, and the Aloha State Games 10K Run—just to name a few.

For those who desire some fun in the sun without the competition, Hawaii is an outdoor activities haven for everything from surfing to snorkeling to biking and hiking. For access to the best locations, gear, tours, and lessons, check out the myriad of Oahu activities available at a discounted price with our Go Oahu Card, a perfect option for those in Oahu for a few days before or after the Triathlon.

This year, the fair is offering up a seemingly never-ending list of programs and events which include sing-alongs, DIY task-solvers, and even a Light, Lasers, & Illusions show put on by Tom Ward. Here’s a look at what else you can expect from the Maker’s Faire this weekend:

“A Celebration of the Maker Movement”

When I first read about the Maker movement, I thought it sounded like a combination of the popular craft site Etsy and the magazine Popular Mechanics – Maker faires bring together those who’ve produced  valuable arts, crafts, and designs with those interested in purchasing or simply learning something new. MakerFaire.com, owned by MAKE Magazine, describes the Maker movement in better detail:

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

Today, Maker Faires are happening all over the U.S., with events springing up in places like Detroit, New York City, and the United Kingdom. The Maker Faire always brings out their best for the hometown fair, which makes this weekend’s upcoming event a must-see San Francisco attraction.

Lightning, Compression Rockets, & Food Demonstrations – Something For Everyone

Over the course of two days, San Mateo’s Maker Faire will be hosting over 300 makers – with live presentations, demos, performances and music -  at 12 different stages throughout the San Mateo County Event Center and surrounding area. With so many makers, there’s no end to what you can see when you visit. Whether you’re looking for something to spark the kids’ interest, a gift for your DIY Dad for Father’s Day, or something new and exciting to see for yourself, this is the right place to go.

Here’s a quick look at four of the makers you’ll see at this weekend’s Maker Faire:

Build Your Own Compressed Air Rockets:
As seen in MAKE magazine, these compressed air rockets are super fun to make at home, and only cost 25 cents! Test it out at the Fly Kits for Kids on Saturday at 10:30am, then pick up a kit and try it at home. Perfect for younger children, though some supervision is required for safety.

Make Your Own Butter
Thanks to HOMEGROWN.org’s Cornelia Homegrown, visitors to the Homegrown Village Workshops on Saturday and Sunday will be able to make and taste their own homegrown butter. Right before your eyes, Cornelia will transform cream into organic butter in just minutes – samples definitely included.

Learn How to Craft Your Own Halloween Props
Presented by CalHaunts NorCal Haunters Club, this presentation will introduce you to the concept of building your own Halloween decorations with common materials and some DIY know-how. Visitors may walk through different scenes while getting a hands-on look at example props made by the Club.

Create Easy and Cheap Light & Laser Gadgets
On Saturday at 11:30am, Tom Ward will be introducing visitors to the Innovation Stag to some unique and fun gadgets all made from cheap lasers and ultraviolet light. Adults and children can test their eyesight, see how well they’re really washing their hands, and even learn how to pop a balloon using only light.

For a full list of makers, visit the Maker Faire’s website. Tickets are anywhere from $12-$50, and are available for a discounted price at local Bay Area outlets, or may be purchased via the web. Either way, make sure to add the Maker’s Faire to your weekend plans, and have fun!

The luxurious Spirit of Boston against the Boston skyline.

Special features of the Mother’s Day Cruise include a fresh flower for Mom, full access to the largest outdoor deck on the Harbor, an open soda and juice bar, plus goodie bags and a balloon artist for the kids. Each cruise ticket includes the Grande Buffet, which features fresh salads, a carving station, four gourmet entrée options—Lemon-Basil Chicken, Tilapia Fillet with Lobster Cream, Salmon Mediterranean or Pasta Primavera—side dishes of seasonal vegetables and garlic potatoes, and delectable desserts. Of course, artisan breads, cheese and crackers, and other Hors d’oeuvres are also available at all times for your snacking pleasure. You can also upgrade your ticket with custom add-ons like champagne, a bouquet of roses, a photo package, or signature cocktails.

The Grande Buffet awaits you!

