Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending the annual Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historic Park, or by attending Star Wars Day at the Fullerton Public Library.
Weather permitting, consider starting Sunday with a hike in Baker Canyon, or by taking the kids to a family-friendly movie and craft at the East Anaheim Branch Library.
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, May 4
Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historic Park
Learn about the county’s rancho-era history with the annual Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historic Park. Events and demonstrations include Native American and Folklorico dances, hands-on ranching activities, Charro horse riding, roping demonstrations and more.
[Read more about Heritage Hill: Heritage Hill: A Walk Through South OC History]
The historic buildings on the property will also be open.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 25151 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Cost: Free
For more details, email heritagehill@ocparks.com or call (949) 923-2230.
Star Wars Day at Fullerton Public Library
Attend a Star Wars-themed celebration with crafts, movie screenings, activities and more at the Fullerton Public Library.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Japanese Storytime and Crafts
Take the kids to a Japanese storytime with crafts and songs at the La Palma Library. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 7842 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 523-8585
Sunday, May 5
Double Loop Hike in Baker Canyon
Explore the Irvine Ranch Open Space on a scenic hike through Baker Canyon.
Registration is required. Staff asks that attendees arrive 15 minutes early.
When: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 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
Family Movie and Craft
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a family-friendly movie and craft at the East Anaheim Branch Library.
When: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 8201 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92808
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-3895
Mountain Bike Ride
Embark on an intermediate mountain bike ride through the Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Registration is required. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use.
When: 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 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
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.
