Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by taking the kids to an e-bike event on the Huntington Beach Pier, or by exploring Limestone Canyon during the wilderness access day.
On Sunday, consider taking the kids to watch Pixar short films at Central Library, or by enjoying views of the Irvine Ranch Open Space on a hike through Baker Canyon.
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, June 1
Learn about E-Bike Safety
Join OCTA and the Huntington Beach Police Department at the upcoming E-bike Safety Rodeo. Take the family to brush up on safety skills, watch demos and meet other E-bike owners.
HBPD personnel are offering participants helmets and safety gear, while supplies last. Bicycles will also be registered with 529 Garage, a platform that allows residents to provide photos and contact information to help with identification, in case the bike is stolen or lost.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, 401 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Active Transportation Coordinator Peter Sotherland at (714) 560-5386 or psotherland@octa.net
Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon
Spend the day exploring Limestone Canyon,
Pre-registration is required for this event. All participants must have a printed copy of their registration or a copy on their phone, along with the confirmation email to show through the window of their vehicle to drive through the entry gate. The confirmation email is needed for all attendees to enter the trail system.
When: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.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
California Native Plants Gardening Workshop
Learn how to feature California native plants in your garden from UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
Sunday, June 2
Pixar Shorts at Anaheim Central Library
Take the kids to watch Pixar short films at the Anaheim Central Library.
When: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Double Loop Hike in Baker Canyon
Embark on a challenging hike through Baker Canyon. Throughout the steep climbs and descents, enjoy views of the Irvine Ranch Open Space, the Santa Ana Mountains and Catalina Island, on clear days.
Registration is required. Staff ask that attendees arrive at least 15 minutes early, as the Baker hiker entry gate will close at 6:25 a.m. sharp.
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
Basic Tech Help at Irvine University Park Library
For adults needing assistance with using technology, Irvine University Park Library is hosting a Basic Tech Help workshop.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own laptop, or use one at the library.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 786-4001
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.