Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending a family-friendly celebration with live music on the lawn of the Old Orange County Courthouse, or by hiking in the Red Rock Wilderness.
On Sunday, consider attending an author talk for a book on the history of The Beatles, or attend family game day at the Haskett Branch Library in Anaheim.
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.
North Orange County
Morning Meditation at the Library
Start the day with a guided meditation session at the Yorba Linda Public Library.
When: May 31, 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
Makerspace Open Hours
Work on a creative project at the Placentia Library’s Hangar Makerspace, featuring various crafting projects.
When: May 31, 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
[Read: A Space to Create]
Family Game Day
Enjoy playing a variety of games, including board games, cards and other interactive challenges at the Haskett Branch Library’s Family Game Day.
When: June 1, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 2650 W. Broadway. Anaheim, CA 92804
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Guadalupe Gomez, Branch Manager, at (714) 765-5075
Central Orange County
Advanced Cardio Hike
Embark on a challenging, fast-paced hike in the Red Rock Wilderness, part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space. This strenuous hike is best suited for hikers experienced with multiple steep climbs and descents.
Registration is required.
When: May 31, 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Where: Airfield Staging Area, address to be released after registering
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com
Spring-Summer Celebration
Enjoy live music performances from the Como La Flor Band: A Tribute
to Selena and Yari Moré and other seasonal festivities at the Spring Into Summer Celebration on the historic Old Orange County Courthouse lawn.
The event will also include a native plant and animal exhibit in the Third Floor Exhibit Gallery, tours of the courthouse, hands-on paleontology activities, crafts for kids and step-by-step art
demos.
Attendees are asked to bring their own blankets and chairs.
When: May 31, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the courthouse at (714) 973-6605 or email
oldcourthouse@ocparks.com
Author Visit
Enjoy a presentation and discussion with John M. Borack, author of The Beatles 100: One Hundred Pivotal Moments in Beatles History at the Mesa Verde Library.
When: June 1, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 2969 Mesa Verde Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 546-5274
Coastal Orange County
Teen Study Time
Students in grades 7-12 are invited to the Newport Beach Central Library’s Sword Meeting Room to study and enjoy snacks. Attendees are asked to bring their schoolwork, and the library will provide snacks.
When: May 31, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, California 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 717-3800
Volunteer Opportunity
Spend time maintaining trails inside the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. The program will focus on improving drainage at the trail, and participants should expect to hike up to 4 miles while assisting with stewardship activities.
Tools will be provided. Registration is required.
When: May 31, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org, craig@lagunacanyon.org and nicholas@lagunacanyon.org
Creativity Corner
Kids ages 4 through 12 are invited to play with art supplies at the Oak View Library’s Creativity Corner, including paint dotters, collages, paper art and more craft supplies.
When: May 31, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 17251 Oak Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 375-5068
South Orange County
El Toro Game Day
Ages 7 and up are welcome to the El Toro Library to play games such as Rummikub, Giant Uno, Scrabble and other tabletop games.
When: May 31, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8173
Adult Painting Party
Enjoy painting collaboratively at the Ladera Ranch Library with other older adults or guests of your choice.
When: May 31, 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
Bingo at the Library
All ages are welcome to the Library of the Canyons to play Bingo and try row patterns – traditional, Diamond, Layer cake or Lucky 7.Winners will receive prizes.
When: May 31, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 7531 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 649-2216
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.
