Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by participating in an outdoor art program, or by taking the kids to a bilingual storytime at the Fountain Valley Library.
On Sunday, consider attending a screening of “Back to the Future” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan 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.
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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 25
Create in the Park
Join artist Dawn Buckingham and OC Parks in an outdoor art program at Irvine Ranch Historic Park. Try urban sketching techniques with pen and watercolor.
A guided history tour of Irvine Ranch Historic Park is included.
Registration is required. Artists of all levels are welcome, but attendees must bring their own sketch pad and art materials, including oil, acrylic, pastel or other items.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 13042 Old Myford Rd, Irvine, CA 92602
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Vietnamese Bilingual Storytime
Take the kids to a bilingual English-Vietnamese storytime with songs and stories at the Fountain Valley Library.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Animal Signs and Tracks Hike
Learn about the basic animal tracking techniques on a hike through the Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Registration is required. The program is focused on older children and adults.
When: 8:00 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
Sunday, May 26
Back to the Future Movie Screening
Attend an afternoon movie screening of “Back to the Future” at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library, and learn interesting facts about the making of the film.
When: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845
Lego Mania at La Habra Library
All ages are welcome to the La Habra Library to “express your creativity” through Lego playtime.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 221 East La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 526-7728 or (562) 694-0078
Memory Lab Audio Collection
Join staff at the Haskett Branch Library’s Memory Lab to learn about converting audiocassettes and vinyls to digital formats.
Email haskettprograms@anaheim.net if you plan to bring in your own media.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 2650 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92804
Cost: Free
For more details, contact branch manager Guadalupe Gomez, Branch Manager, at (714) 765-5075
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.