Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by volunteering at a habitat restoration day at Peters Canyon Regional Park, or take the kids to a family art event at the Laguna Beach Library.
On Sunday, consider going on a fitness hike starting at Hicks Haul Road, or attend a talk on rose gardening at the Anaheim Central 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.
North
Afternoon Meditation
Enjoy a guided meditation session at the Fullerton Public Library.
When: January 11, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Learn About Rose Gardening
Attend a talk on rose gardening at the Anaheim Central Library with the UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County. Learn about planting, feeding, selection, care and specific types of roses.
When: January 12, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 500 W. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1880
Lego Mania
All ages are welcome to the La Habra Library to play with Legos.
When: January 12, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 221 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 526-7728 or (562) 694-0078
Central
Join a Book Group
Those interested in mystery, thriller and crime books are welcome to join the ‘Death by Chocolate’ book group.
Pick up a copy of the January book selection at the Fountain Valley Library: “Rather be the Devil” by Ian Rankin.
When: January 11, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Volunteer Outdoors
Enjoy volunteering to restore the native habitat of Peters Canyon Regional Park.
Registration is required.
When: January 11, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com
Japanese Storytime
Take the kids to a storytime at the La Palma Library featuring songs and crafts in Japanese.
When: January 11, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 7842 Walker St., La Palma, CA 90623
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 523-8585
Coastal
Creative Project at the Library
Use creative equipment such as a cricut, a laser engraver and other tools at the Huntington Beach Central Library’s makerspace.
When: January 11, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Makerspace Coordinator Ron Krasnitz at
librarymakerspace@surfcity-hb.org
Family Art Experience
Take the kids to create artwork together at the Laguna Beach Library. Families will work on an art project using provided materials, following instruction from artists.
This event occurs the second Saturday of each month into May 2025.
When: January 11, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 497-1733
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: January 11, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
South
Family Hike in Black Star Canyon
Embark on a hike as a family in Black Star Canyon, part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space. Hike across a dry creek and look for local animal life, such as red-tailed hawks and mule deer.
Registration is required.
When: January 11, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 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
Exploring Mars Presentation
All ages are welcome to attend a presentation on Mars inside the Mission Viejo City Hall Council Chamber. Learn about the history of exploring the planet from NASA Solar System Ambassadors and a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Engineer.
Attendees will be invited to view Saturn and Jupiter in a mobile observatory following the presentation, weather permitting.
When: January 11, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Civic Ctr., Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 452-8343
Fitness Hike
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a fitness hike through Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails.
Registration is required.
When: January 12, 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
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.