The two-hour Mother’s Day lunch cruise boards at 11:00 a.m. and departs at noon, while the three-hour dinner cruise boards at 4:30 p.m. and departs at 5:00 p.m. Visit the Spirit of Boston website to book your reservations and to save 15% on reservations for a party of 4 or more.

But don’t stop with just a cruise. Make your Mother’s Day unforgettable by spending a whole day or even the whole weekend in Boston. Beantown is a wonderful city for day trips, with several varied attractions within just minutes of each other. Whether your mother is a history buff (think Freedom Trail), art-lover (try the Museum of Fine Arts), or sports fanatic (a Fenway Park Tour is a must), there are endless ways to make your Mother’s Day memorable.

To see a full list of our Boston attractions and find the best ways to save, check out our Boston deals.

For those who don’t skateboard, the exhibit also offers unique images, videos, and over twenty skate decks created by Native American artists. This is the exhibit’s first time outside of the Smithsonian, and it’s time in San Diego is limited – Ramp It Up will continue on to California, Pennsylvania on September 9th. Here’s a look at why the exhibit is an important one to visit, and what there is to see while there’s still time:

Skateboarding and Native American Culture

The Smithsonian puts it best when describing the intersection of skateboard and Native American cultures:

“Skate culture is a great lens to learn about both traditional and contemporary Native American culture,” said Betsy Gordon, curator of “Ramp It Up.” “This exhibition not only showcases the Native skater but also the Native elders, parents, government officials and community activists who have encouraged their kids to skate.”

The skateboard itself, popular in the United States since the 1960s, began as a way for Native Hawaiian to surf without the waves. Over time, the sport’s popularity spread to Native American communities and reservations and the world at large. Today, skateboarding is a five-billion-dollar industry that includes everything from shoes and apparel to camps, competitions, music tours and more.

In Native American communities, the sport’s also inspired entrepreneurship and a hard work ethic, according to the Museum of Man; this is seen in the rise of Native American owned skateboard companies as well as the number of Native artists and filmmakers who take their inspiration from skateboarding.

4-Wheel Warpony founded by award-winning filmmaker Dustinn Craig (White Mountain Apache/Navajo), who got his start making skateboarding videos in Arizona.

The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit

So what’s in the exhibit exactly? For one, there’s stunning visual artwork by artists Bunky Echo-Hawk, Joe Yazzie, Traci Rabbit, and others from such Native American nations as Cherokee and Navajo.

Accompanying this artwork is never-before-seen images and film centering on traditional Native American imagery interpreted by skateboard culture. There’s even home video footage of Zephyr surf team members from all the way back in 1973, and skate decks created by Native American artists on display for the public. Get an even better idea of the exhibit by watching this short YouTube video by the Smithsonian Institution which will introduce you to an artist from New Mexico whose artwork is displayed in the Ramp It Up exhibit.

And, of course, the Half Pipe Mini Ramp

As part of the Ramp It Up exhibit, the Museum of Man and the Smithsonian Institution are inviting all experienced skaters to enjoy the half pipe mini-ramp on special skating days through September. In order to skate, all you’ll need is a helmet and a signed waiver that’s available at the Museum.

It looks like the ramp will be open every Friday in June from 1:00pm-4:30pm, but you should check the Museum’s schedule and regulations for full info. Again, the exhibit will be leaving the Museum on September 9th, so start making travel plans now so you don’t miss out!

What’s LEGENDS all about?

Legends of La Cienega is an annual event on the national design event calendar which applauds design in both Los Angeles and the world abroad. Currently in its fourth year, LEGENDS fuses art, fashion, design, and culture into a multifaceted celebration which is as educational as it is entertaining.

This year’s theme for Legends of La Cienega is “Windows to the World,” which will take a closer look at how destinations across the world impact design. The theme marks the first time the La Cienega Design Quarter’s three day event will be open to designers outside of Los Angeles; LEGENDS has invited interior designers from across the country and around the world to take part in the most visual part of the celebration, the decoration of windows in the LCDQ neighborhood.

Gorgeous Window Displays, High Profile Partners, & Signature Parties

One of last year's window displays celebrating the 2011 theme "Legendary Artists". This window was designed by the set designer of the Big Bang Theory.

