Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending the open house of Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, or by celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the East Anaheim Library.
Weather permitting, consider a hike through Round Canyon or on the paved Hicks Haul Road this Sunday.
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.
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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 18
Helena Modjeska Historic House Open Hours
Join OC Parks at the open house at Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens.
The century-old home of Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska will be a host to Shakespearean performances, live music and docent-led tours of the iconic home and grounds.
The event and parking is free, but reservations are required due to limited parking on-site. To RSVP, contact the park office at heritagehill@ocparks.com.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 29042 Modjeska Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the park office at heritagehill@ocparks.com.
Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month at the East Anaheim Branch Library with a celebration including music, crafts, movies and more.
When: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 8201 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92808
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Rachel Tustin at (714) 765-3895
Children’s Movie and Craft
Take the kids to a family-friendly movie and themed craft activity at the La Palma Library. This Saturday’s movie will be Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 7842 Walker St, La Palma, CA 90623
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 523-8585
Sunday, May 19
Native Animal Hike in Round Canyon
Take a 2-3 mile hike through Round Canyon. During the slow-paced hike, Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers will discuss native animals and wildlife found in the area, including the bobcat, the great horned owl, the ring-tailed cat, ground squirrels and many others.
Registration is required.
When: 9:00 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 irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Arabic Storytime
Take the kids to an Arabic storytime at Irvine Heritage Park Library. Enjoy stories, songs and crafts in Arabic.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 14361 Yale Ave, Irvine, CA 92604
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 936-4040
Fitness Hike
Hike on Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails through Limestone Canyon on a fitness hike.
Registration is required.
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 irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
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.
