Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by learning to record music at home, or by volunteering to maintain a hiking trail with the Laguna Canyon Foundation.
On Sunday, consider going on a fitness hike in Weir Canyon, or attend a music performance at the Newport Beach 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
Home Music Production Class
Learn how to record music from home using free software at the Canyon Hills Branch Library in Anaheim.
When: January 18, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 400 Scout Trail, Anaheim, CA 92807
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-6444
Makerspace Open Hours
Work on a creative project at the Placentia Library’s Hangar Makerspace.
Those interested in making cosplay props are also welcome to learn techniques at the Makerspace from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
When: January 18, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave, Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
Adult Craft
Work on an adult craft at the Brea Library. Registration by phone or email is required.
When: January 18, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1 Civic Center Cr., Brea, CA 92821
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 671-1722 or ocpl.brea@occr.ocgov.com
Central
Family Storytime
Take the kids to a family storytime at the Buena Park Library.
When: January 18, 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: 7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-4100 Ext. 125
Lunar New Year Celebration
Attend a performance by the Southern California Youth Lion Dance Team and other activities in celebration of Lunar New Year at the Garden Grove Tibor Rubin Library.
When: January 18, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 11962 Bailey St., Garden Grove, CA 92845
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 897-2594
Color at the Library
Enjoy coloring at the Irvine Heritage Park Library. Adults and children are welcome, and materials are provided.
When: January 19, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 14361 Yale Ave., Irvine, CA 92604
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 936-4040
Coastal
Sensory Storytime
Take the kids to a sensory storytime engaging sight, sound and touch at the San Clemente Library.
When: January 18, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 492-3493
Native Plant Nursery Open House
Visit OC Parks and the Laguna Canyon Foundation’s native plant nurseries in the South Coast Wilderness at an open house.
Parking is free at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters and $3 vehicle at the Willow Staging Area. Parking is limited.
Advanced registration is required.
When: January 18, 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com
Sunday Musicale
Enjoy music from a harp and flute duo at the Newport Beach Central Library.
When: January 19, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, California 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3800
South
Trail Stewardship
Volunteer to prune vegetation, move dirt and participate in other land stewardship activities with the Laguna Canyon Foundation.
Registration is required.
When: January 18, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Hollyleaf cul-de-sac, 65 Hollyleaf, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Laguna Canyon Foundation at volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Gardening Workshop
Join the UC Master Gardeners at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library for a workshop on how to care for your garden month-to-month.
When: January 18, 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
Fitness Hike
Embark on a fitness hike in the Weir Canyon backcountry.
Registration is required.
When: January 19, 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
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.
