Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by trying a cardio hike in Weir Canyon, or by taking the kids to a bilingual storytime.

On Sunday, spend time volunteering outdoors, or watch a movie 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. 

You can cut through the noise every morning by reading the free Voice of OC daily email newsletter. 

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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, November 23

Cardio Hike in Weir Canyon

Try exercising outdoors on an introductory cardio hike through Weir Canyon.

Registration is required.

When: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 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

Vietnamese Bilingual Storytime

Take the kids to a family storytime featuring songs and stories in Vietnamese at the Fountain Valley Library. 

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

Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324

Board Games

Kids ages 3 to 11 are welcome to play board games at the Newport Beach Central Library. 

When: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3800 

Sunday, November 24

Outdoor Volunteer Opportunity

Ryan Gladych (right), a volunteer, helps collect acorns at Laguna Canyon Foundation on Oct. 5, 2024. Credit: Fashion Castillo, Voice of OC

Assist with land stewardship in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Volunteers will remove non-native plants, water, collect seeds and aid with other activities. 

No experience is required to participate, but registration is required.

When: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Where: 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133

Cost: Free

For more details, contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org

Afternoon Movie

Attend a screening of the film “12 Angry Men” 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

Learn About Sashiko Mending

Adults are welcome to learn about Sashiko hand mending at the Placentia Library’s Hangar Makerspace.

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

Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave, Placentia CA 92870

Cost: Free

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

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.