Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by meditating at the Yorba Linda Library, or spend time nature journaling in Newport Beach.
On Sunday, consider taking the kids to a Lunar New Year celebration at the Haskett Branch Library, or attend a documentary screening at the Tustin 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
Morning Meditation at Yorba Linda Public Library
Start the day with a guided meditation session at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: January 25, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Teens ages 13-17 are welcome to volunteer at the La Palma Library.
Interested youth need to fill out an application packet – which is available at the service desk – and bring it to a one-hour volunteer orientation. No registration required to attend volunteer orientations.
When: January 25, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 7842 Walker St., La Palma, CA 90623
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 523-8585
Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Haskett Branch Library in Anaheim.
When: January 26, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 2650 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92804
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at haskettprograms@anaheim.net
Central
Family Storytime
Take the kids to a family storytime at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
When: January 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845
Wilderness Access Day
Hikers and equestrians are welcome to explore 3.3 miles of trails in the Saddleback Wilderness.
No registration is required, but access is first come first served until parking capacity is met. Equestrians are encouraged to email the Irvine Ranch Conservancy to coordinate parking.
When: January 25, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 3081 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA, 92869
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com
Documentary Film Screening
Attend a screening of “New Wave” at the Tustin Library, a historical documentary showing how Vietnamese refugee youth redefined their identities in Orange County through New Wave music in the 1980s.
When: January 26, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 345 E. Main St., Tustin, CA 92780
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 544-7725
Coastal
Nature Journaling
Spend time nature journaling in the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
Attendees are asked to bring a journal or sketch pad and their own art materials. A portable chair, sun protection and water are recommended.
Registration is required.
When: January 25, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
[Read: Slowing Down to Draw Nature in OC]
Lego Mania
Take the kids to play with Legos at the Seal Beach Library.
When: January 25, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 707 Electric Ave., Seal Beach, CA 90740
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (562) 431-3584
Makerspace Open Hours
Visit the Huntington Beach Central Library’s Makerspace – a creative space with machines such as a laser engraver, embroidering machine, 3D printers and other equipment.
To reserve equipment, attendees must make an appointment.
When: January 25, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 842-4481
South
Family Board Game
Play board games as a family at the Foothill Ranch Library.
When: January 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8072
Advanced Cardio Hike
Try an advanced cardio hike in Limestone Canyon, known as the “little Grand Canyon” of Orange County. The hike is faster than an average hike, traversing up steep terrain.
Registration is required.
When: January 25, 7:00 a.m. to 9:15 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
Family Hike in Baker Canyon
Take the kids on a family hike in Baker 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 25, 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
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.