Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending an outdoor art program in Santa Ana, or by attending a food preservation demonstration at the George Key Ranch Historic Park.
On Sunday, consider a morning fitness hike through Weir Canyon, or learn about home organizing techniques at the Irvine University Park 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, June 8
Art on the Plaza
Enjoy painting, sculpting and art outside the Santa Ana Main Library.
The program is for adults and children.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 26 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Cost: Free
For more details, contact (714) 647-5250
Food Preservation Demonstration
Join OC Parks and the Master Food Preservers of Orange County at George Key Ranch Historic Park to learn about preserving and canning food. This Saturday, participants will learn about the materials and steps required to make jams and jellies.
Registration is required.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 625 W. Bastanchury Rd., Placentia, CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, email keyranch@ocparks.com
Summer Reading Program Kickoff
Attend the Summer Reading Program Kickoff at the Buena Park Library. Families can meet mini horses, play mini golf, get a caricature drawn, play video games, work on a craft together or enjoy live magic by a “strolling magician.”
When: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-4100, Ext. 125
Sunday, June 9
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 irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Learn to Declutter and Organize Your Home
Learn about home organizing techniques from a certified KonMari consultant and professional organizer at the Irvine University Park Library.
Registration is required. Email ocpl.universitypark@occr.ocgov.com or call (949) 786-4001 to register.
When: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 786-4001.
Volunteer Opportunity at Newport Back Bay
Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in restoring OC’s natural habitat. Activities can include non-native plant removal, watering, trash cleanup and more.
No experience necessary, and tools will be provided.
Advanced registration is highly encouraged, as space is limited.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
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.
