Opinion

Press release

Voice of OC Collegiate News Service logo

Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by taking the kids to a family storytime, or by learning to sew at the Placentia Library.

On Sunday, consider going an early morning hike through Fremont Canyon, or attend an afternoon movie screening.

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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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, July 27

Family Storytime  

Children ages 3-7 are invited to a family storytime and craft at the Corona Del Mar Branch Library. 

When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Where: 410 Marigold Ave., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (949) 644-3075

Learn to Sew

Adults and teens are invited to the Placentia Library to learn how to use a sewing machine. Participants receive a hands-on overview of winding a bobbin, sewing straight lines and more. 

Space is limited, and attendees are asked to arrive at the library  by 12:30 p.m. to receive a ticket for one of the two classes.

When: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia, CA 92870

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906

Wild Animal Program

Take the kids to a “fun and educational” live animal program at the El Modena Branch Library. 

When: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Where: 380 S. Hewes St., Orange, California 92869

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 288-2450

Sunday, July 28

Early Morning Hike

Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on an early morning hike through Fremont Canyon. The hike is a steep climb from the mouth of the canyon up to the Fremont Weather Station. 

Registration is required.

When: 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 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

Afternoon Movie

Attend an afternoon screening of the 1964 James Bond film “Goldfinger” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.

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

An entrance to the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library on April 28, 2024. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC

Kids Lego Club

Children under 6 years old are welcome to play with legos at the Garden Grove Main Library.

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

Where: 11200 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92840

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 530-0711

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.