Orange County residents can celebrate diverse communities this upcoming weekend through two cultural celebrations.
This Saturday, residents can attend the OC Black History Parade in Anaheim and the City of Westminster’s Tết Parade celebrating Lunar New Year – a tradition marking the arrival of a new year on a lunar calendar celebrated in Vietnam, China and South Korea.
Tết – the Vietnamese name for the lunar holiday – fell on Jan. 29 this year.
Feb. 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month, and the 45th anniversary of the OC Black History Parade, which was founded by Helen Shipp.
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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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, in addition to the cultural celebrations.
North
OC Black History Parade and Unity Festival
Celebrate Black history and achievement at the 45th annual OC Black History Parade and Unity Festival, hosted by the Orange County Heritage Council.
When: February 1, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Orange County Heritage Council at info@oc-hc.org
[Read: Recognizing Orange County’s Black History]
Board Games
Enjoy playing board games and other games at the Fullerton Public Library. The
North Orange County Boardgamers Game Day is held the first Saturday of each month.
When: February 1, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
‘Blind Date’ With A Book
Teens ages 13+ and adults 18+ can be matched with an unknown book to check out from the Yorba Linda Public Library from February 1-28 .
When: February 1, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: 4852 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 777-2873
Central
2025 Tet Parade
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the City of Westminster’s Tết Parade featuring floats, lion dances, color guards, martial arts, international businesses and veterans.
The opening ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m. and the parade begins at 9:00 a.m.
When: February 1, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Bolsa Ave., between Magnolia St. and Bushard St.
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Community Services & Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860
Bilingual Storytime
Take the kids to hear historias and canciones at a bilingual Spanish storytime at the Garden Grove Main Library.
When: February 1, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 11200 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92840
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 530-0711
All Ages Coloring
Enjoy coloring at the Irvine Heritage Park Library. Adults and children are welcome, and materials are provided.
When: February 2, 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
Volunteer at Native Seed Farm
Tend to plants and other nursery maintenance and Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Native Plant Nursery in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Participants must be at least 16 years-old. Advanced registration is required.
When: February 1, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Laguna Canyon Foundation at volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Chess Club
Children ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to learn to play chess.
Registration is required.
When: February 1, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 17251 Oak Ln., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 375-5068
Memoir Workshop
Learn about writing a memoir from Chris Epting, author of “Where One Hears the Rain: Finding Your Voice and Crafting Your Story from Inspiration to Publication.”
When: February 2, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Where: 2969 Mesa Verde Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free
For questions, please contact the library at (714) 546-5274
South
Wilderness Access Day
Enjoy self-guided trail use inside Limestone Canyon on a Wilderness Access Day.
Registration is required.
When: February 1, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 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
Documentary Film Screening
Adults are welcome to view a screening of the HBO documentary “The Apollo” in celebration of the start of Black History Month. The film chronicles the role of the landmark Apollo Theater in ‘cultural conversation.’
When: February 1, 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 ocpl.rsm@occr.ocgov.com
Geology Hike in Black Star Canyon
Explore local geology on a hike in Black Star Canyon, part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Registration is required.
When: February 2, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 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
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.