As I mentioned, arguably the biggest attraction during LEGENDS is the variety of decorated storefronts lining the streets of the neighborhood. My mom’s favorite interior designer/all-around attractive person Nate Berkus will be designing a window inspired by Mexico City; other interior designers include countless LA natives, emerging LA designers, and international designers from Milan and London. A full list of designers and windows may be found at LCDQLA.com.

In addition to the window displays, LEGENDS also offers a number of parties and panel discussions which are free to attend (and include validation for free valet parking and shuttle service for Thursday, May 10th). Here’s a quick overview of what you can see and attend:

Parties & Panels:
From the kick-off party to the Power Lunch hosted by Elle Decor Editor-in-Chief Michael Boodro, the parties during LEGENDS are not to be overlooked. The three-day event also has 10 panel discussions under the Windows to the World theme, including The Mixology of Design on how design in LA interprets the world as well as The Bucket List, during which top designers will discuss their must-go destinations for inspiration.

Book Signings & Round Table Discussions:
Time Clarke, Barclay Butera, Muriel Brandolini, Mary MacDonald, and 6 other authors will be doing book signings over the three day event at varied locations. LEGENDS will also be hosting such round-tables as Rediscovering the Value of Traditional Design and Interior Drama.

Day Exhibitions & Showroom Events:
LEGENDS offers a variety of exhibitions, from photography to interior design. There are also trunk shows, like the Holland & Sherry Bespoke Trunk Show and the Trunk Show and High Tea, Bollywood Style which will be selling apparel for men and women as well as exotic jewelry.

If anything, you should reserve a ticket for LEGENDS’ Exhibition and Continental Breakfast from 8:30am to 10:30am on Thursday. Visitors to this event will be able to grab some free food while taking in 25 rare dresses and velvet cloaks by Mariano Fortuny. Reserve tickets for all events here at no cost. Spots fill up fast!

Family Fest offers a relaxing break from larger Orlando attractions like Fun Spot Action Park or the Kennedy Space Center while still entertaining with a variety of rides, giveaways, and live entertainment – all for free! And when it’s only a quick 20 minute trip away, what are you waiting for? Here’s a closer look at what’s planned for Family Fest, and directions on getting there:

Over 100 Exhibitors, 2 Stages, and 1 Great Day of Family Fun

From 12:00 – 5:00pm this Sunday, Family Fest will completely take over Cranes Roost Park. Moon bounces, a rock wall, animal exhibits, clowns, and face painters are just some of the free activities offered. Playground Magazine will be providing a number of arts & crafts exhibits, including guitar lessons at the Rock ‘N Roll Camp for Girls tent. Radio Disney will also be at the park pumping music and meeting with fans – the show even includes local performer Davey Rocker and the Barnyard Jams who’ll charm the kids with original music.

Over 100 exhibitors will be at Family Fest this Sunday

With the Altamonte Police and Fire Departments on the scene, Family Fest will also offer up some unique hands-on experience with police, fire, and other safety vehicles. At 1:45pm, the S.C.SO. will give a Helicopter Demo at the center of the park’s lake – an amazing spectacle not to be missed.

Family Fest isn’t short on giveaways, either. Visitors will be able to win prizes in the Festival’s Fishing Derby, as well as enter to win a free bicycle and other goodies. If you can’t wait for the free stuff, there will be plenty of food for purchase – hot dogs, kettle corn, Bubbaloos BBQ and many more snacks will be available throughout the day. You can even head over to the Police Explorer Snow Cone tent for a sweet treat on a hot day.

Directions to Family Fest at Cranes Roost Park

According to the City of Altamonte:

Cranes Roost Park is located behind the north west side of the Altamonte Mall.  From S.R. 436. the park can be accessed by using Cranes Roost Blvd. or Festival Drive.  From Palm Spring Drive the park can be accessed by using Central Parkway and Center Pointe Circle.  Ample parking is available in the NW corner of the mall parking lot or at the Cranes Roost Office Park located off Central Parkway and Center Pointe Circle.

From Orlando specifically, the park is just a quick drive up I-4 E. So grab the kids, pack up the car, and have a great time (for free) at Family Fest!