Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending the 2nd Annual Plant and Seed Swap at one of Anaheim’s Public Libraries, or by taking the kids to a bilingual Spanish storytime at Garden Grove Main Library.
Weather permitting, consider starting the Sunday with a cardio hike, or by volunteering in nature.
This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County — funded by public tax dollars.
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Every week, Voice of OC reporters work hard to help residents stay connected to upcoming civic events, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders accountable.
You can cut through the noise every morning by reading the free Voice of OC daily email newsletter.
You can also bookmark the Voice of OC calendar to stay ahead of key civic meetings during the week.
That same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc full of free public services and assets your tax dollars finance.
Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend.
Saturday, April 6
Swap Seeds and Plants in Anaheim
Attend the 2nd Annual Plant and Seed Swap at two of Anaheim’s Public Libraries – the Ponderosa Joint-Use Branch and Haskett Branch.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ponderosa Joint-Use Branch, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Haskett Branch
Where: Ponderosa Joint-Use Branch, 240 E Orangewood Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802. Haskett Branch, 2650 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92804
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Guadalupe Gomez, Branch Manager at (714) 765-5075.
Magic Show
Take the kids to a magic show at the Crean Mariners Branch Library in Newport Beach. No registration required. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 1300 Irvine Ave, Newport Beach, California 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3838
Bilingual Spanish-English Storytime
Take the kids to a bilingual Spanish-English storytime at Garden Grove Main Library.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 11200 Stanford Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 530-0711
Sunday, April 7
Cardio Hike Through Weir Canyon
Embark on an introductory cardio hike through Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop.
Registration is required.
When: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at (714) 508-4757
Around the World in Crafts
Take the kids to make a cultural-themed craft at Irvine Heritage Park Library. No registration required.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 14361 Yale Ave, Irvine, CA 92604
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 936-4040
Volunteer Opportunity at Newport Back Bay
Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in restoring OC’s natural habitat. Activities can include non-native plant removal, watering, trash cleanup and more.
No experience necessary, and tools will be provided. Rain will cancel the program.
Advanced registration is highly encouraged, as space is limited.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to admin@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.