Start your weekend this Saturday by attending a talk on decades of Mexican-American baseball history at the Anaheim Central Library, or by working on a creative project at the Huntington Beach Public Library’s makerspace.
On Sunday, consider hiking the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, or joining an art journaling group at the Laguna Niguel 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 impacting your quality of life 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
Mexican-American Baseball
Join contributors Monica Ortez and Dr. Richard Santillan at the Anaheim Central Library for a talk on their series Mexican American Baseball in California retelling stories from decades of baseball history.
When: May 17, 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
[Read: Mexican American Baseball Book Authors Revisit Local History]
Adult Craft
Design a ceramic tile at an adults-only craft event at the Brea Library.
Registration by emailing or calling the library is required.
When: May 17, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1 Civic Center Cr., Brea, CA 92821
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact the library at (714) 671-1722 or ocpl.brea@occr.ocgov.com
Jewelry Making at the Library
Adults and teens are welcome to the Placentia Library to create jewelry. Materials and guidance will be provided to craft personalized jewelry accessories.
Space is limited and entry tickets are issued starting at 12:30 p.m. the day of the program.
When: April 12, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
Central Orange County
Watch Anime at the Library
Ages 15 and up are welcome to Animescapes at the Fountain Valley Library. Watch anime and enjoy refreshments with other anime fans.
When: May 17, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
STEAM for Teens
Students in grades 6-12 are welcome to the Orange Public Library’s main branch to learn about climate-accelerated weather patterns, industrial emissions and pollution and solutions that can shape local beach ecosystems.
The event is presented by Richelle Tanner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Policy at Chapman University.
Registration is required.
When: May 17, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, California 92866
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Library Foundation at (714) 288-2468 or email OPLibraryFoundation@gmail.com
Playtime at the Library
Take the kids to play with tabletop games at the Katie Wheeler Branch Library in Irvine.
When: May 3, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 786-4001
Coastal Orange County
Teen Craft
Ages 12-17 are welcome to create a ‘trinket dish’ out of clay and bracelets to put in it at the Seal Beach Library.
When: May 17, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 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: May 17, 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
Guided Interpretive Hike in Back Bay
Enjoy learning about local flora and fauna during a 2.5-mile hike in the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
Registration is required.
When: May 18, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 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 Orange County
Read to a Dog
Kids are invited to practice their skills by reading to a certified therapy dog. Parent or guardian permission is required.
When: May 17, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
Retro Game Day
Enjoy playing retro games including UNO, Rummikub, Scrabble, Rack-O and Bingo at the Ladera Ranch Library. Attendees are welcome to bring friends and family of any age to participate.
When: May 17, 2:00 p.m.. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 29551 Sienna Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 234-5940
Art Journaling
Enjoy an art journaling group for adults at the Laguna Niguel Library on Sunday afternoon. Learn a new art technique from artist Deborah Goldman for use in the journal.
Registration is required due to limited spaces available.
When: May 18, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, 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.