Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by taking the kids to make crafts at an Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month event at Newhope Library, or by attending a collaborative paint program for seniors.

Weather permitting, consider starting Sunday with a hike in Weir Canyon, or by attending a talk on gardening or the  Sunday Musicale at the Newport Beach Central Library.

This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County — funded by public tax dollars.  

CHECK OUT OUR FULL CALENDAR HERE

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. 

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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 11

Senior Collaborative Paint Program 

Seniors are welcome to attend a collaborative paint program at the Irvine Katie Wheeler Library, in commemoration of Older Americans Month

The library invites “creative seniors” to bring a grandchild, child, friend or loved one to work on the art with. 

When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: 13109 Old Myford Road, Irvine, CA 92602

Cost: Free

For more details, contact OCPL Public Information Officer Danilo Serranilla at (714) 566-3010 

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Craft

Create some crafts in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Newhope Library in Santa Ana.

When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: 122 N Newhope St, Santa Ana, CA 92703

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 647-6992 

Walk-In Tutoring 

Get assistance with job applications, English conversation, reading and writing questions in a personal tutoring session at the Tustin Library. Walk-in sessions are 20 minutes long and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

This service is available to adults ages 16+, English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL) Learners and native English speakers. 

When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Where: 345 E. Main St, Tustin, CA 92780

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 544-7725

Sunday, May 12

Weir Canyon Fitness Hike

Explore the Weir Canyon backcountry on a morning fitness hike.

Registration is required. 

When: 7:00 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

Busy Gardener Series 

Join UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County at the Anaheim Central Library for a talk on gardening practices and tips. This session, they will talk about adjusting water systems for the heat and how to plant pumpkins for the fall. 

When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-3895

Sunday Afternoon Musicale

Attend the Sunday Musicale at the Newport Beach Central Library. Folias Duo, a musical ensemble, will play classical and contemporary music compositions.

The Newport Beach Public Library hosts outstanding classical and instrumental musicians throughout the year.

When: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: 1000 Avocado Ave, Newport Beach, California 92660

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3800 

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.

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