Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by taking the kids to a bilingual storytime at the La Palma Library, or by working on a creative project at Huntington Beach Central Library’s makerspace.
On Sunday, consider volunteering in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, or attend a vegetable gardening talk 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 Orange County
Morning Meditation at Yorba Linda Public Library
Start the day with a guided meditation session at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: March 8, 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
Wilderness Access Day
Hikers and equestrians are welcome to explore six miles of trails in the Gypsum Canyon Wilderness on a wilderness access day. The region features prehistoric rock formations formed 16 to 20 million years ago.
Although no registration is required, access is first-come, first-served until parking capacity is reached.
When: March 8, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 390 South Gypsum Canyon Rd., Anaheim, CA 92887
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com
[Read: 500 Acres of Sweeping Views in the Gypsum Canyon Wilderness]
Learn to Grow Tomatoes
Attend a lecture on how to grow healthy tomato plants at the Anaheim Central Library, presented by the UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County.
When: March 9, 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
Central Orange County
Japanese Storytime
Take the kids to hear songs and stories in Japanese at the La Palma Library’s bilingual storytime.
When: March 8, 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
Book Group
Pick up a copy of “Postmortem” by Patricia Cornwell Maxwell at the Fountain Valley Library to join the Death by Chocolate Book Group – which selects a new mystery, thriller or crime book to read each month.
This program is recommended for adults only.
When: March 8, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Family Storytime
Children of all ages are welcome to a family storytime at the Tustin Library.
When: March 8 , 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: 345 E. Main St., Tustin, CA 92780
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 544-7725
Coastal Orange County
Woman Veterans Mental Health Symposium
Learn about mental health resources and support networks for women veterans at a symposium held at Orange Coast College – representatives from the Orange Coast College Veterans Resource Center will be there, along with public health officials.
RSVP here.
When: March 8, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 2701 Fairview Rd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free
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: March 8, 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
[Read: A Space to Create]
Outdoor Volunteer Opportunity
Spend Saturday morning volunteering in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Depending on the season, volunteers will assist with land stewardship activities, such as non-native plant removal, seed collection, hand watering and planting.
No experience necessary, and tools will be provided. Advanced registration is required.
When: March 9, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For questions, please contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org
South Orange County
Cultural Presentation
Watch a lion dance and drum performance by Thiên Ân Performing Arts at the San Juan Capistrano Library.
When: March 8, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: Free
For more details, call (714) 566-3034 or email ocpl.programs@occr.ocgov.com
Fitness Hike
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on an 8-mile fitness hike through Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails.
Registration is required.
When: March 9, 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
Art Journaling
Learn art techniques from artist Deborah Goldman at an adults-only art journaling group at the Laguna Niguel Library.
Registration is required, and there are limited spaces available.
When: March 9, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 249-5252
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.